Meet our team!

Primary Investigator

Catherine Schrankel

Principal Investigator

I am an Assistant Professor of Cell Biology in the Biology Department at SDSU. Our lab investigates the cellular defense mechanisms that are active during embryonic development and in host-microbe interactions. My scientific background is anchored in comparative immunology, developmental biology, and most recently, xenobiotic transporter biology. In addition to our bench research, I seek to improve student learning of complex concepts in biology, and to engage with the general public about the importance of basic science in their lives.

Outside of the lab I enjoy running, making art, spending time with family and playing with my two dogs (Bandit and Puck).

cschrankel@sdsu.edu

Meet our students and trainees

Graduate Students

Tim Haddad

PhD Student

I am a Ph.D. student in the CMB program at SDSU/UCSD, studying human developmental biology with a focus on Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) specification into Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs). My research investigates how metabolic transitions—particularly the role of the ABC transporters—regulate oxidative stress and signaling during human ESCs differentiation. I use transcriptomics, metabolomics, and functional assays to explore these mechanisms and their relevance to infertility and reproductive health. My long-term goal is to lead an independent laboratory as a Principal Investigator at a research intensive institution. I aim to uplift other first-gen trainees to this level during my career. Outside the lab, I enjoy a quiet time by the beach and working out.

thaddad8117@sdsu.edu

Erin Horkan

Masters Student

I am a master's student in the Cell and Molecular Biology program. I joined the Schrankel Lab in January 2024. I am studying immune system development in Lytechinus pictus. My goal is to work on disease diagnostics in marine invertebrates, particularly those grown for commercial mariculture. Outside of lab I enjoy hiking and snorkeling.

Priscilla Plascencia

Masters Student

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology in December 2022. During my first year as a Master’s student, I completed an internship through the SDSU CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research Program, where I focused on reprogramming human somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This experience strengthened my interest in cellular reprogramming, stem cell biology, and the molecular mechanisms that drive cellular behavior and development. I am deeply motivated to contribute to biomedical research that advances our understanding of human disease and regenerative medicine. My long-term goal is to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. and build a career as a physician-scientist, with a focus on translational research that addresses health disparities in underrepresented communities. Outside the lab, I enjoy indoor cycling and spending time with family and friends.

priscillapla11@gmail.com

Undergraduate Students & Volunteers

Jackson Snipas

Undergraduate Student

My name is Jackson Snipas, and I am entering my senior year as an undergraduate studying Molecular and Cellular Biology at San Diego State University. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master's degree and remain in San Diego to continue my research. I joined the Schrankel Lab to expand my experience in tissue culture, gaining skills in human stem cell techniques and mouse embryonic fibroblast culturing. Working in the Schrankel Lab has also enhanced my critical thinking, experimental planning, and collaboration skills, all valuable for my future research career.
Outside of academics, I enjoy playing basketball and baseball, surfing, and scuba diving, which keep me balanced and energized. My next major goal is to travel to Asia, driven by my passion for exploring new cultures and destinations.

jsnipas1722@sdsu.edu

Rachel Wang

Undergraduate Student

Hello! My name is Rachel and I am a second-year Public Health student. Here in the Schrankel Lab, I am currently honing my hands-on skills in cell culture. I hope to integrate my public health background with the lab techniques I am learning to make meaningful advancements in the field of healthcare. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, watching K-dramas, and spending time with my family and friends.

rwang2593@sdsu.edu

Kaelyn Nguyen

Undergraduate Student

Hello, my name is Kaelyn! I am a fourth-year majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology at SDSU. In the Schrankel Lab, I assist with the care and maintenance of Lytechinus pictus adults and larvae. I joined the lab to explore research as a potential career path and have since gained experience in both bench techniques and scientific communication. I’m interested in what makes organisms sick and how model systems can reveal the molecular roots of disease. I plan to continue my studies and research in graduate school.

After a long day in the lab, I enjoy journaling and exploring cafes in San Diego.

knguyen5281@sdsu.edu

Gabriel Martin-Carloz

Undergraduate Student

gmartin3400@sdsu.edu

Gabrielle Muhering

Undergraduate Student

gmuehring2040@sdsu.edu

Zainab Al-Jasim

Undergraduate Student

Hi there! My name is Zainab, and I’m a fourth-year student at SDSU majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology. At the Schrankel Lab, I support research by maintaining Lytechinus pictus urchins. I plan to develop experience in sea urchin immunology and mammalian stem cell culture as I expand my research skills. I am particularly interested in connecting these areas to my interest in pharmacology. Looking ahead, I plan to continue building my research experience and pursue a career in pharmaceutical healthcare.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy learning new instruments, making crafts, and hiking.

zaljasim3477@sdsu.edu

Sarah Davis

Undergraduate Student

Hello! My name is Sarah Davis, and I’m a fourth-year undergraduate at San Diego State University majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Here in the Schrankel Lab, I assist with the cultivation and care of Lytechinus pictus and am working on advancing my skills in aseptic human stem cell culture laboratory techniques. I joined the Schrankel Lab to gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of research as it applies to animal and human cell models. With these skills, I hope to make innovative contributions in the field of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing beach volleyball, hiking with my dog Cooper, and trying new restaurants throughout San Diego.

sdavis5506@sdsu.edu

Katie Dunn

Undergraduate Student

Hello! My name is Katie Dunn, and I am a fourth-year Biology student at San Diego State University. In the Schrankel Lab, I assist with the care and maintenance of Lytechinus pictus adults and larvae. I first became involved with the lab after completing the Cell Culture Bootcamp, and I am excited to apply the skills I learned there while deepening my knowledge of marine life and strengthening my research experience.

Outside of academics, I enjoy running, going to the beach, and baking new recipes.

kdunn1782@sdsu.edu

Makayla Weston

Undergraduate Student

Hello, my name is Makayla and I am a fourth year business administration student. I am working as a purchasing and inventory lead to create a relational database for inventory and assist in solutions for organization and storage. Additionally, I network and negotiate prices with vendors to help establish long-term relationships with reputable companies and to optimize our budget.

After I graduate, I am considering entering into a procurement career and I am hoping to integrate the knowledge and experience I have gained from working at Schrankel Lab.

Outside academics, my passions reside in traveling, hiking, and spending quality time with loved ones.

mweston1874@sdsu.edu

Raena Nguyen

Undergraduate Student

Hello, my name is Raena and I am a third year Multimedia major. At Schrankel Lab, I'm the website and design lead responsible for keeping the lab website up to date, creating flyers for events and social media posts, as well as assisting with graphics/figures for posters, presentations, and projects. I use my design skills to translate science into easily understood graphics for non-scientists and scientists alike.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, creating and designing art, and cooking.

rnguyen5093@sdsu.edu