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. 

Mónica 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. 

Programs that have shaped her mentorship and leadership style:

• HHMI Inclusive Excellence Academy at Mercy College

• BRAINS: Broadening the Representation of Academic Investigators in Neuroscience (University of Washington)

• AHA Council on Hypertension Advisory and Mentoring Program

• COMPASS Scholar Program (Washington University in St. Louis)

• Burroughs Wellcome Fund Mentor Diversity Enrichment Workshop

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 and awards: 

• T32-HL144446: Vanderbilt Hypertension and Blood Pressure Regulation Program

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

• American Physiological Society, Central Nervous System Section, Research Recognition Award 2025

Students supervised: 

• Ava Santner

• Kiran Vissa

• Naznin Rima

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 perineuronal nets in 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)

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

• Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Diversity Enrichment Program (PDEP)

• American Heart Association, Council on Hypertension, Award for Support of Underrepresented Populations 2024

• American Physiological Society, Neural Control and Autonomic Regulation Section, Research Recognition Award 2025

Students supervised: 

• Sichu Chen

• Erin Yeo

• Donya Safarian

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 project focuses on the contribution of hypertension-induced arterial stiffening to cognitive decline. 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. 

Grants and awards: 

• T32-GM144927: Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (G-RISE) at Meharry Medical College

• Mary Hetherington Lutz Memorial Scholarship (Meharry Medical College)

• American Physiological Society, Central Nervous System Section, Research Recognition Award 2025

• Meharry Research Day 2025, 1st Place Poster Award (School of Graduate Studies)

Olivia graduated from Gannon University in 2023 with bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Psychology. She matriculated at Vanderbilt University through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (IGP) and is currently pursuing a PhD in Pharmacology. Olivia joined the Santisteban lab in February 2025, and her project focuses on understanding how the meningeal lymphatic system is affected by hypertension. In her free time, Olivia enjoys playing viola in the Vanderbilt Commodore Orchestra, watching movies, and exploring Nashville.

Grants and awards: 

• JKL Wellness Award, Vanderbilt University (2024)

• T32-GM149363: Training in Pharmacological Sciences, Vanderbilt University (2024)

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 senior 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 senior 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 junior 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 sophomore 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. In his free time, Kiran enjoys reading with the pre-med book club and long distance running.

Awards:

• Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program (VUSRP) for Summer 2025

Donya joined the lab in Fall 2024. She is currently a sophomore undergraduate at Vanderbilt majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Data Science and Art. In her free time, she enjoys taking long walks and doing fun crochet projects. In the future, she plans to apply to medical school and pursue a position relating to immunology or oncology.