People

Head of the laboratory

Gustavo is a biologist, who obtained his undergraduate and PhD degrees from the University of Sao Paulo, and had his postdoctoral training in the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology at New York University. His research interests revolve around the role of protein ubiquitination in cell fate, aging, and neurodegeneration.

Beyond science, Gustavo enjoys listening to music, playing/watching soccer/combat sports, cooking and trying new flavors, and reading sociology. He tries to do at least three of the items at a time.

Scholars@Duke profile

contact: gustavo.silva[at]duke[dot]edu

Postdoctoral fellow

Géssica received her bachelor’s in Biochemistry and her Master’s degree in Agricultural Microbiology from the Federal University of Viçosa. She obtained her PhD degree in Biological Chemistry from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Her current interest is to understand the role of ribosome ubiquitination in translation control under oxidative stress conditions.

Outside of the lab, Géssica enjoys going to the gym, watching movies and spending time with her family and friends.

contact: gessica.cabral.barros[at]duke[dot]edu

Postdoctoral fellow/ Lab Manager

Ömür has a BSc from METU in Ankara, an MSc from SUNY Buffalo, a PhD in Biology from Duke, and postdoc experiences at Princeton and Chalmers. Her research interests are centered around how cells coordinate their functions with their environment at the molecular level. In addition to research, Ömür is also in charge of lab functions including organization, training, and operational work.

When away from the lab, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, doing outdoor activities, and history of science.

contact: omur.kayikci[at]duke[dot]edu

Graduate Student

Shannon received her bachelor’s degrees in Molecular Biology and Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and is a pursuing a doctoral degree through the Duke University Biology Department. She is currently interested in using mass spectrometry to monitor ribosomal ubiquitination during oxidative stress.

Outside of the lab, you are likely to find Shannon taking hikes with her dog, exploring Durham with friends, or curled up on the couch with a good book.

contact: shannon.dougherty[at]duke[dot]edu

Graduate student (NIH F30 Predoctoral MD/PhD fellow)

Austin received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and is pursuing his MD and PhD degrees through the Duke Medical Scientist Training Program. He is currently interested in how oxidative stress impacts translational control through ubiquitin in mammals, and the implications in disease.

In his free time, Austin enjoys running, discovering new music/chasing concerts, and watching random shows on Netflix.

contact: austin.maduka[at]duke[dot]edu

Research Scientist

Blanche obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She is always exploring new interests but is currently working on the deubiquitinating enzyme Ubp2 and how it regulates translation during stress. She is considering obtaining her CCRP certification and transitioning into clinical research.

In her free time, Blanche enjoys reading, talking to her family, exploring new places, and watching her comfort TV shows.

contact: blanche.cizubu[at]duke[dot]edu

Undergraduate Student (2023 Goldwater Scholar)

Sofia is a senior at Duke University, majoring in neuroscience and minoring in computer science. She plans on attending graduate school and pursuing a career in neuroscience research. Her interests in biology lie in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, and neurobiology. She is interested in how cellular metabolism and the oxidative stress response are connected to neurodegenerative diseases.

In her down time, Sofia loves traveling, watching films, reading, and food!

contact: sofia[dot]guerrero[at]duke[dot]edu

Undergraduate Student

Rachel is a sophomore at Duke University, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry and political science. Rachel plans to attend graduate school, earn a PhD, and pursue a career in biological research. She is interested in many subfields of molecular and cellular biology, including neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, signal transduction pathways, stem cell research, immunology, cellular respiration, and apoptosis.

In her free time, she loves to hike, read, exercise, and watch/tent for Duke basketball games!

contact: rachel[dot]field[at]duke[dot]edu

Undergraduate Student

Wigdan is a sophomore at Duke University planning to major in biology and global health. She is joining the lab as a part of Duke's Biological Science Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Her goal is to gain valuable scientific knowledge and enhance her science and research skills while investigating the various functions of K63 ubiquitination during oxidative stress. Wigdan aspires to become a physician capable of effecting transformative change in underserved areas around the world, ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare.

In my free time she loves to travel, spend time with family, and play soccer.

contact: wigdan[dot]hissien[at]duke[dot]edu