Isabella studies Neuroscience and researches neurodegenerative disease, mitochondrial biology, and gut-brain signaling.

Previous research experience: Research Assistant in Skidmore's Lagalwar Lab studying Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), including mitochondrial transfer in cell models using MitoTracker Green FM, cell culture, fluorescence imaging, and chemical-stress conditions. In summer 2025, researched adrenergic gut-brain signaling at the University of Montana by suppressing OAβ2R receptor function in Drosophila enteroendocrine cells and quantifying feeding behavior using the Gal4/UAS system, dissections, immunofluorescence, and confocal imaging.

How I got started: I was interested in what goes wrong at the molecular level in neurological disease, so I joined the Lagalwar Lab. After working with cell models at Skidmore, I wanted to try a different system. The Montana project gave me experience with fly genetics, behavior and confocal imaging.

Open to being contacted: only on private profile

Preferred contact: LinkedIn

Advice/notes: Neuroscience and neurodegeneration; Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1; mitochondrial transfer; cell culture and fluorescent probes; Drosophila genetics; Gal4/UAS; gut-brain signaling; dissections and immunofluorescence; confocal microscopy; experimental controls; summer research fellowships; research posters.

Links

Location

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs, NY, USA