Lab Members

Jacob graduated with a bachelor of science from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), focusing on molecular cellular and developmental biology. During his undergraduate schooling, he embarked on a field research project studying the impacts of Sea Star Wasting Disease localized in Sitka, Alaska as it relates to community dynamics of the intertidal ecosystem. Following his return, Jacob was able to contribute to global temperature analysis research at the Rovelo Lab. Currently working in the Vujkovic-Cvijin Lab, he is involved in exploring links between the gut microbiome and human health.

Alice Lo graduated from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), with a master of science in pharmacology. Her previous research at UCI in the Olivier Civelli, MD, Lab was focused on elucidating the biological significance of neuropeptides, specifically Melanin Concentrating Hormone (MCH) and its role in maternal instincts and behaviors. Lo’s current work in the Vujkovic-Cvijin Lab involves exploring the diverse world of gut microbial communities and the impact on human health.

Christine graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2024 with a bachelor of science in molecular environmental biology and a concentration in the environment and human health. As a student, she wrote and instructed an undergraduate course on climate science and psychology, focused on emphasizing the importance of science communication. In the Vujkovic-Cvijin Lab, she aims to develop a better understanding of the diet-gut microbiome relationship and its role in human health and inflammatory disease.

Elena received her medical degree in biophysics from Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow. She gained experience in the immunology field by investigating the role of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer progression. Her research is focused on elucidating the role of gut microbiota in normal development and autoimmune diseases.

Asli graduated with honors from UCLA with a bachelor of science in human biology. Her previous research focused on hepatosteatosis in the Lusis Lab and Kawasaki disease in the Arditi Lab. As a PhD student in the Vujkovic-Cvijin Lab, she is focusing on gut mircrobial responses to diet and sex differences by employing dry/wet lab methodologies.