Selenium Lab
Selenium Lab
Marla
Berry
My background includes over four decades in research, over three decades studying the functions of selenium and selenoenzymes, and over two decades in leadership roles. My current focus is mentoring and training researchers at all levels, which I consider the most important contribution I can make to the scientific community.
email: mberry@hawaii.edu
Lucia
Seale
I am originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and have been working with selenium, selenoproteins and the role of selenocysteine lyase in energy metabolism for the last 20 years. I have worked in biotech and consultancy, am an avid reader/writer and, when not thinking about selenium, am involved in mentoring and career development activities.
email: lseale@hawaii.edu
Briana
Shimada
My background includes almost 10 years of cardiovascular related research and several years of selenium related research. I am primarily interested in studying cardiometabolic diseases, particularly those related to nutrition. This includes overnutrition such as high consumption of fructose as well as nutrient deficiencies including selenium which is the current focus of my research.
email: bkshimad@hawaii.edu
Daniel Torres
I investigate the many ways that selenium is vital for brain function. My work spans a range of topics, such as neuronal physiology, glucocorticoid exposure, metabolic disorder, and early life stress. Methodologies involve mouse models, primary cultures, electrophysiology recordings, behavioral tests, and cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics techniques.
email: djtorr@hawaii.edu
Naghum
(Nia)
Alfulaij
My background is mainly focused on Cell and Molecular Biology with a specialization in Neuroscience, specifically Alzheimer’s disease. I also have a good foundation in Clinical Psychology. I currently am a Research Associate and Lab Manager in the Berry/Seale lab assisting with various selenium-related projects, mentoring students, and managing the lab.
email: alfulaij@hawaii.edu
Antonio Soares
email: agsj@hawaii.edu
Jessica Nicholson
My background is in cell and molecular biology with a focus in neuroscience topics. My current project is on the impacts of glucocorticoids on selenoproteins in the hippocampus. After my PhD I would like to be involved in research in neurodegeneration.
email: jnich@hawaii.edu
Kayla Colaruotolo
I am a first-generation college graduate working towards my Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I worked in biotech before deciding to pursue my Ph.D. and am currently studying selenium impact in lipid metabolism.
email: kaylacol@hawaii.edu
Princess Santiago
email: pjsantia@hawaii.edu
Kescher Nakahara-Akita
I am currently an undergraduate student majoring in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology and an honors and MARC scholar. My current focus is studying selenoproteins and selenium metabolism in adipose tissue and the potential influence these have on insulin receptors. In the future, I plan on attending graduate school and continuing my passion for research.
email: kescher@hawaii.edu
Braxton Ramos
email: braxtonr@hawaii.edu
Gabriela Lagatta
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Animal Science and minoring in Arts. I am a student employee responsible for mouse husbandry and maintenance, as well as genotyping.
email: gremedio@hawaii.edu
Kaitlyn Saelua
email: saeluak@hawaii.edu
Christine Lau
email: clau2@hawaii.edu
Kian Sanchez
I am a high school senior born and raised on the east coast of Oahu. I am interested in molecular biology, marine biology, and environmental science, and plan on pursuing an undergraduate degree in biology in Stanford.
email: sanchezk2025@universitylaboratoryschool.org