Team
Vidyadhara D J, Team Lead
Vidyadhara is a neurobiologist with a long career dedicated to understanding Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and age-related neurodegeneration. His academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Microbiology, followed by a Master’s in Medical Physiology, where he conducted research on ischemic stroke and developed a strong interest in motor system disorders. This led him to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience, focusing on Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
During his doctoral research, he explored the heterogeneity of PD onset, provided first-of-its-kind insights into glial cell morphologies in the aging human substantia nigra, and contributed to the development of autophagy-based therapeutic approaches. His postdoctoral work advanced the field’s understanding of endolysosomal dysfunction in PD, particularly involving auxilin and GBA mutations. These studies emphasized the pivotal role of presynaptic endocytosis in both motor and cognitive symptoms of PD. He also contributed to work on olfactory dysfunction, neuroinflammation in Gaucher disease, and PD drug development.
His lab, launched in Oct. 2024, investigates whether PD pathogenesis begins at the presynaptic and axonal level—independent of the soma—and how such early dysfunction drives progressive motor and cognitive decline. The lab focuses on mechanisms of presynaptic endocytosis and other endolysosomal systems, aiming to uncover how their disruption leads to synaptic and axonal degeneration. These studies bridge fundamental neuroscience with translational goals, working to advance understanding and treatment of PD and other related neurodegenerative diseases.
Athira M. Menon, Research Technician
Athira is a skilled researcher with a strong academic foundation in biotechnology and microbiology. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and a Master’s in Microbiology, graduating with first rank and receiving a gold medal for academic excellence. Her research experience spans 3D cell culture systems, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, equipping her with a versatile skill set for studying disease mechanisms.
Athira’s interest in neuroscience was sparked during her tenure at the Centre for Neuroscience, Cochin University of Science and Technology, where she investigated the role of neurons in shaping primary and metastatic tumor niches—an experience that deepened her commitment to understanding chronic disease biology and neuroscience.
At the VDJ Laboratory, she focuses on deciphering the mechanisms of auxilin-mediated presynaptic endocytosis deficits in Parkinson’s disease, employing both iPSC-derived neurons and mouse models to uncover early pathogenic events in synaptic and axonal degeneration.
Ayleen Castillo-Torres, Graduate Student (rotating)
Ayleen holds a BA in Neuroscience from Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts. She then worked as a Research Technician in the Sadri-Vakili Neuroepigenetic Laboratory at Harvard University, where she contributed to studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Huntington’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism.
She is deeply passionate about neurodegeneration research, and in the VDJ Laboratory she is investigating the mechanisms of LRRK2-mediated synaptic degeneration and Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis.
Natalie Loveridge, MDDR student
Natalie holds a BA in Molecular and Cellular Biology with Honors, and a BA in Medicine, Health, and Society from Vanderbilt University. She is currently a second-year medical student pursuing a Doctor of Medicine with Distinction in Research (MDDR) in the VDJ Laboratory.
She aspires to become a physician-scientist in emergency or critical care medicine and is deeply passionate about biomedical research. In the VDJ Laboratory, she is investigating the mechanisms of LRRK2-mediated Parkinson’s disease.
Sasvat Chigurupati, Student Researcher
Sasvat is a high school student at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He aspires to become a physician-scientist and is deeply passionate about neuroscience. In the VDJ Laboratory, he contributes to studies on LRRK2-linked Parkinson’s disease.
Noémie Arrivé, Visiting Student
Noémie is a first-year Master’s student in Neurosciences at Paris Cité University, currently enrolled in a two-year program in France. She is visiting the VDJ lab for her summer research. Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences and hands-on research experience from internships in various laboratories, including in the Astroglia Cell Biology Laboratory at Cardiff University, UK.
She is deeply passionate about advancing research in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. In the VDJ Laboratory, she investigates synaptic vesicle integrity in auxilin loss-of-function models using proteomic approaches, followed by validation of key targets in mouse models and primary dopaminergic neuron cultures. Following the completion of her Master’s, she aims to pursue a PhD in Neurosciences.
Mafe Parra (Maria Fernanda Parra Lancheros) Summer Student
Maria is a rising junior at Lake Forest College, pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology, though she is currently considering switching her Psychology major to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to better complement her interests in neuroscience. Originally from Colombia, Maria completed her high school education while living in India for two years before moving to the United States for college.
Maria is a curious, ambitious, and dedicated student with a strong passion for learning. She is particularly fascinated by neurodegenerative disorders—a field that continues to capture her interest as she deepens her academic knowledge. She is especially drawn to understanding how environmental factors such as diet, sleep, and physical activity influence the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Maria is excited to join the VDJ Lab, where she will explore the interplay between environmental factors—particularly aging—and Parkinson’s disease. She is grateful for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with lab techniques she has studied in theory, including the chance to observe human iPSC-derived neurons grow. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in medical research where she can contribute to advancing science and improving human health.
Salar Hatef, Summer Student Researcher
Salar is a summer research student who grew up in Huntley, Illinois. He earned his B.S. from Northern Illinois University, where he conducted undergraduate research in entomology. Following this, Salar joined Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) to pursue an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences. Currently, he is a first-year medical student at Chicago Medical School, RFU.
In his free time, Salar enjoys baking cakes with his younger sister. At the VDJ Lab, he is contributing to research on the mechanisms of LRRK2-mediated presynaptic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease, utilizing mouse models to uncover early pathogenic events.