Meet our team!
Catherine Schrankel
Principal Investigator
I am a new Assistant Professor of Cell Biology in the Biology Department at SDSU. Our lab investigates the cellular defense mechanisms that are active during embryonic development and in host-microbe interactions. My scientific background is anchored in comparative immunology, developmental biology, and most recently, xenobiotic transporter biology. In addition to our bench research, I seek to improve student learning of complex concepts in biology, and to engage with the general public about the importance of basic science in their lives.
Outside of the lab I enjoy running, making art, spending time with family and playing with my two dogs (Bandit and Puck).
Graduate Students & Technicians
Tim Haddad
Masters Student
I am a graduate student specializing in Biology within the CMB program at SDSU. My research background lies in Molecular Biology and Cell Physiology. Presently, I am broadening my expertise in the realm of developmental biology. The primary focus of my project involves the in vitro development and differentiation of human stem cells under exposure to different toxins and xenobiotics. I aspire to become a professor in the future, contributing to the science through teaching and research endeavors. Following a productive day in lab I enjoy playing soccer and bodybuilding.
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Erin Horkan
Masters Student
I am a master's student in the Cell and Molecular Biology program. I joined the Schrankel Lab in January 2024. I am studying immune system development in Lytechinus pictus. My goal is to work on disease diagnostics in marine invertebrates, particularly those grown for commercial mariculture. Outside of lab I enjoy hiking and snorkeling.
Jenna Luc
Masters Student
Hello, my name is Jenna, and I am studying microbiology within the cell and molecular biology master's program here at SDSU. I am interested in the role of bacterial pathogenesis and host-microbe interactions in the realm of immunology and cellular defenses on both host and pathogen sides. My current project includes identifying pathogenic microbes isolated from diseased adult sea urchins, L. pictus. My immediate future goals include applying and attending a PhD program to help me grow my expertise as a microbiologist. When I'm not in lab, I try to enjoy as many tasty foods that San Diego has to offer, or you can find me experimenting with various recipes in my kitchen (ask me about bread)!
Lauren Stoeltje
Masters Student
I'm a master’s student in the Cell and Molecular Biology program. My research focuses on sequencing the gut microbiome of the sea urchin, L. pictus, to explore early development and gut changes before and after feeding. We are using an established ABCB1 knockout sea urchin line to create a model for testing ABCB1's role in maintaining commensals. My work involves 16s rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics to characterize and compare the microbiomes. My aim is to apply my expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics to contribute meaningfully to the biotech industry as a scientist. Outside the lab, I enjoy visiting the dog park and farmer’s markets with my husband and our two Boxers.
Mia Andrew
Lab Technician
I'm the technician here in the Schrankel Lab! I received my master's degree from the University of Miami in Marine Biology in 2022 and moved to San Diego to explore new interests in my field. Working in the Schrankel Lab has provided me with numerous opportunities in gaining new skills in a lab setting. My main research interests include marine conservation with a particular interest in elasmobranch research. I chose to study marine biology to gain a better understanding of the natural world and how we can help save our oceans animals. My research goals are to explore ocean acidification effects on shark movement patterns. Outside the lab, I enjoy scuba diving, freediving, going to the beach, and exploring San Diego.
Undergraduate Students & Volunteers
Courtney Anderson
Undergraduate Student
I am currently a senior that is majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I aspire to a career in biomedical research and I plan on applying to PhD programs for next fall. I joined the Schrankel lab to get more experience in tissue culture. I have previous experience working with HT1080 cells at a start-up lab called Neomorph. The Schrankel lab has expanded my knowledge by introducing me to stem cell morphology, maintenance, and collection. In addition to human stem cell research, I have also learned how to culture and bank mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Outside of the lab, I am an NCAA Division I athlete; I compete on the women’s lacrosse team here at SDSU. Apart from being a student-athlete, I enjoy painting, listening to music, and cooking.
Samantha Stenzel
Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate student at San Diego State studying marine biology. I am lucky to be a part of the Schrankel Lab, which I joined in the Fall of 2023. Within the lab, I do animal husbandry, make water, feed urchin larvae, and shadow the master’s students on their projects. I was able to work with another undergraduate student and raise a batch of urchin larvae too. After I graduate in 2025 I plan to go back to school to get my master’s and I have future goals in wanting to work in the biotech field. Outside of the lab and school, I enjoy spending time in nature whether that is camping, hiking, swimming, or exploring.
Priscilla Plascencia
Cell Culture Volunteer/Incoming CMB Master's Student
I earned my bachelor's degree in Biology in December of 2022. I am taking a gap year to build my academic research experience and study for the MCAT. I joined the Schrankel lab to study ABC transporters in mammalian stem cells and to further my knowledge in stem cell and developmental biology. I’m passionate about unraveling the mysteries of cellular behavior. I seek scientific knowledge in pursuit of an M.D to one day become part of the 6 percent of physicians that are Latino. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cycling and spending time with close family and friends.
Alumni
Tatiana Guillen
Undergraduate Student
Hello, my name is Tatiana, and I am a fourth year Marine Biology major at SDSU. I plan on applying for master's programs so I can gain more experience in research. Eventually I would love to work on sea turtle conservation, specifically the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. The Fall '23 semester was my first time working in a lab. The Schrankel Lab has been amazing to work in and I've had opportunities to learn many new skills. My main job in the Schrankel lab is husbandry for adult urchins, where I've also had the opportunity to learn from graduate students. For my future project I will be looking into different feeding frequencies of sea urchin larvae. Aside from my work, I am also a part of a multicultural sorority on campus. I love going to concerts, trying new food spots, and going to the beach.
Charlie Manansala
Undergraduate Student
I’m a 4th year undergraduate in the CMB program. I like to study Immunology, Bioinformatics, and Biochemistry, and in lab, I get to learn about some of the finer details and mechanisms involved in these disciplines. Besides that, some of the things I do in lab spans from setting up and learning about how to use the scientific instruments, to having hands-on experience with handling and taking care of sea urchins. With the help of Dr. Schrankel and graduate students, I get the opportunity to learn how to apply and bridge my textbook knowledge with practical skills. After my bachelors, I want to go back to school and continue learning. Even if I don’t go back to school, I want to continue building skills to help me learn more effectively by myself. For fun, I like to hangout with my friends and eat good food.
Merrill Willis
Undergraduate Student
Hi, my name is Merrill Willis! I am an undergraduate student majoring in Marine Biology. I have worked as a scuba diving instructor for the past couple of years and I aspire to eventually work in the field of coral restoration. I joined the Schrankel lab to explore a different marine field through learning more about adult sea urchin, Lytechinus pictus. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exercising, cooking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
