People

Bianca Pereira, MSc, PhD. Bianca is a postdoctoral researcher in our lab. Her core training has been in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, spanning countries of India, UK and the US, with applications in Neuroscience. For her Master’s thesis at Wayne State University, she worked on transcription regulation in yeast. She then earned her PhD, from WSU, studying how a gap junction protein regulates developmental plasticity in C. elegans. In the Gourgou lab she is exploring the modulations in neuronal expression profiles of C. elegans, in response to different growth conditions that could impact the healthspan of the animals. She hopes to infuse her experience of working with worms into also enriching the functional systems of the lab. Outside the lab, she likes the outdoors with ocean views, quiet reads, walks, treks, old soul music and horror movies.

Sima Maleki, BS, MSc. Sima is our lab technician. She supports everyone’s work in the lab, and explores nematode learning and behavior in complex environments. Sima holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Sciences and Food Industry, from the Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran. Before coming to Detroit, she was a visitor researcher at the University of South Florida, where she worked on aging, nutrition, and the gut microbiome of C. elegans.

Jonathon McSwain, BS. Jonathon is a graduate student, on his way to a PhD. Jonathon earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, with a double major in Microbiology and in African American studies. His research interests include investigating learning, decision making, and aging. His project focuses on identifying neurons/neuronal circuits involved in C. elegans decision making and learning behavior within a structured maze environment. His favorite out-of-the-lab hobby is streaming and playing video games.

Ada Squires, BS Neuroscience. Ada is interested in applying computational and mathematical approaches to neuroscientific inquiries through the development of programming scripts to explore neural systems and behavior. In the lab, she is working on developing a neuromechanical model of C. elegans to capture the dynamics of sensory-guided locomotion. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking, playing the piano, and reading. 

Kareem Hassouna. Kareem is a Biological Sciences major with a minor in Chemistry, working toward a career in surgical dentistry. In the lab, he designs and manufactures 3D arenas for nematodes, and then tests them to explore worm’s 3D behavior. His broader interests lie in exploring the intersection of biomedical engineering and 3D printing to advance patient care. In his free time, he enjoys exploring new hiking trails and trying different types of food.

Arpita Bhandari. Arpita is an undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Business Administration. In the lab, she is training in behavioral assays using C. elegans to study the neuronal basis of learning, memory, and aging. She is fascinated by how microscopic organisms can reveal broader principles about human behavior and brain function. Outside the lab, Arpita is actively involved on campus as a STEM Learning Assistant and the President of The Baker’s Circle. She plans to pursue a career in medicine, ideally as an OB-GYN, where she hopes to combine her interests in science, mentorship, and women’s health advocacy.

Keita Kuramitsu, BS. Keita is a rotation student in our lab. He studied at Adrian College, MI and received a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, along with an associate degree in Physics and minors in Biochemistry and Music. He has a broad interest in neuroscience. He enjoys playing the violin and cooking in his leisure.