Lab Members

Michael P. Hart, PhD

P.I.

hartmic @ Pennmedicine . upenn . edu

Michael received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in the Neuroscience Graduate Group working in the lab of Aaron Gitler (now at Stanford). He started C. elegans research during his postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University with Oliver Hobert, after which he joined the Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE) at the Perelman School of Medicine as a Research Associate. Michael opened the lab in the Department of Genetics in 2020, focusing on plasticity of circuits and behavior, but also continuing to work with the Penn ASPE group. Outside of the lab, Michael can be found cooking/baking in his kitchen, eating at one of many amazing Philly restaurants, or trying to be active, preferably outdoors (biking, skiing, or walking his dog).

Dustin Haskell, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Dustin.Haskell @ Pennmedicine . upenn . edu

Dustin graduated from Central Michigan University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. He remained at CMU in the lab of Dr. Jennifer Schisa studying the effects of microtubule dynamics and motor proteins on the assembly of RNP granules in aged oocytes, and graduated with a Master’s of Science in 2016. From there he entered graduate school at Kansas State Unviersity in the lab of Dr. Anna Zinovyeva, studying the combinatorial effects of RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs on the control of gene expression and development in C. elegans. In 2021, Dustin graduated with his Ph.D and joined the Hart lab. Here he has focused on understanding how human disease-derived variants of synaptic genes can effect behavior, as well as uncovering gene expression profiles in single neurons types and in variable conditions. Outside of lab, Dustin enjoys watching movies, reading, and exploring the Philly architecture and food scene.

Mara Cowen, PhD

graduate student, NGG

mara.cowen @ Pennmedicine . upenn . edu

Mara graduated from the South Carolina Honors College at the University of South Carolina in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Neuroscience. During her graduate work, she is interested in studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders which affect behavior. In the Hart lab, Mara is researching the effect of mutations in the autism-related gene, Neurexin, on social behavior, stress response, sleep, and neuronal morphology in C. elegans as part of the Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE). When not in the lab, Mara can be found traveling, baking, binge-watching Netflix, and going to breweries with her new rescue Australian Shepherd, Crispr!

Brandon Bastien, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Former graduate student, NGG

Bastienb @ Pennmedicine . upenn . edu

Brandon graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in neuroscience with high honors. He then obtained his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania in the Hart Lab and has continued his work as a postdoctoral researcher. Since joining the Hart lab, his focus has been on defining the circuitry underling how C. elegans respond to food deprivation stress and how certain synaptic proteins, some of which have orthologs in humans (like neurexins and casprs), and neuromodulators may distinctly act within this behavior-generating circuit. Outside of lab, he enjoys TV shows, football, Eurovision, and traveling.

Sophia Villiere

Graduate Student, NGG

villiere @ pennmedicine . upenn . edu

Sophia Villiere graduated from CUNY Medgar Evers College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Mathematics. As a RISE Scholar, she engaged in epilepsy research at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. She analyzed how ictal central apnea and obstructive apnea episodes occurred in the urethane kainic acid rat model. In 2018, Sophia became a Discovery PREP scholar at The Ohio State University. Sophia studied synaptogenesis in the zebrafish model by focusing on mauthner neurons and primary motor neurons. Her research interests are neurodevelopment, plasticity, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Kristi Zoga

Lab Manager, Research specialist

Kristi.zoga @ Pennmedicine . upenn . edu

Kristi graduated from Drexel University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. In the Hart lab, she wants to learn more about genetics and neuroscience, and gain experience working with C. elegans before going to graduate school. Outside of the lab, Kristi can be found cooking, hiking, reading, or at coffee shops around Philly.

William Smisko

Research Specialist

william.smisko @ pennmedicine . upenn .edu

Will graduated from SUNY Binghamton in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavioral Science. His previous work includes forest ecology, migratory bird research, and biogeochemistry. In the lab Will is part of the Autism Spectrum Program for Excellence (ASPE) looking at several human orthologs in C. elegans, and their response to FDA approved drugs. Outside of the lab you can find Will birding, taking pictures of the night sky, or cooking.

Will Haury

Research specialist

William.Haury @ Pennmedicine . upenn . edu

Will graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021 with a B.A. in Neuroscience. His previous work experience includes molecular genetics and behavioral neuroscience. As an undergraduate, he studied the effects of FOG2 protein on coronary artery disease in the Rader Lab here at Penn. More recently, Will conducted an independent study in the Eisch Lab at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to study oxycodone dependence – more specifically to investigate the role of hippocampal circuitry on relapse propensity in rodents. In his free time, Will enjoys spending time with his dog and playing golf.

Fernanda Holloman

Graduate Student, NGG

Fernanda.holloman @ Pennmedicine . upenn . edu

Fernanda Holloman graduated from Albright College in 2020 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. After graduation, Fernanda spent two years at the National Institute of Drug Abuse doing research in the Hope Lab. She is currently a second year in the Neuroscience Graduate Group and recently joined the Hart Lab. Fernanda’s research interests converge with genetics and neuroscience to study social behavior within neurodevelopmental disorders. Outside of lab, Fernanda enjoys reading, binge-watch Netflix, craft using different mediums, and spend quality time with family and friends.

Vina Tikiyani, PhD

Senior Researcher

Vina.Tikiyani @ Pennmedicine . upenn . edu

Vina completed her PhD in 2018 at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, under the mentorship of Dr. Kavita Babu. Her doctoral research focused on investigating the synaptic roles of a novel cell adhesion protein, HIC-1, at the C. elegans Neuromuscular Junctions. Following her PhD, she pursued postdoctoral training from 2019 to 2024 at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda. During this time, she delved into studying somatosensory spinal cord neuronal circuits implicated in cold perception using mouse models. Additionally, she explored neuropeptide pathways from Glia to the intestine, particularly focusing on stress and aging in C. elegans.

Now, in the Hart Lab, Vina is keen on elucidating genetic mechanisms of autism-associated conserved genes and pathways. Beyond her research pursuits, she finds joy in spending quality time with her son and family, indulging in dance or listening to music.

Jhelaine Palo

Research specialist

jhelaine.palo @ Pennmedicine . upenn . edu

Jhelaine graduated from Georgian Court University in 2023 with University Honors, a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During her time in undergrad, she participated in research to examine the effects of microplastic ingestion on the reproductive and digestive systems and gut microbiome in c. elegans. Her other previous works include research in Biochemistry. Outside of the lab, Jhelaine enjoys photography (both digital and film), watching soccer, and acrylic painting.