People

Amy Christensen, PhD

Education

Amy was born and raised in San Diego, CA. Her doctoral work at UCLA involved looking at the molecular mechanisms of membrane estrogen receptor signaling in the context of female sexual behavior. Her current work focuses on Alzheimer’s disease in females and the utility of hormone therapy. When she’s not working in the Pike lab, she likes to run half marathons and watch lots of football (Go Chargers!).

Alma Rios

Education

Alma is from El Monte, CA. She studied Animal Science and Psychology at Mt. San Antonio College. Her current role in the Pike lab is to oversee the mouse colony and assist students with additional tasks. Outside of lab, Alma loves to spend time with her doggo, Sally, tying new places to eat, and loves to go to Disneyland as much as possible!

Looking to hire a new postdoc!

Education

Cassie McGill

Education

Cassie is from Gardena, California. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a bachelor of science in Genetics. Her current work in the Pike lab focuses on studying the effects of longevity promoting drugs on APOE phenotypes. Her favorite things to do outside of the lab are taking her dog (Kona) on hikes, exercising, and watching Marvel shows/movies.

Stephanie Wu

Education

Stephanie is from the Bay Area and went to UC Berkeley for undergrad where she majored in Molecular Environmental Biology and minored in Global Public Health. She is interested in researching translational Alzheimer’s disease therapies in mouse models. In her free time, she enjoys trying new food places around the LA area, playing violin, and hiking.

Prerana Vaddi

Education

Prerana is from Sunnyvale, California. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Bryn Mawr College and her Masters of Science in Nursing from Columbia University. Prerana is interested in studying the effects of diet on the aging brain. She enjoys rock climbing, cooking, binging the Great British Baking Show, and annoying her cat, Smokey, in her spare time.

Sara Namvari

Sara is from Palos Verdes, California. She is a senior majoring in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Her work at Pike Lab focuses on how longevity promoting drugs affect different APOE phenotypes. Outside of lab she enjoys playing tennis, painting, and going to the beach.

Lindsay Best

Lindsay is from Oklahoma City, OK. She is studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Lindsay is interested in sex differences in Alzheimers. Outside of the lab Lindsay loves to hike, run, play pickleball, and go to the beach!