Meet The Team
Principal Investigator
Tara TeSlaa, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. TeSlaa got her PhD in molecular biology at UCLA. She then did her postdoctoral training with Joshua Rabinowitz at Princeton University. In her free time Dr. TeSlaa likes to spend time with family, cheer for UCLA and LA sports, and play beach volleyball.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Sandhya Yadav, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher
I completed my PhD thesis under the kind guidance of Prof. Sanjeev Shukla at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISERB), India. I then began my first post-doctoral studies (3 years) at UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, with Prof. Anthony Imbalzano. Outside the lab I spend my time with family and some art works.
PhD Researchers
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Teagan Dean
Graduate Researcher
Teagan is a first year Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology graduate student. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA with a bachelor's degree majoring in biochemistry and minoring in evolutionary medicine. Her research background includes undergraduate research in ecology and evolutionary biology studying the effects of climate change in harlequin bugs. Additionally, she did a year postbac at UCLA in the Chanfreau lab studying the effects of splicing inhibition in yeast. Besides doing lab work, Teagan also enjoys baking, working out, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family.
Rashel Jacobo
Graduate Researcher
Rashel is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in the UCLA GPB Molecular Pharmacology home area. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Sacramento with a bachelors of science in Biochemistry. Her undergraduate research focused on synthesis of novel click-glycopolymers for anti-viral applications against HIV and Covid-19, in the lab of Dr. Katherine McReynolds. She also worked in the lab of Dr. Steve Dubinett as a visiting undergraduate researcher and rotation student, studying mechanisms and ways to overcome immunotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. Outside of the lab, Rashel enjoys spending time with her friends and family, watching movies and tv shows, and baking.