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The Calisi Lab, Spring 2019
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Rebecca M. Calisi Rodríguez, M.S., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator of the B3 Lab
Twitter: @BeccaCalisi
More detailed Bio
Dr. Calisi Rodríguez is faculty in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior in the College of Biological Sciences at UC Davis. Dr. Calisi received her M.S. in Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2006 and her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley in 2010. She was awarded a competitive Postdoctoral Fellowship from the National Science Foundation (2010-2013), and then awarded the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2014).
Principal Investigator of the B3 Lab
Twitter: @BeccaCalisi
More detailed Bio
Dr. Calisi Rodríguez is faculty in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior in the College of Biological Sciences at UC Davis. Dr. Calisi received her M.S. in Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2006 and her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley in 2010. She was awarded a competitive Postdoctoral Fellowship from the National Science Foundation (2010-2013), and then awarded the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2014).
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Dr. Calisi became a faculty member in the Biology Department of Barnard College of Columbia University from 2014-2015 but was soon recruited to join the faculty of UC Davis in 2015. There, she started the B3 lab and leads a thriving research group that investigates how changes in the environment, particularly stressful ones, affect animal brains, health, and behaviors. In 2019, she became UC Davis’ first Faculty Advisor to the Dean of College of Biological Sciences for Science Communication. She is currently expanding her research program to encompass the study of science communication to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.
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A short documentary made by the Wonder Collective, highlighting Dr. Calisi's journey in science.
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PostDoctoral Fellows
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Alexandra Colón-Rodríguez, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher and Science Communicator beginning September, 2019
Twitter: @alexcr_1
Personal website
We could not be more excited to welcome Dr. Colón-Rodríguez to the B3 Lab this fall! She comes to us from the lab of Dr. Megan Dennis, where she was using zebrafish as a model to identify and characterize synaptic alterations in mutations that lead to epilepsy and/or autism spectrum disorder. In the B3 Lab, she is currently hatching plans to investigate genomic phenotypes of parents exhibiting poor or nonexistent parental care behaviors. In addition, Dr. Colón-Rodríguez is very involved with science communication and outreach. In collaboration with UC San Diego, she will co-lead the creation of a Science Communication Faculty Training program at UC Davis with Dr. Calisi, an endeavor funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore foundation to hone communication skills of scientists working at UC institutions.
Postdoctoral Researcher and Science Communicator beginning September, 2019
Twitter: @alexcr_1
Personal website
We could not be more excited to welcome Dr. Colón-Rodríguez to the B3 Lab this fall! She comes to us from the lab of Dr. Megan Dennis, where she was using zebrafish as a model to identify and characterize synaptic alterations in mutations that lead to epilepsy and/or autism spectrum disorder. In the B3 Lab, she is currently hatching plans to investigate genomic phenotypes of parents exhibiting poor or nonexistent parental care behaviors. In addition, Dr. Colón-Rodríguez is very involved with science communication and outreach. In collaboration with UC San Diego, she will co-lead the creation of a Science Communication Faculty Training program at UC Davis with Dr. Calisi, an endeavor funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore foundation to hone communication skills of scientists working at UC institutions.
Rayna M. Harris, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher since 2019
Twitter: @raynamharris
Personal website
Dr. Harris’ research explores the relationships between molecular activity in the brain and variation in animal behavior. Currently, she is studying the neuromolecular mechanisms that regulate parental care behaviors in female and male rock doves. Dr. Harris received a B.S in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from The University of Texas at Austin. She is an active volunteer with The Carpentries, an organization dedicated to teaching best practices in coding and data science to researchers worldwide. She is co-mentored by Dr. Titus Brown and received a Community Engagement Fellowship from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to learn more about cultivating collaborative relationships within communities of scientists.
Postdoctoral Researcher since 2019
Twitter: @raynamharris
Personal website
Dr. Harris’ research explores the relationships between molecular activity in the brain and variation in animal behavior. Currently, she is studying the neuromolecular mechanisms that regulate parental care behaviors in female and male rock doves. Dr. Harris received a B.S in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from The University of Texas at Austin. She is an active volunteer with The Carpentries, an organization dedicated to teaching best practices in coding and data science to researchers worldwide. She is co-mentored by Dr. Titus Brown and received a Community Engagement Fellowship from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to learn more about cultivating collaborative relationships within communities of scientists.
Isaac Ligocki, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher since 2016
Twitter: @iyligocki
Personal website
Dr. Ligocki investigates organism-environment interactions. He received his Ph.D. at The Ohio State University in the lab of Ian Hamilton studying how the social environment influences and is influenced by individual behavior in the cooperatively breeding cichlid fish Neolamprologus pulcher. He is currently investigating how human impacts influence the neurobiology, physiology, behavior, and life history of the western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, with a focus on endocrine disrupting pollutants. His current work is funded through an NSF postdoctoral research fellowship in biology (PRFB). Dr. Ligocki is the Social Media Editor for the Journal of Integrative and Comparative Biology. Starting Winter, 2010, Dr. Ligocki is excited to announce that he will be starting his own lab at the University of Millersville as an Assistant Professor of Biology (Tenure Track).
Postdoctoral Researcher since 2016
Twitter: @iyligocki
Personal website
Dr. Ligocki investigates organism-environment interactions. He received his Ph.D. at The Ohio State University in the lab of Ian Hamilton studying how the social environment influences and is influenced by individual behavior in the cooperatively breeding cichlid fish Neolamprologus pulcher. He is currently investigating how human impacts influence the neurobiology, physiology, behavior, and life history of the western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, with a focus on endocrine disrupting pollutants. His current work is funded through an NSF postdoctoral research fellowship in biology (PRFB). Dr. Ligocki is the Social Media Editor for the Journal of Integrative and Comparative Biology. Starting Winter, 2010, Dr. Ligocki is excited to announce that he will be starting his own lab at the University of Millersville as an Assistant Professor of Biology (Tenure Track).
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Ph.D. Students
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April Booth, M.S.
Ph.D. Candidate since 2016
Molecular, Comparative & Integrative Physiology
April earned her B.S. in Biology, B.A. in Chemistry, and M.S in Biology at Fresno State. April is investigating how single parents in biparental systems alter their brain and physiology to succeed as parents. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and Zumba classes.
Ph.D. Candidate since 2016
Molecular, Comparative & Integrative Physiology
April earned her B.S. in Biology, B.A. in Chemistry, and M.S in Biology at Fresno State. April is investigating how single parents in biparental systems alter their brain and physiology to succeed as parents. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and Zumba classes.
Victoria Farrar
Ph.D. Candidate since 2016
Animal Behavior Graduate Group
Victoria is broadly interested in how hormones coordinate behavioral tradeoffs and transitions during parental care. She earned her B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with Honors at the University of Arizona. Before starting graduate school, she researched the effects of urbanization in house finches at Arizona State University. Victoria is currently examining the role prolactin plays in coordinating reproductive and stress responses in the HPG axis. She also is passionate about communicating science. You can check out some articles she's written for UC Davis' The Ethogram here. When not in lab, Victoria enjoys sketching, yoga, and biking.
Ph.D. Candidate since 2016
Animal Behavior Graduate Group
Victoria is broadly interested in how hormones coordinate behavioral tradeoffs and transitions during parental care. She earned her B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with Honors at the University of Arizona. Before starting graduate school, she researched the effects of urbanization in house finches at Arizona State University. Victoria is currently examining the role prolactin plays in coordinating reproductive and stress responses in the HPG axis. She also is passionate about communicating science. You can check out some articles she's written for UC Davis' The Ethogram here. When not in lab, Victoria enjoys sketching, yoga, and biking.
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Lab Supervisor and Head Aviary Manager
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Rechelle Viernes
Laboratory Manager and Research Technician
Rechelle received her undergraduate degree from U.C. Davis in June, 2017. During that time, she was an undergraduate researcher in our lab investigating the impacts of endocrine-disrupting compounds on the neurobiology, morphology, and behavior of Western Mosquitofish. We loved Rechelle so much that, post graduation, we invited her to stay on with us as a UC Davis Jr. Research Specialist. Now, she has been promoted to B3 Lab Manager and Research Technician. When she's not overseeing all that goes on in the lab, she's researching neurogenetic mechanisms mediating parental care behavior. During her free time, Rechelle enjoys taking her dog on day trips with her husband, visiting nearby family and friends, and going on food adventures.
Laboratory Manager and Research Technician
Rechelle received her undergraduate degree from U.C. Davis in June, 2017. During that time, she was an undergraduate researcher in our lab investigating the impacts of endocrine-disrupting compounds on the neurobiology, morphology, and behavior of Western Mosquitofish. We loved Rechelle so much that, post graduation, we invited her to stay on with us as a UC Davis Jr. Research Specialist. Now, she has been promoted to B3 Lab Manager and Research Technician. When she's not overseeing all that goes on in the lab, she's researching neurogenetic mechanisms mediating parental care behavior. During her free time, Rechelle enjoys taking her dog on day trips with her husband, visiting nearby family and friends, and going on food adventures.
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Undergraduate Researchers
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Laura Ornelas Pereira
Undergraduate Researcher and Aviary Co-Manager
Fall Quarter 2017 - present
Laura has been studying avian behavior, parental care, and assisting with husbandry. She was also recently promoted to our co-aviary manager position! As aviary manager she has more responsibilities with bird care and to ensure a fully functioning aviary to support our research. She also works on genotyping our birds and collecting behavioral data. During her free time, Laura loves to spend time with her dogs, paint, and watch movies.
Undergraduate Researcher and Aviary Co-Manager
Fall Quarter 2017 - present
Laura has been studying avian behavior, parental care, and assisting with husbandry. She was also recently promoted to our co-aviary manager position! As aviary manager she has more responsibilities with bird care and to ensure a fully functioning aviary to support our research. She also works on genotyping our birds and collecting behavioral data. During her free time, Laura loves to spend time with her dogs, paint, and watch movies.
Jennifer Guerra
Undergraduate Researcher and Aviary Co-Manager
Fall 2017 - present
Jennifer has been studying avian behavior, parental care, and assisting with husbandry. She also works on genotyping our birds and collecting behavioral data. Jennifer plans to graduate in Spring 2020 with a BS in Animal Biology and is currently working on her senior practicum in our lab! Her project centers on investigating how environmental variables affect the fecundity and molt of rock doves. Jennifer's ultimate goal is to become a physician assistant. When not in the lab, she likes to hike with her dog and work at Skydance Skydiving!
Undergraduate Researcher and Aviary Co-Manager
Fall 2017 - present
Jennifer has been studying avian behavior, parental care, and assisting with husbandry. She also works on genotyping our birds and collecting behavioral data. Jennifer plans to graduate in Spring 2020 with a BS in Animal Biology and is currently working on her senior practicum in our lab! Her project centers on investigating how environmental variables affect the fecundity and molt of rock doves. Jennifer's ultimate goal is to become a physician assistant. When not in the lab, she likes to hike with her dog and work at Skydance Skydiving!
Laura Flores
Undergraduate Researcher and Aviary Co-Manager
Fall Quarter 2017 - present
Laura has been studying avian behavior, parental care, and assisting with husbandry. Recently, she was promoted to be co-aviary manager! As aviary manager she has more responsibilities with animal care and to ensure a smooth running aviary. She also works on genotyping our birds and collecting behavioral data. Laura loves the outdoors, reading, and playing the violin.
Undergraduate Researcher and Aviary Co-Manager
Fall Quarter 2017 - present
Laura has been studying avian behavior, parental care, and assisting with husbandry. Recently, she was promoted to be co-aviary manager! As aviary manager she has more responsibilities with animal care and to ensure a smooth running aviary. She also works on genotyping our birds and collecting behavioral data. Laura loves the outdoors, reading, and playing the violin.
Austin Kyan
Undergraduate Researcher
Summer 2017 - present
Austin is working with B3 Lab PhD Candidate Victoria Farrar and learning how to extract RNA and quantify it using qPCR. He is also assisting with avian husbandry, genotyping , and behavioral data collection. Outside of the lab, Austin enjoys playing and writing music (for the cello) as well as playing board games with friends.
Undergraduate Researcher
Summer 2017 - present
Austin is working with B3 Lab PhD Candidate Victoria Farrar and learning how to extract RNA and quantify it using qPCR. He is also assisting with avian husbandry, genotyping , and behavioral data collection. Outside of the lab, Austin enjoys playing and writing music (for the cello) as well as playing board games with friends.
Ana-Begona Molina Gil
Undergraduate Researcher
Fall 2017 - present
Ana has been working with B3 Lab PhD Candidate Victoria Farrar studying the development and heritability of avian aggression. She started working in our lab by assisting with husbandry and other data collection. Now, she is gearing up for conducting her own senior thesis project in our lab. Stay turned!! During her free time, Ana likes watching shows, trying new food, and appreciating nature.
Undergraduate Researcher
Fall 2017 - present
Ana has been working with B3 Lab PhD Candidate Victoria Farrar studying the development and heritability of avian aggression. She started working in our lab by assisting with husbandry and other data collection. Now, she is gearing up for conducting her own senior thesis project in our lab. Stay turned!! During her free time, Ana likes watching shows, trying new food, and appreciating nature.
Susan Mushtari
Undergraduate Researcher
Winter 2020 - present
Susan has been working with B3 Lab PhD Candidate Victoria Farrar on her current project regarding prolactin and its role in the HPG axis. Under Victoria's supervision, she has participated in bird surgeries and tissue collection, and there will be more to come! Susan also helps with husbandry and loves the birds. On her free time, Susan loves to go on hiking-adventures and is a "foodie" and always on the lookout for new foods to try.
Undergraduate Researcher
Winter 2020 - present
Susan has been working with B3 Lab PhD Candidate Victoria Farrar on her current project regarding prolactin and its role in the HPG axis. Under Victoria's supervision, she has participated in bird surgeries and tissue collection, and there will be more to come! Susan also helps with husbandry and loves the birds. On her free time, Susan loves to go on hiking-adventures and is a "foodie" and always on the lookout for new foods to try.
B3 Lab Alumni
Duration of time spent in the Calisi Lab, and position post fledging, if known.
Duration of time spent in the Calisi Lab, and position post fledging, if known.
Fledged Postdoctoral Researchers
Dr. Isaac Ligocki: member from 2016-2019. Accepted a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Biology position at Millersville University (beginning 2020)
Dr. Suzanne Austin: member from 2017-2019. Currently a Research Scientist at Oregon State University
Dr. Naomi Ondrasek: member from 2016-2017. Accepted a competitive California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Policy Fellowship. Currently a Senior Policy Advisor at the Learning Policy Institute
Dr. Isaac Ligocki: member from 2016-2019. Accepted a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Biology position at Millersville University (beginning 2020)
Dr. Suzanne Austin: member from 2017-2019. Currently a Research Scientist at Oregon State University
Dr. Naomi Ondrasek: member from 2016-2017. Accepted a competitive California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Policy Fellowship. Currently a Senior Policy Advisor at the Learning Policy Institute
Fledged Ph.D. Students
B3's first grad students are currently in their third year of their program at UC Davis. Graduation time estimated ~2021.
B3's first grad students are currently in their third year of their program at UC Davis. Graduation time estimated ~2021.
Fledged Undergraduates
Karina Hernandez - Fall 2019 - Fall 2019
Jose Arias Zavala - Spring 2019 - Fall 2019
Reeta Asmai - Fall 2017 - Spring 2019
Yilda Korplea - Spring 2019 - Summer 2019
Selin Louie - Spring 2017- Spring 2019
Stephanie Meza - Summer 2018 - Spring 2019 - now doing a UCD School of Medicine Postbaccalaurate Program
Monique Patrici Gonzales - Winter Quarter 2018 - Spring 2019
Tanner Feustel (Former Aviary Manager) - Fall 2016 - Winter 2019 - now working as a Research Technician at at NemaMetrix Inc.
Brandon Nava Ultreras (Former Aviary Manager) - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2018
Rechelle Viernes - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017 - now Calisi Lab Research Technician
Madeline Bailey - Fall 2017- Spring 2018
Asha Pluton - Fall 2016 - Spring 2018
Blake Turner - Fall quarter 2017 - Winter 2018
Annie Bond - Spring Quarter 2016 - Fall 2018
Michael Barrientez - Fall Quarter 2017 - Fall 2018
Elbertlyn Cantey - Fall Quarter 2017 - Fall 2018
Maria Carmona - Fall Quarter 2017 - Winter 2018
Janin Rodarte - Fall Quarter 2016 - Winter 2018
Amanda Simpson - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017
Candice Lee - Fall Quarter 2015 - Fall 2018 - works a an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at WestMed Ambulance Service
Jaskaran Sahota - Summer Quarter 2016 - Fall 2017
Tiffany Chen (Former Aviary Manager) - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017 - now is a Scientific Aide at California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Denis Sanpedro - Winter Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017
Anabel Martinez - Summer Quarter 2016 - Winter 2017
Zixin (Andy) Yu - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017
Haley Hudson - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017
Irene Orellana Bonilla (Former Aviary Manager) - Summer Quarter 2015 - 2017
Erica Saldana (Former Aviary Manager) - Summer Quarter 2015 - Summer Quarter 2017
Rachel Alexis de Jesus Parungao - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer Quarter 2017 - now an Aquatic Toxicologist at McCampbell Analytical, Inc.
Olivia Calisi - Summer Quarter 2017
Beth Krestoff (Former Aviary Manager) - Fall Quarter 2016 - Spring Quarter 2017
Catherine Nguyen - Fall Quarter 2015 - Spring Quarter 2017 - pursuing a PhD at UC, Riverside (Lab of Wendy Saltzman)
Michelle Alvarez - Winter Quarter 2016 - 2017
Hanna Butler-Struben - Summer Quarter 2015 - 2016 - pursuing a MS at San Francisco State Univ. (Lab of Robyn Crook)
Erin Gawel - Fall Quarter 2015 - Spring Quarter 2016
Vivian Zhou - Fall Quarter 2015
Sarah Weigel - Fall Quarter 2015 - Winter Quarter 2016
Jose Arias Zavala - Spring 2019 - Fall 2019
Reeta Asmai - Fall 2017 - Spring 2019
Yilda Korplea - Spring 2019 - Summer 2019
Selin Louie - Spring 2017- Spring 2019
Stephanie Meza - Summer 2018 - Spring 2019 - now doing a UCD School of Medicine Postbaccalaurate Program
Monique Patrici Gonzales - Winter Quarter 2018 - Spring 2019
Tanner Feustel (Former Aviary Manager) - Fall 2016 - Winter 2019 - now working as a Research Technician at at NemaMetrix Inc.
Brandon Nava Ultreras (Former Aviary Manager) - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2018
Rechelle Viernes - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017 - now Calisi Lab Research Technician
Madeline Bailey - Fall 2017- Spring 2018
Asha Pluton - Fall 2016 - Spring 2018
Blake Turner - Fall quarter 2017 - Winter 2018
Annie Bond - Spring Quarter 2016 - Fall 2018
Michael Barrientez - Fall Quarter 2017 - Fall 2018
Elbertlyn Cantey - Fall Quarter 2017 - Fall 2018
Maria Carmona - Fall Quarter 2017 - Winter 2018
Janin Rodarte - Fall Quarter 2016 - Winter 2018
Amanda Simpson - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017
Candice Lee - Fall Quarter 2015 - Fall 2018 - works a an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at WestMed Ambulance Service
Jaskaran Sahota - Summer Quarter 2016 - Fall 2017
Tiffany Chen (Former Aviary Manager) - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017 - now is a Scientific Aide at California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Denis Sanpedro - Winter Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017
Anabel Martinez - Summer Quarter 2016 - Winter 2017
Zixin (Andy) Yu - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017
Haley Hudson - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer 2017
Irene Orellana Bonilla (Former Aviary Manager) - Summer Quarter 2015 - 2017
Erica Saldana (Former Aviary Manager) - Summer Quarter 2015 - Summer Quarter 2017
Rachel Alexis de Jesus Parungao - Fall Quarter 2016 - Summer Quarter 2017 - now an Aquatic Toxicologist at McCampbell Analytical, Inc.
Olivia Calisi - Summer Quarter 2017
Beth Krestoff (Former Aviary Manager) - Fall Quarter 2016 - Spring Quarter 2017
Catherine Nguyen - Fall Quarter 2015 - Spring Quarter 2017 - pursuing a PhD at UC, Riverside (Lab of Wendy Saltzman)
Michelle Alvarez - Winter Quarter 2016 - 2017
Hanna Butler-Struben - Summer Quarter 2015 - 2016 - pursuing a MS at San Francisco State Univ. (Lab of Robyn Crook)
Erin Gawel - Fall Quarter 2015 - Spring Quarter 2016
Vivian Zhou - Fall Quarter 2015
Sarah Weigel - Fall Quarter 2015 - Winter Quarter 2016
Fledged Members from Barnard College, Columbia University, 2014-2015
James Casey - Research Scientist and Lab Technician - currently Associate Lab Director at Barnard College, Department of Biology
Post-bacc Research Scientists
Lea Pollack - Currently pursuing a PhD at Univ. California, Davis (Lab of Andy Sih)
Stefanie Siller - Currently pursuing a PhD at Columbia University (Lab of Dustin Rubenstein)
Undergraduates
Bryana Belin - Accepted a position as a Laboratory Technician at Columbia University Medical Center
Yanick Couture - Currently pursuing a DVM at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine
Elsie Ennin
Fayme Cai - Currently a Veterinary Technician in Brooklyn, New York
Jessamine Fazli - Currently pursuing an MD at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn
Michelle Santos Pacheco
Doris Tamayo
Post-bacc Research Scientists
Lea Pollack - Currently pursuing a PhD at Univ. California, Davis (Lab of Andy Sih)
Stefanie Siller - Currently pursuing a PhD at Columbia University (Lab of Dustin Rubenstein)
Undergraduates
Bryana Belin - Accepted a position as a Laboratory Technician at Columbia University Medical Center
Yanick Couture - Currently pursuing a DVM at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine
Elsie Ennin
Fayme Cai - Currently a Veterinary Technician in Brooklyn, New York
Jessamine Fazli - Currently pursuing an MD at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn
Michelle Santos Pacheco
Doris Tamayo
Fledged Members from UC Berkeley, mentored by Calisi as a postdoc, 2013-2014
Undergraduates
Sana Chintamen - pursuing a PhD at Columbia University (Lab of Steven Kernie)
Nelson Amorín - pursuing an MD at Stanford University School of Medicine
Sana Chintamen - pursuing a PhD at Columbia University (Lab of Steven Kernie)
Nelson Amorín - pursuing an MD at Stanford University School of Medicine