PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Helen is passionate about mentoring and using frogs to do the legwork of interpreting psychiatric disorder genetics. She received her PhD in genetics from Yale University and postdoctoral training from Richard Harland (UC Berkeley) and Matthew State (UCSF). She is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCSF and an Investigator with the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub. Outside lab, Helen enjoys the performing arts and crafting.

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POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR

Delfina is a postdoctoral researcher studying a role for SHANK3 in cilia and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Phelan-McDermid syndrome. She earned her PhD in genetics from Yale University in 2024 where she did research on SMAD nuclear transport using yeast, frogs, and human cell lines. She graduated with a BA in Biology from Pomona College in 2017. In addition to science, Delfina is passionate about equitable teaching, mentorship, and educational development to support students from underserved populations. Outside of lab, she loves dancing, running, and yoga. 

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POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR

Bianca is a postdoctoral researcher exploring the role of the autism-associated gene STXBP1 in cilia development. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Milan in 2017 and earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Miami in 2024, where she investigated the function of KCNQ channels in glial cells using C. elegans as a model organism. Beyond the lab, Bianca is passionate about salsa and bachata dancing and practices contortion.

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GRADUATE STUDENT, DEVELOPMENTAL & STEM CELL BIOLOGY

Elina is a DSCB graduate student studying the role of SYNGAP1 in development using Xenopus as a model organism. She received her B.S. in Biology with a specialization in genetics from the University of Chicago. She is passionate about inclusive teaching and mentorship, with a focus on disability justice. Outside of lab, she enjoys Olympic weightlifting and attempting small scale DIY furniture projects. 

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GRADUATE STUDENT, NEUROSCIENCE

Anna is a Neuroscience graduate student screening for genetic modifiers of ASD risk genes in Drosophila. She received her B.S. in neurobiology from Georgetown University. She worked at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) as a postbaccalaureate fellow, studying lipid metabolism and transport in the larval brain. Outside of the lab, she enjoys exercising, participating in sports leagues, and spending time with her twin sister and their cats.

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GRADUATE STUDENT, NEUROSCIENCE

Christina is a Neuroscience graduate student studying ciliogenesis and neurodevelopment in Xenopus, specifically the role of cilia in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders. She earned her B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience at Florida International University in Miami, FL. Christina enjoys participating in educational outreach programs to teach students about science. Outside of the lab, Christina loves to hike around the Bay Area.

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GRADUATE STUDENT, BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE

Michelle is a Biomedical Science graduate student studying the role of estrogen on ciliogenesis and developmental patterning in Xenopus. She received her B.S. in Biological Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Michelle is passionate about women’s health and scientific communication. Outside of lab, Michelle loves hiking, camping, and eating Cuban pastries.

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LAB MANAGER

Ethel has a B.S. in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the Philippines. Through the Bridge to Biotech Program offered by City College of San Francisco, she earned a Laboratory Technician Certificate. Ethel manages the laboratory, its databases, and contributes to many projects, particularly in translating results from frogs to human cells.

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RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Juan received his B.S. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from UC San Diego. With extensive experience working with stem cells, he lends his guidance, leadership, and wet-lab management skills to the Willsey Lab as well as the State Lab. Currently, Juan is working on several projects involving iPSCs and CRISPR-Cas9.

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RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Nolan graduated from UC Davis and is a research assistant in the laboratory, taking care of all frog-related matters. He has a passion for veterinary work and animal pathogens.

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RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Catherine graduated from UC San Diego in June 2023 with a B.S. in Chemistry. She assists with different research projects in the lab by performing molecular biology techniques. She hopes to continue learning more about the genes associated with ASD and incorporate her love for chemistry and biology. Outside of lab, she enjoys reading and traveling whenever she gets the chance.

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ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Ashley helps the lab with all things admin! She has been with the Willsey-State group since 2018 and loves to help find solutions to any and all problems. Ashley attended Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts where she studied Sociology and Gender Studies. She lives outside of Boston with her husband and son.

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Angeline was a graduate student researcher and postdoc in the Willsey lab. She is now at Tenvie Therapeutics.

Kate was a graduate student researcher and postdoc in the Willsey lab. She is now a Postdoc at Yale.

James was a research assistant in the Willsey lab for two years. He started medical school at UC Irvine in 2025.

Yuxiao was an undergrad volunteer and then a research assistant in the State and Willsey labs. She is now a MD/PhD student at WashU.

Cameron was a postdoc and she is now a science coordinator at College Preparatory School.

Albert was an undergrad volunteer and then a research assistant in the State and Willsey labs. He is now a medical student at California Northstate University College of Medicine.

Micaela was a postdoc in the Willsey lab and is now at the Arc Institute.

Kate volunteered in the lab during the summers of 2023 and 2024. She is currently an Operations Associate at Hinge Bio.

Maya was an undergrad volunteer and is now a Postbaccalaureate fellow at the National Cancer Institute.