Dr. Santisteban completed her Ph.D. under the mentorship of Dr. Mohan Raizada at the University of Florida working on the role of brain-mediated hypertension, focusing on the contribution of sympathetic activation to modulating bone marrow cells and the intestinal microbiota in the mechanisms of hypertension. The brain is not only critical in driving the development and maintenance of hypertension, but it is also negatively affected by the elevation of blood pressure. To expand her knowledge on the detrimental effects of hypertension on the brain, she joined Dr. Costantino Iadecola’s laboratory at Weill Cornell Medicine to pursue her postdoctoral training. Her postdoc research focused on the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier in hypertension, and the neurovascular bases for cognitive dysfunction in salt-sensitive hypertension. 

Monica was born and raised in San José, Costa Rica. When she is not in the lab, you can find her hanging out with her dog or running in the park. In addition to neuroscience research, she is also passionate about training the next generation of scientists, and promoting access, diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. 

Dr. Zarate completed her PhD at Texas A&M University School of Medicine under the mentorship of Dr. Rahul Srinivasan. She joined the lab in September 2023. Her project focuses on understanding the contribution of sex hormones and brain angiotensin II in promoting tau phosphorylation and neurovascular dysfunction. 

Grants: 

• T32-HL144446

• AHA Research Supplement to Support Diversity in Science (24DIVSUP1273494)

Students supervised: 

• Ava Santner

• Kiran Vissa

Dr. Blanco completed her PhD at Georgetown University under the mentorship of Dr. Katherine Conant. She joined the lab in September 2023. Her project investigates the role of MMP-9 in neurovascular and cognitive impairment in salt-sensitive hypertension. In her free time, Ismary enjoys watching movies, hiking, and drawing. 

Grants and awards: 

• NIH Blueprint D-SPAN (K00-NS130872)

• Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Diversity Enrichment Program (PDEP)

• University of Minnesota Diversifying-CNS Fellow (R25-NS117356)

Students supervised: 

• Sichu Chen

• Erin Yeo

Cayla graduated from Tennessee State University with a major in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Sciences program at Meharry Medical College and joined the lab in June 2024. Her ultimate goal is to build a career in academia, inspiring and mentoring other underrepresented groups in the sciences. In her free time, Cayla enjoys swimming, watching Grey's Anatomy, and spending time with her friends. 

Samantha graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Biological Sciences. She joined the lab in July 2024. She is pursuing her Masters in Biomolecular Science at Lipscomb University while working in the lab. She also aspires to attain her PhD and ultimately pursue a career in medical research. In her free time, she enjoys being active outside and spending quality time with her friends and family. 

Flora joined the lab in Fall 2023. She is a junior at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology. She is interested in the clinical cardiovascular and anesthesiology fields. She aspires to pursue the medical clinical field in the future. During her free time, she practices playing the viola and joins the symphony orchestra, where she enjoys playing music to relax and express herself. 

Ava joined the lab in Fall 2023. She is a junior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology and Psychology. She plans to pursue graduate school and continue researching cognitive impairment as a hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease. In her free time, Ava performs with a student-run dance company and gives weekly tours to prospective students for Vanderbilt Admissions.

Awards:

• Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program (VUSRP) for Summer 2024

Erin joined the lab in Fall 2023. She is a sophomore at Vanderbilt University majoring in Cognitive Studies and Medicine, Health, and Society. She is interested in pursuing clinical medicine, particularly in the fields of neuroimmunology and anesthesiology. Aside from academics, she enjoys performing violin at local senior care facilities and the ICU as a volunteer.

Awards:

• Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program (VUSRP) for Summer 2024

Kiran joined the lab in Fall 2023. He is a freshman at Vanderbilt University intending to major in Neuroscience. He has prior research experience as a summer Research Assistant at Washington University School of Medicine and also previously completed a summer internship in Geriatrics and Primary Care.