Lab Members

Research Specialist

Sarah received her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Beijing University, followed by her Ph.D. in Molecular Evolution from the University of Chicago. Sarah joined the lab as a postdoc at the University of Chicago Medical Center to study gene function at the cellular level. She then moved to Washington University in St. Louis, where she worked as a research associate in the Department of Pediatrics. After some years as a full-time mother, Sarah rejoined the Segev lab and focuses on molecular biology and genetics. She enjoys learning about life at both the cellular and personal level, and she is passionate about seeking truth and peace. Sarah enjoys spending time in nature and working in her garden.

szhao55@uic.edu

MD/PhD Student

Adam is a graduate student in UIC's Medical Scientist Training Program. He received a BA in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania, and later completed a pre-medical postbaccalaureate program through the Harvard Extension School. He worked previously in the hearing research lab of Dr. Zheng-Yi Chen at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. He is interested in intracellular trafficking, especially in the context of neurodegenerative disease. Outside the lab, Adam enjoys cycling, traveling, making chili, and hot yoga.

arupre2@uic.edu

PhD Student

Yaneris is a graduate student at UIC. She received her BS in Natural Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey in 2020, and she worked previously in UIC’s Chemistry Department in the lab of Dr. Leslie Aldrich studying the effect of small molecules as autophagy modulators in Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC). Her research is focused on understanding intracellular trafficking pathways and diseases related to their dysfunction using molecular approaches. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks with her dog Arya, trying to learn new crafting techniques, and discovering new music.

yalvar21@uic.edu

Undergraduate Honors Student

Ramy is an undergraduate honors student at UIC. He is on the pre-med track, majoring in Biology, and will graduate in 2023. He is interested in intracellular trafficking and is also a lab assistant at Medical Diagnostics Laboratories, where he does diagnostic tests such as PCR to determine if a patient has certain diseases. Outside the lab, Ramy likes playing soccer and traveling to new places.

rsheik4@uic.edu

Visiting Undergraduate Intern

Candela is a biomedical sciences student at the University of Bath in the UK. Originally from Spain, Candela has a strong interest in gaining a deeper understanding of neurological diseases and contributing to finding ways to help cure them. As an intern at UIC, she is taking the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field and hopes to make a small positive impact in the medical world. Outside of their studies, Candela can be found delving into a good book or hitting the trails for a refreshing hike, finding balance and inspiration in her leisure activities.

cxdoc20@uic.edu