Lucas is an Associate Professor at UC Davis in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior and the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. He began conducting research as an undergraduate at the University of Washington in Bioengineering. After working as a research technician for a year, Lucas served as a logistics officer in the United States Air Force while stationed at McChord AFB. He returned to research by entering the Bioengineering graduate program at UC San Diego. His thesis work with Dr. Richard Lieber centered on understanding the adaptations of muscle in children with cerebral palsy. For his postdoctoral fellowship, Lucas moved to University of Pennsylvania. Lucas worked in labs that studied fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and mechanobiology before integrating those studies into the MyoMatrix Lab at UC Davis. When not in the lab, Lucas enjoys spending time with his family and bringing them to Aggie sporting events. He also likes taking advantage of the beautiful areas around Davis for biking, camping, and hiking.
Graduate Student
Sarah is a graduate student in the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group. She graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and a minor in Mathematics in 2018. Her previous research experience is in Dr. Daisuke Sato's Theoretical Cardiology Lab, where she was using cellular automaton to model calcium dynamics in cardiac myocytes. During her time as an undergraduate, she was a Sports Medicine intern with the UC Davis football team, a teaching intern at COSMOS, and volunteered at UCDMC and with Special Olympics. In her time outside of the lab, she is a scribe in the Emergency Department at Sutter Davis Hospital and a mentor for the Redwood SEED Scholars program. In her free time, Sarah enjoys going line dancing, skiing, going to country concerts, and watching Aggie Football and SF Giants games.Â
Graduate Student
Justin is a graduate student in Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology. He graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Exercise Biology in 2015 with a minor in Music. He received his M.S. in Exercise Physiology in 2020 from the University of Alberta where he researched sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness after a high fat meal. His previous research looked at changes in metabolic flexibility with aging using stable isotope tracers at UC Berkeley and wearable device validation at Fitbit. In his free time, Justin enjoys lifting weights, trying new restaurants, and playing video games.Â
Graduate Student
Perri is a graduate student in the Animal Biology Graduate Group. She completed her B.S. in Animal Science from UC Davis focusing on agriculture, education, and conservation. Perri first joined the MyoMatrix lab as a Junior Specialist working on cell culture experiments, animal studies, and lab management. Her current work focuses on enhancing our understanding of muscle resident stem cells in cattle to help advance beef and alternative protein meat quality. In her free time Perri likes to cook, play video games, and enjoys going camping!Â
Graduate Student
Herman is a graduate student in the Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) graduate group. Born and raised in San Francisco, Herman graduated from San Jose State University with a B.S. in Molecular Biology. Exposure to research in his last year as an undergraduate in the Payumo lab helped him discover his passion for research. This experience led him to pursue an M.S. in Molecular Biology and Microbiology in the same lab, where he developed a novel approach using digital holographic microscopy to investigate proliferation and cellular dynamics in primary heart muscle cell cultures. Through this experience, he had the opportunity to train and collaborate extensively with undergraduate and graduate students from various backgrounds. Beyond his interest in research and collaboration, Herman enjoys tending to his large plant collection.  Â
Graduate Student
Gabriel is a graduate student in the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group. Born in Dominican Republic, he graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering in 2019. His previous research experience is in biomechanics and orthopedics, which included the design and testing of a surgical tool to aid implant selection in total knee replacement. Outside of lab, Gabriel enjoys trying new foods, sports, and anything outdoors. Gabriel is an experienced archer and novice boxer.Â
Graduate Student
Madison is a graduate student in the Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) group. She graduated from Cal State University San Marcos with a B.S. in Biotechnology. Madison’s undergraduate research investigated the relationship between the soil microbiome and the nutritional content of tomatoes. In the MyoMatrix lab, her research focuses on characterizing and optimizing bovine cells for use in cultivated meat. Outside of lab, Madison enjoys spending time with her friends and playing D&D.Â
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Taranya is a third-year Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior student. She plans to pursue a research career after completing her undergraduate degree. Outside of the Lab, she is part of the Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program, has worked as an intern for Davis Period, and works at the UC Davis Bookstore. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, and music.Â
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sangini is a second year Genetics and Genomics student at UC Davis. She hopes to attend medical school after completing her undergraduate degree. Outside of lab, she volunteers at Paul Hom Asian Clinic and helps first-year students as a Residential Peer Mentor. During her free-time, she enjoys dancing, thrifting, and trying new recipes.Â
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Peter is a third-year human biology student at UC Davis. He hopes to attend medical school after completing his undergraduate degree. Outside of the lab, he works as an EMT, he is involved in clinical research at the UCDMC, and volunteers with the Red Cross. In his free time, he enjoys lifting weights, snowboarding, and playing spikeball.Â
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Alessandra is a third year Biological Science student at UC Davis. She is hoping to attend dental school after completing her undergraduate degree. Aside from assisting in the lab, she is part of cultural clubs such as Filipinx Association for Health Careers (FAHC) and Mga Kapatid. She serves as the community service coordinator for Filipinx Association for Health Careers (FAHC). She is also part of the Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program (BUSP). Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, drawing, and thrift shopping with her friends.Â
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Rachel is a second-year animal science student at UC Davis. She is on a pre-vet track and hopes to become a Veterinarian after completing her bachelor's degree. Outside of the lab, she volunteers at vaccination clinics like Front Street Animal Shelter and Covelo Clinic. In addition, she attends any Vet club activities she finds interesting. In her free time, she likes listening to music, hanging out with friends, and walking in the Arboretum. Â
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sathvik is a third year Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior major. Outside of being a research assistant, Sathvik is a part of the American Medical Association at UC Davis and looks to be involved with more organizations at Davis. Sathvik is currently a pre-med student and hopes to pursue a career in orthopedics in the future. In his free time, you can find Sathvik working out at the ARC, playing any sport with his friends, or just out in nature!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Anas is a fourth year Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior student and plans to attend a medical school after graduating. His interests in the field of medicine are centered around sports medicine and the musculoskeletal system. Outside of MyoMatrix Lab, he is a UC Davis Sports Medicine intern, a medical scribe, and an avid weightlifter. His favorite pastimes include working out, reading books, and sleeping. Â
Former: Junior Specialist
Current: Graduate Student at University of California, Santa Cruz
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: Graduate Student at University of California, Davis
Former: Post-doctoral Scholar
Current: Scientist at Conception
Former: Post-baccalaureate Research Assistant
Former: Ph.D. Student
Current: Post-doctoral scholar at Northeastern University
Former: Ph.D. Student
Current: Post-doctoral scholar at Univeristy of Kentucky
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: Clinical Research Coordinator at UC Davis Medical Center
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: Graduate Student at University of California, Davis
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Former: Graduate Student
Current: Research Scientist at Regeneron
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: Medical student at Creighton University School of Medicine
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: Medical scribe for Orthopedic clinic
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: Medical Student at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Former: Graduate Student
Current: R&D Engineer at Alessa Therapeutics
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: Medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: Graduate Student at Stanford University
Former: Junior Specialist
Current: PhD student at Baylor College of Medicine
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: EMT at UC Davis
Former: Junior Specialist
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: MS at UC Berkeley for Metabolic Biology
Former: Graduate Student
Current: Field Engineering Specialist at Roche
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: SFSU Postbaccalaureate student
Former: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Current: Graduate Student at UC Irvine