Principal Investigator
Gianni M. Castiglione, Ph.D. (PI)
Dr. Castiglione (CV) is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Biological Sciences, Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Vanderbilt University. He did a postdoctoral fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital and University, School of Medicine, with the Ophthalmologist, Dr. Elia J. Duh. He obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Toronto, Department of Cell and Systems Biology, under the mentorship of the evolutionary biologist, Dr. Belinda S.W. Chang.
Gianni in the main lab. Established Aug 2022
Gianni in the darkroom for visual pigment work
Funding
Graduate Students
Nadir studies the evolutionary biochemistry of rhodopsin, with a focus on owls. His work uses comparative genomics, cell culture, and retinal explants. Nadir graduated from Furman University with his bachelor’s in Biology and German Studies.
Nadir Dbouk, B.S.
Mika studies the role of arrestin in protecting the retina against light damage. Her work uses electrophysiology, histology, and biochemistry. Mika graduated from Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and French Studies.
Anamika Bose, B.S.
Staff
Shimian Qu, Ph.D.
Dr. Shimian (Sherman) Qu is a Research Assistant Professor in the Castiglione lab. He studies the comparative metabolomics of horses and birds. He uses CRISPR/Cas9, biochemistry, and genomics. He obtained his PhD from Vanderbilt University
Mac is a Research Assistant working on an evolution-inspired gene therapy for retinal degenerations. Before joining, he was studying neurodevelopment at Yale University. He graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a bachelor’s in Neuroscience.
Mac Gortney, B.S.
Undergraduates
Isabella studies the evolutionary biochemistry of penguin rhodopsin. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Biological Sciences, with a minor in Psychology.
Isabella Bautista
Kaitlyn studies the sperm whale and how its unique light environment effects the retina. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Biological Sciences.
Kaitlyn Russell
Cynthia studies the molecular evolution of avian rhodopsin. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Computer Science.
Cynthia Xu
Pratham studies the evolutionary biochemistry of penguin rhodopsin. He is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry.
Pratham Dalvi
Lab Alumni
Xin was our lab manager (2022-2024) and developed our cell and viral platforms. She is now a staff scientist at the Cleveland Clinic
Xin Chen, M.S.
Eugene was a research assistant (2023-2024), working on equine metabolomics and feather development in zebra finches. She is pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis.
Eugene Chi, B.A.
David was a research intern (2023-2024) investigating the metabolomics and bioenergetics of horse myotubes. He is now pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Miami
David Carmona-Berrio, B.S.
Jinger was a Masters student (2022-2023) researching the effects of light damage on the retina. She is now pursuing her medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Jinger Haynes, M.S.
Neena was a visiting intern through the School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV). She was researching human mutations in rhodopsin using computational, biochemical, and cell-based approaches. She is now in her first year at the University of Georgia, Honors College.
Neena Praveen
Olivia Blanchard
Olivia was a visiting intern working on avian metabolic networks, conducting immunocytochemistry of primary avian cell lines. She is now a senior at St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH.
Mac and Dr. Marselle Rasdall preparing for subretinal injections
July 2024 celebrating NIH funding
March 2023 celebrating a published paper
Dr. Castiglione’s informal advisor, Makwa (2015-2023).