is a self declared mitochondriac - it all started at U​FU. He pursued his Ph.D studying mitochondrial electrophysiology in the laboratory of Marisa Campo, University of Extremadura. He then moved first to NYU (Casey Kinnally) and later Cornell (Giovanny Manfredi) as a postdoctoral fellow to study the involvement of mitochondrial ion channels in cell death. He is now living his dream as an assistant professor at Baruch College - CUNY.

is an NYU graduate with over 15 years of experience helping higher Ed institutions and human services attain funding through proposal development, consulting, and honing of stewardship in partnering with donors, alumni, and institutional givers. She joined the Peixoto lab to leverage team-work and funding. In her spare time she listens to Conchita Buika and dreams of Selena and Frida Kahlo. Bidibidibombom.

Michaela Kokkinos is a Sophomore undergraduate student at Macaulay Honors in Baruch College pursuing a B.A in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. She is interested in pursuing medical school after graduating with a concentration in neurology and pathology. In the lab, she is hoping to further her understanding in how ROS transport across mitochondria facilitates synaptic plasticity and dysfunction within a cell, leading to neurodegenerative diseases. She is excited to be a part of a hands-on learning experience where she works alongside other aspiring scientists to analyze mitochondrial dysfunction. Outside of research and school, she enjoys running, hanging out with friends, and playing pickleball.

Justin Ramjohn is a sophomore undergraduate student at CUNY Baruch College who is pursuing a major in Biological Sciences and a minor of Psychology. After graduating from Baruch with a B.A., he aims to further his research in neuroscience and work towards a doctorate and a PhD in Neurology. He has always been interested in development, studying the history and progress of organisms of various species and geographical structures. Justin joined the Peixoto Lab with hopes of understanding mitochondrial role in Neuroplasticity and other Neurodegenerative diseases, whilst working with and learning from astonishing scientists. Outside of studying and research, he loves to spend time on the racetrack, watch sports, and spend time with his friends and family.

 Gissele Cuanenemi is an undergraduate student at Baruch College pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in natural sciences. She is currently completing an independent research project in the Peixoto Lab, where she is investigating ATAD3A’s role in mitochondrial permeability transition using liposome patch clamp electrophysiology. Passionate about pediatric care and surgery, Gissele is starting her journey working as a medical assistant in a pediatric clinic, volunteering at NYU Langone Hospital and is striving to become a physician assistant specializing in orthopedic pediatric surgery.

Outside of academics and research, Gissele enjoys weightlifting at the gym, exploring new restaurants around New York City, and spending time with her loved ones!

Natasha De Silva is a research assistant in Dr. Peixoto’s lab, where she investigates how mitochondrial function influences synaptic development and social behavior in Drosophila models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work focuses on gene-environment interactions, using neuroligin-1 mutations and valproic acid exposure to examine how mitochondrial modulation affects electrophysiological and behavioral phenotypes. Natasha holds degrees in Psychology and Biology, with a minor in Mathematics. She is passionate about innovation and hopes her research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the human body and brain, ultimately advancing the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. She is excited to learn from others in the scientific community and, in her free time, enjoys photography.

Anna Bieglarian is a senior undergraduate at Baruch College pursuing a B.A. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. Born in Sochaczew, Poland, she immigrated to New York City with the dream of becoming a leader in medicine. She is working toward earning her M.D. in the future and is passionate about making meaningful contributions to healthcare. Anna is currently part of the Peixoto Lab, where she is investigating the effects of Valproic Acid (VPA) exposure on Drosophila melanogaster behavior and survivability. Through this research, she aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders and gain hands-on experience in biomedical research while learning from a diverse group of scientists. Outside of academics and research, she works as a surgical clinical medical assistant in MOHS surgery. In her free time, Anna enjoys playing the violin, a passion she has cultivated since the age of five. A fun fact about Anna is that her first language is Russian, her second is Armenian, and English is actually her third language!