People

Valter Longo, PhD
Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences

Sebastian Brandhorst, PhD
Research Assistant Professor of Gerontology

Dr. Brandhorst’s training is based on a background in cell biology, molecular biology, medicine, and biochemistry, all of which are highly relevant for his focus on biogerontology research to identify the mechanisms underlying cellular protection, as well as health- and lifespan-regulation, and their translation into clinical applications. He has performed research related to aging with focus on mouse models to study the role of growth hormone/Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling as a major regulatory pathway that modulates lifespan and age-associated diseases/pathologies; including cancer. His research provided significant contributions in demonstrating that fasting can protect organisms from the toxic side-effects of commonly prescribed chemotherapy drugs while simultaneously sensitizing many types of malignant cells. Subsequently, he extended his research from pre-clinical to clinical studies to investigate the application of nutrition-based interventions, such as short-term starvation, low calorie and/or low protein diets, so called fasting-mimicking diets, to improve healthspan and extend longevity. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved with the design and performance of numerous complex mouse studies, some of them lasting multiple years, related to nutrition-based interventions that improve healthspan and extend longevity. His current research is focused on nutrition-induced cellular resilience, systemic regeneration and rejuvenation, and lifespan/healthspan extension ranging from model organisms of aging to humans. He is also the Co-Director of USC’s “Aging Rodent Phenotyping Core”.

Maura Fanti, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher

Maura received her PhD in Toxicology and Liver Pathology in 2014 from the University of Cagliari (Italy). During her doctoral studies, she served as an International Research Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh (PA), where she focused on liver regeneration processes. She later pursued postdoctoral research in oncology at the University of Cagliari, investigating the effects of aging and cellular senescence on the progression of liver cancer. Driven by a strong interest in the relationship between nutrition and health, Maura joined Professor Longo’s lab at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles (CA) in 2019, where she explores how dietary interventions influence the molecular mechanisms of aging. Her current research aims to identify targeted nutritional strategies to improve or reverse chronic metabolic and inflammatory conditions linked to modern diets.

Dolly Chowdhury
Graduate Student – PhD in Biology of Aging

My research project involves exploring the effects of FMD in delaying cellular senescence and Parkinson’s disease symptoms in a paraquat mouse model through the reduction of alpha synuclein aggregation, prevention of dopamine depletion, and prevention of motor dysfunction. Additionally, I plan to examine the effect of rapamycin to target cellular senescent cells through the inhibition of the mTOR pathway to activate autophagy and reduce oxidative stress, and how these responses lead to a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Giacomo Giuliani
Graduate Student – PhD in Biology of Aging

Giacomo Giuliani is a PhD candidate at the University of Southern California pursuing the Biology of Aging’s doctoral program in the School of Gerontology. Educated at the University of Camerino (Italy), he graduated with honors for his BSc in Nutritional Biology. Upon graduation, Giacomo’s academic career continued at the University of Trieste (Italy) and Rennes 1 (France), where he earned a double degree Master of Science in Functional Genomics and Molecular and Cellular Biology. As a researcher in Professor Valter Longo’s laboratory, Giacomo collaborates with the research team still conducting his studies. His research at USC centers on understanding the impact of nutrition on cancer and exploring how fasting can enhance sensitivity to novel anticancer targets.

Caitlin Nguyen
Graduate Student – BS in Human Biology, MS in Global Medicine

My research interests focus on understanding the skin’s response to disease and pathology. Dermatology has fascinated me since high school, particularly the ways in which the body’s first line of defense adapts to and manages diseases associated with aging. Exploring these mechanisms continues to inspire my journey toward medicine, as I prepare to apply to medical school in the upcoming cycle. Outside of academia, I am a figure skater who enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, watching TV, and advocating for equitable health policy.

Mahshid Shelechi
Graduate Student – PhD in Biology of Aging

My research interest is in fasting mimicking diet, longevity and cancer. My long term goal is to conduct innovative research in the field of aging, nutrition and healthspan.

Agatha Shi
Graduate Student – BS in Neuroscience, MS in Healthcare Data Science

Agatha’s research interests include treating neurological disorders, neuroimaging, and analyzing electrophysiological signals of the brain. After graduation, she plans on attending medical school.

Isabella Balikian
Undergraduate Student – BS in Human Biology, minor in Marketing

Growing up in San Diego in a family of doctors, I was inspired by their dedication to improving lives through medicine. This upbringing sparked my passion for healthcare and my desire to make a meaningful impact. My interest deepened as I explored how lifestyle choices, like dieting, can influence health, including reducing risks for serious conditions like cancer. I aspire to become a surgeon, combining my love for science and helping others to create lasting change. My goal is to contribute to medical advancements and empower patients to lead healthier lives.

Arsalan Saeed
Undergraduate Student – BS in Human Biology, minor in Geroscience

I am highly interested in the role of nutrition and fasting and the effects it can have on longevity of human life. This coincides with my plan and goal of becoming a physician.

Estin Tantisira
Undergraduate Student – BS in Neuroscience

My research interests lie in skin cancer using a combination of drug treatments and dieting therapies. I hope to go to medical school after I graduate from USC in 2025.