Current Lab Members

Teresita Padilla-Benavides, PhD Principal Investigator.
Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Department
College of Integrative Sciences
Wesleyan Student SACNAS Chapter Advisor
Editorial roles:
Associate Editor. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports
Associate Editor. Frontiers in Chemistry, Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences and Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology; Cellular Biochemistry section.
Past positions:
2020. Research Assistant Professor. University of Massachusetts Medical School. Worcester, MA.
2018. Instructor. University of Massachusetts Medical School. Worcester, MA.
2017. Adjunct Professor. Mount Ida College. Newton, MA.
2016. Postdoctoral fellow. University of Massachusetts Medical School. Worcester, MA.
2014. Postdoctoral fellow. Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA.
2010. Graduate student. Centro de Investigacion y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecnico Nacional. Mexico City, Mexico.
2003-2010. Adjunct Professor Universidad Tecnologica de Mexico.
2004. BSc. Biology. Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas. Instituto Politecnico Nacional. Mexico City, Mexico.
Email: tpadillabena@wesleyan.edu
ORCID Account
Linkedln
Google scholar: Teresita Padilla-Benavides


Postdoctoral fellows

Dr. Odette Verdejo-Torres
2019. Ph.D. (Cell and Molecular Physiology), Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), México
Past positions:
2022. Post-Doctoral Associate. University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
2019. Adjunct Professor. Lecture and Laboratory: Biomedical and clinical research. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Iztacala Campus, Mexico
2019. Medical and Development Director. Sistems Diagnostics, Mexico
Awards:
2022. The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections 2022, New Investigator
Scholarship
2017. The 15th International Conference on “Na,K-ATPase and Related Transport ATPase”, Travel Award. Japan, 2017
2011-2017. Research Fellowship, Mexican National Research Council. Mexico
Recent publications:
1) Kim, E.Y., Verdejo-Torres, O., Diaz-Rodriguez, K., Hasanain, F., Caromile, L., & Padilla-Benavides, T.* 2023. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and Zn transport by nuclear ZIP11 shape cancer phenotypes in HeLa cells. Biorxiv; https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.08.12.553076
2) Huang L, Zhang XO, Rozen EJ, Sun X, Sallis B, Verdejo-Torres O, Wigglesworth K, Moon D, Huang T, Cavaretta JP, Wang G, Zhang L, Shohet JM, Lee MM, Wu Q. 2022. PRMT5 activates AKT via methylation to promote tumor metastasis. Nat Commun. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31645-1
Email: overdejotorr@wesleyan.edu


Graduate Students MB&B

MSc. Jaime Carrazco-Carrillo
Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, PhD student
Past positions:
2016. Master in Science.  Biomedicine and Molecular Biotechnology. Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas (ENCB-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
2014. Bachelor in Science. Biology, specialty in Biotechnology. Universidad de Sonora, Campus Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
2014. Laboratory Teaching Assistant. Courses: Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Genetics. Universidad Tecnologica de Mexico, Atizapan Campus. Atizapan, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
2012. International Student Exchange. Bachelor in Science. Cellular and Molecular Biology Major. Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada
Recent publications:
1) Functional effect of indole-3 carbinol in the viability and invasive properties of cultured cancer cells. Baez-Gonzalez, A.S., Carrazco-Carrillo, J.A., Figueroa-Gonzalez, G., Quintas-Granados, L.I., Padilla-Benavides, T.*, & Octavio Reyes-Hernandez*. 2023. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, Latin America special edition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101492
2) Carlson, A., Carrazco-Carrillo, J.A., Loder, A., Elkhadragy, L., Schachtschneider, K.M., and Padilla-Benavides, T. 2022. The Oncopig as an emerging model to investigate copper regulation in cancer. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 23 (22), 14012. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232214012
Awards:
2022. Scholarship to attend to the 2022 SACNAS pre-conference 1st annual C.O.L.O.R. retreat in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
2016. Honorable Mention. Master in Science Thesis. ENCB-IPN. Mexico
2016. Research Fellowship, Mexican National Research Council. Mexico
2013. Research Fellowship, Mexican Academy of Sciences. Mexico
Email: jcarrazcoca@wesleyan.edu


PhD Rotation Students

Andrea S. Baez-Gonzalez
Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, PhD student
Past positions:
2023. Bachelor in Science. Biology. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
Recent publications:
1) Functional effect of indole-3 carbinol in the viability and invasive properties of cultured cancer cells. Baez-Gonzalez, A.S., Carrazco-Carrillo, J.A., Figueroa-Gonzalez, G., Quintas-Granados, L.I., Padilla-Benavides, T.*, & Octavio Reyes-Hernandez*. 2023. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, Latin America special edition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101492
Awards:
2022 Scholarship: Becas UNAM-DGECI Iniciación a la Investigación to visit the Padilla-Benavides lab, Wesleyan University, CT, USA
2021 Scholarship Fortalecimiento Lingüístico Académico UNAM @ Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA
2021. XXVII Scholar Research Forum in Biology April 2021. Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza. UNAM, Mexico
2020. XXVI Scholar Research Forum in Biology November 2020. Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza. UNAM, Mexico
Email:  abaezgonzale@wesleyan.edu


Master Students


Undergraduate Students

Michael Quinteros
Bachelor of Arts, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Major. Class of 2024
High School Tutor, Yonkers Partners In Education, Yonkers, NY.
President, Wesleyan SACNAS Chapter , Middletown, CT.
WSA Senator, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT.
Past positions:
2020. Programmer, All-Star Code Summer Intensive, New York City, NY
2018. Member M3C Young Scholars Program, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Awards:
2022 Research in the Sciences Summer Fellowship
2022 ASBMB Undergraduate Research Award
2021 Research in the Sciences Summer Fellowship
WesMaSS Program, Wesleyan University
2020. Dean’s List
2020. New York State Seal of Biliteracy Recipient
2019. Quest Bridge National College Match Scholarship Recipient
2019. Historical Society Award for American History, Yonkers
2018. M3C Young Scholars Program Valedictorian
Recent publications:
1) Irène Nagle, Alain Richert, Michael Quinteros, Sébastien Janel, Henry Debost, Véronique Thevenet, Claire Wilhelm, Céline Prunier, Frank Lafont, Teresita Padilla-Benavides, Mathieu Boissan, Myriam Reffay. 2022. Surface tension of model tissues during malignant transformation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. Cell Adhesion and Migration section. Special topic on Mechanical and Structural Phenotypes of Cells and Extracellular Matrices Govern Cell Adhesion and Migration.
2) Cat McCann, Michael Quinteros, Ifeoluwa Adelugba, Marcos N. Morgada, Aida R. Castelblanco, Emily J. Davis, Antonio Lanzirotti, Sarah J. Hainer, Alejandro J. Vila, Juan G. Navea and Teresita Padilla-Benavides. 2022. The mitochondrial Cu+ transporter PiC2 (SLC25A3) is a target of MTF1 and contributes to the development of skeletal muscle in vitro. Novel Approaches to Study Metals in Molecular Biology.
Email: mquinteros@wesleyan.edu


Emma Johnston
Bachelor of Arts, Prospective Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Major. Class of 2024
Member of Club Volleyball at Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT. Upperclassman Mentor, Wesleyan Women in STEM, Middletown, CT
Upperclassman Mentor, Wesleyan Women in STEM, Middletown, CT
Past positions:
2023. Research Intern, Bloomful, London, UK
2020. Volunteer Hours Associated with National Honors Society
2019. Consistent volunteer at Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), VA
2018. Volunteer with Rustic Pathways in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
2018. Leadership Arlington Youth Program Participant, VA
Awards:
2022. Research in the Sciences Summer Fellowship
2020: National Honor Society, Yorktown High School, Arlington, VA
2020: National Honor Society, Yorktown High School, Arlington, VA
Email: eejohnston@wesleyan.edu


Fa’alataitaua (Taua) Malietoa Fitisemanu
Bachelor of Arts, Microbiology and Biochemistry; Chemistry Minor: Integrated Design, Engineering, and Applied Science. Class of 2024
Admissions Tour Guild, Wesleyan University Admission, Middletown, Middletown, CT.
Varsity Swimmer, Men’s Swimming and Diving, Wesleyan University
Past positions:
2021. Facilities Project Assistant, Wesleyan Facilities Department
2021. Alum Leader, Youthlinc, Salt Lake City, UT
Recent publications:
Alibayov, B., Scasny, A., Khan, F., Creel, A., Smith, P., Vidal, A.G.J., Fitisemanu, F.M., Padilla-Benavides, T., Weiser, J. and Vidal, J.E. 2022. Oxidative reactions catalyzed by hydrogen peroxide produced by Streptococcus pneumoniae and other streptococci cause the release and degradation of heme from hemoglobin. Preprint at BioRXiv: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.08.23.504964. Infection and Immunity. https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.00471-22
Awards:                                                                                         
2023. Summer research fellowship NIAMS, NIH                                                                                    
2023. American Chemical Society travel award                                                                                               
2022. SACNAS National Conference Poster presenter award in Chemistry field
2022. Research in the Sciences Summer Fellowship                                                                                     
2022. McNair Program Fellowship recipient                                                                                       
Email: tfitisemanu@wesleyan.edu


Ahmad Almohamed
Bachelor of Arts, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry. Minor: Chemistry, Middle Eastern Studies, AFAM. 2024 Class
Past positions:
2020. Vice President, National Honor Society, Syracuse, NY
2020. Class Representative, Le Moyne College Upward Bound, Syracuse, NY
Awards:                                                                                       
2021. Northeast Regional Alliance (NERA) MedPrep HCOP Academy Program participant                                                                                
2020. QuestBridge National College Match Finalist & Scholarship Recipient
2018. University of Rochester SNMA Premedical Conference Scholarship Recipient
Email: aalmohamed@wesleyan.edu

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Arpie Bakshian
Bachelor of Arts, Molecular Biology & Biochemistry. Minors: Chemistry, Eastern European Studies, 2024 Class
Past positions:
2023. Undergraduate researcher, MacQueen lab, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT.
2022. Undergraduate researcher, Blander lab, Weill Cornell Medical College, Jill Roberts Institute, New York, NY.
Awards:                                                                                       
2023. Research in the Sciences Summer Fellowship, Wesleyan University
2020. Third Place in Biomedical Sciences Category at Long Island Science and Engineering Fair
Email: abakshian@wesleyan.edu

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Anand Parikh
Bachelor of Arts, Major: TBD . 2025 Class
Past positions:
2022. Assay Development Intern at Clear Lab
2021. Colby College. Bachelor of Science Degree Candidate, Computational Biology, ME
2021. R&D Intern, Aluna Health, Cambridge, MA
Email: aparikh02@wesleyan.edu

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Antonio Rivera
Bachelor of Arts, Prospective major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Sociology. Minor: Chemistry. 2026 Class.
Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White STEM Scholarship Recipient
WesMaSS Member
Past positions:
2022. Intern, ANP Technologies Inc., Newark, Delaware.
Awards:
2023. SACNAS National Conference travel award
2023. Marion B. Sewer Distinguished Scholarship for Undergraduates ASBMB
St. Georges 2022 Outstanding Biotechnology Student Award
St. Georges 2022 Outstanding Science Student Award
St Georges 2022 Outstanding Mathematics Student Award
Salutatorian
St. Georges National Honors Society President
2X High School Varsity Lacrosse Captain
DIAA Boys Lacrosse State Tournament 2022 Crown Trophy Academic Award
Email: agrivera@wesleyan.edu


Denzel Bonilla-Pinto
Bachelor of Arts, Prospective major: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry & Neuroscience and Behavior. 2026 Class.
WesMaSS Member
Past positions:
2022 Volunteer, FBLA – Future Business Leaders of America, Benjamin O. Davis High School.
2022 President, French Honor Society, Benjamin O. Davis High School
Awards:
2021. QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship Recipient
Email: dbonillapint@wesleyan.edu


External Trainees and Visiting Scholars

Monse

Dr. Monserrat Olea-Flores
Visiting Postdoctoral scholar from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Recent publications:
1) Teresita Padilla-Benavides, Monserrat Olea-Flores, Tapan Sharma, Sabriya A. Syed, Hanna Witwicka, Miriam Zuniga Eulogio, Kexin Zhang, Napoleon Navarro-Tito, and Anthony N. Imbalzano. 2023. Differential Contributions of mSWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeler Sub-Families to Myoblast Differentiation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24(14), 11256.
2) Tapan Sharma, Monserrat Olea-Flores, and Anthony N. Imbalzano. 2023. Regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway during myogenesis by the mammalian SWI/SNF ATPase BRG1. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Vol. 11.
2) May T. Maung, Alyssa Carlson, Monserrat Olea-FLores, Lobna Elkhadragy, Kyle Schachtschneider, Napoleon Navarro-Tito, and Teresita Padilla-Benavides. 2021 Molecular basis of copper dysregulation and its relationship with human pathologies. FASEB Journal. 35: e21810.
3) Teresita Padilla-Benavides, Monserrat Olea-Flores, Yaje Nshanji, May T. Maung, Sabriya A. Syed, and Anthony N. Imbalzano. 2022. Differential requirements for different subfamilies of the mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzymes in myoblast cell cycle progression and expression of the Pax7 regulator. BBA – Gene Regulatory Mechanisms.
4) May T. Maung, Alyssa Carlson, Monserrat Olea-FLores, Lobna Elkhadragy, Kyle Schachtschneider, Napoleon Navarro-Tito, and Teresita Padilla-Benavides. 2021 Molecular basis of copper dysregulation and its relationship with human pathologies. FASEB Journal. 35: e21810.
Past positions:
2020. PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Facultad Académica de Ciencias Químico Biológicas. Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero.
2017-2018. Adjunct Professor. Cell culture lecture and lab. Facultad Académica de Ciencias Químico Biológicas. Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero. Mexico
2015. MSc. Biomedical Sciences. Facultad Académica de Ciencias Químico Biológicas. Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero.
2015-2016 Laboratory Assistant. Laboratorio de Toxicología y Salud Ambiental. Facultad Académica de Ciencias Químico Biológicas. Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero. Mexico
2013. BSc. Biological chemistry and parasitology. Facultad Académica de Ciencias Químico Biológicas. Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero. Mexico.

Email: Monserrat.OleaFlores@umassmed.edu
ORCID Account


High School Students

Smriti Rajan
South Windsor HighSchool, South Windsor, CT. 2025 Class.
One-on-one volunteer tutor for refugee children, Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA)
Founder and President At Home in this New Home club, devoted to helping refugees
Teacher Assistant for Physical Science teacher and Science Department
Awards:
2023 2nd place CT Science Olympiad State Competition
2023 4th place Yale Multi-State Invitational Science Olympiad
2023 5th place Columbia Invitational Science Olympiad
2022. 1st place Regional Science Fair
Email: smritirajan211@gmail.com


Lucas Silva
Centerbrook High School, International Baccalaureate, Centerbrook, CT. 2025 Class.
Volunteer The Favela Foundation, and BRAYCE are all NGOs destined to aid refugees in America
Volunteer Valley Comunidad Latina
Peer Advocates Captain
Awards:
2023 Yale Book Award
2023 Bausch+Lomb Honorary Science Award
2023 National Honors Society
2022. Life Transformative Education Access Initiative Scholarship
Email: lucasalvessilva016@gmail.com