MEET THE TEAM
TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. de Carvalho is a scientist with broad experience in interdisciplinary immunology. His passion for the field stems from the work done ever since he was an undergraduate student, investigating how obesity impacted immune responses to infections, such as Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria. During his PhD studies at the University of Sao Paulo, he investigated the intricate mechanisms of inflammasome activation by intracellular pathogens. For his postdoctoral training (The Rockefeller University), he decided to learn more about the adaptive immune system, focusing on B cells and long-lived germinal centers. Now, as an independent investigator and head of LIL, he seeks to understand the basic biology of plasma cell longevity. Renan enjoys practicing sports such as soccer, pickleball, tennis (surfing is yet to be learned), and electronic games.
RENAN V. H. DE CARVALHO, Ph.D.
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE
Dr. Castro has a bachelor degree in Biomedicine with a M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Immunology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil), and a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of São Paulo (Brazil). Over the past 13 years, she gained extensive experience in immunology of infectious diseases and vaccinology, being named to Forbes Under 30 Brazil in 2023. During her master's, she worked on developing a vaccine against Chagas’ disease, and in her Ph.D., she designed and developed a COVID-19 vaccine. In both projects, she took the lead in all stages of vaccine development, from design to preclinical trials in animal models. Her main research interests include understanding the mechanisms of action of vaccines and how to improve their efficacy. Outside the lab, she enjoys spending time with friends, sports, hiking and concerts.
JULIA CASTRO, Ph.D.
Ph.D. STUDENT
Ellie holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of San Diego. As an undergraduate, she investigated directional decision-making and memory processes in the rat hippocampus. Following graduation, she gained experience in single-cell genomics analysis and the physiology of neurodegenerative disease, further developing her computational and experimental skill set. In the Laboratory of Immune Longevity, Ellie has expanded her research focus from neuroscience to immunology. She is particularly interested in mapping the dynamics of b cell development using single-cell sequencing approaches. Outside the lab, Ellie enjoys running with friends, practicing yoga, and spending time with her two cats.
ELLIE PETTY
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE AND COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST
Dr. Ansaldo is a scientist with extensive expertise in both immunology research and bioinformatics. During his PhD at the University of California Berkeley he studied how select commensal bacteria in the intestine induce cognate T cell and antibody responses during homeostasis. He continued his training with Dr. Yasmine Belkaid at the NIH, where he worked on the role of homeostatic T cell populations on immune regulation and tissue physiology. Going forward, Eduard is passionate about bringing his immunology expertise and implementing computational biology tools to uncover fundamental aspects of immunity. Outside of science, Eduard enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, gardening and houseplants, and practicing sports such as biking, skiing and scuba diving.
EDUARDO ANSALDO GINE, Ph.D.
RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
Emre completed his B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, San Diego, where his early work centered on metabolic biochemistry. During his time at UC San Diego, he worked at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, focusing on foundational immunological wet lab techniques. Through this experience, he developed an interest in B-cell biology and the mechanics of vaccine development. He is interested in investigating plasma cell migration patterns and utilizing tetramers to study immune cell specificity, with a particular focus on the dynamics within the bone marrow. Beyond the wet lab, Emre contributes to the ReigniteLife project by supporting the development of a digital care hub for ALS patients and caregivers. He is also dedicated to environmental stewardship, frequently volunteering for native plant conservation efforts to help preserve local ecosystems. When he is not in the lab or in the field, Emre is an avid soccer fan, closely following Galatasaray and staying active on the pitch in organized pickup games.
EMRE UNALAN
KATHY STERLING
LABORATORY ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Kathy is our Laboratory Administrative Coordinator, providing essential support to our lab and the scientific staff. Her responsibilities include assisting with grant preparation, ordering supplies, coordinating equipment purchases and repairs, tracking expenditures, arranging travel and reimbursements, and ensuring compliance with TSRI (The Scripps Research Institute) procedures by navigating institutional forms. She also works closely with other TSRI offices and plans large events as needed. Her expertise spans grant preparation, scientific terminology, technology proficiency, strong organizational skills, and familiarity with various software programs. She also has experience in website creation, public speaking, and planning and executing large meetings and events. Working both independently and as part of a team, Kathy plays a crucial role in LIL’s organization, ensuring the lab operates smoothly and efficiently.
ALUMNI
Ruth Purcell, Ph.D.
Kimia Shahriyar