Current Lab Photo

SUMMER 2024

Principal Investigator

Jefferson W. Kinney, Ph.D.

Full-Professor

Founding Chair - Reg Grundy and Joy Chambers-Grundy Department of Brain Health, UNLV

Director:

Cellular and Molecular Brain Research Laboratory (CAMBR)

Pam Quirk Brain Health and Biomarker Laboratory

Affiliate Faculty - Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine

Dr. Kinney earned his Ph.D. in 2000 from Colorado State University. He was then awarded an Intramural Research Training Fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health working in the Section of Behavioral Genetics directed by Dr. Jacqueline Crawley. Research topics in the laboratory focused on both behavioral pharmacology projects as well as extensive behavioral phenotyping of several transgenic mouse models. In October of 2002, Dr. Kinney was awarded the Helen Dorris Fellowship in schizophrenia research in the Department of Neuropharmacology at The Scripps Research Institute in the laboratory of Dr. Tamas Bartfai. Research projects in the laboratory focused on the cellular and molecular alterations in not only schizophrenia but also several other neurological disorders. In August of 2007, Dr. Kinney joined the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. In 2019, Dr. Kinney founded the Department of Brain Health at UNLV, and is currently the chair.

Contact Dr. Kinney: Jefferson.Kinney@unlv.edu

Senior researchers & Lab managers

Amanda M. Leisgang Osse, Ph.D.

Post-doc in Chambers Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience

Dr. Amanda Osse received her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience in 2024! She compared her bachelor’s degree, majoring in biology and minoring in psychology and chemistry, from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. There, she worked in the laboratory of Dr. Devinder Sandhu specializing in plant genetics. Joining the CaMBR Lab as a doctoral student in 2017, Amanda’s research focuses on identifying and evaluating inflammatory-related proteins that could contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease. Specifically, her research has demonstrated changes in the GABA-B receptor in Alzheimer's Disease, supporting its contribution to disease pathology. Given that two-thirds of Alzheimer's Disease patients are women, Amanda’s work examines differences in mechanisms between males and females, which is essential to understanding how gender influences the disease.

Contact Amanda: amanda.leisgang@unlv.edu

Zhengshi Yang, Ph.D.

Dr. Zhengshi Yang received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2024! He graduated from the University of Kentucy in 2015 with Master’s degree in Physics. Since 2015, he has been working at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas as a MRI research engineer. Zhengshi develops new analytical and statistical approaches to detect fMRI activation pattern, and implements artificial intelligence techniques for automated brain segmentation and cleaning time series data. Furthermore, he collaborates with clinicians to investigate biomarkers during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Zhengshi joined our lab as a graduate student in Fall 2020, he is interested in identifying how the pathological changes in blood is related to the neuroimaging biomarker in neurodegenerative diseases and revealing the role of sex in human subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD mice model.

Contact Zhengshi: yangz5@unlv.nevada.edu

Bree Balsamo, BS

Graduate Student

Bree received her undergraduate degree in biological sciences from UNLV with a minor in mathematics. Her undergraduate research involved looking for antibiotic resistance genes present in microbes found in waste water from the washes around the Las Vegas valley. Joining the CaMBR Lab as a doctoral student in 2023, her graduate research involves studying the mechanisms behind the different pathologies in Alzheimer’s Disease with an emphasis on sex differences. She is currently looking for links between menopause and changes in Alzheimer’s Disease pathology in order to better understand how this disease effects women as they make up two-thirds of the cases of this disease in the population. In future projects she would like to look at links between stress and Alzheimer’s Disease pathology to better understand the impact stress can have on neurodegeneration.

Not Pictured:

1. Stephen (Steve) Kurzyniec - (Shimadzu Pharma/Biopharma BD Specialist; Graduate Student)

2. Tammy Jones-Lepp - (Mass Spec Specialist)

Andrew A. Ortiz, Ph.D.

Dr. Andrew A. Ortiz received his Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience in 2024! He graduated with a bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience at UNLV in Fall 2017. He joined the lab in 2017 as research technician, and later he was accepted as a doctoral student. Andrew previously research experience was in Dr. James M. Hyman's in vivo Electrophysiology Laboratory where he constructed neuro recording implants capable of simultaneously targeting & recording brain regions (in real time) to better understand how they interact and synchronize during decision-making. Andrew is now interested on investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of how metabolic alterations (e.g. diabetes), aging, and neuroinflammation confer significant increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease. More specifically, he is interested on how diabetes affects learning and memory & Alzheimer’s Disease-related pathogenesis utilizing various rodent models and molecular biology techniques. He plans to further investigate this in human samples for a translational approach.

Contact Andrew: Andrew.ortiz@unlv.edu

Maya Rae Mugosa, BS

Graduate Student

Maya Rae is a recent graduate from Northern Arizona University with her bachelors in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Psychology. She joined our lab in summer of 2021 and was accepted into our laboratory as a graduate student in 2024! Maya Rae's interests are microbiology, molecular genetics, and neurological disorders. After working with patients with Alzheimer's, she became interested in the mechanisms involved and focused many school projects and her capstone on research regarding this disease. She is very excited to be working in a lab that is focused on something she has been interested in for the past several years and to further her knowledge on the topic.

CURRENT Research Assistants

Chloe Mamales

Chloe joined our lab the Summer of 2021 as a research assistant! Chloe is currently a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology (Pre-Professional Concentration), and minoring both in Neuroscience & Business Administration. She plans to pursue a career related to pediatrics with emphasis in human growth & development. Chloe is interested in gaining more knowledge & experience on topics such as Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience and the process of how our neural substrates can disrupt certain Neurological Disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Her research goal is to be able to examine neuroscience findings and relate them to relevant disorders, test theories of disease progression, and develop applicable strategies for putative therapies.

Matin Fani

Matin (Matt) joined the laboratory in Spring of 2024 a research assistant! Matt is an undergraduate psychology major, and has overlapping interests in biology and neuroscience. As a first year transfer student, he is looking to deepen his knowledge on the intricates of the human mind, and how it bridges the gap into human biology. In addition, his focus and interests include understanding the underlying mechanisms by which diabetes and chronic neuroinflammation can alter the development of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. Matt is currently pursuing a pre-professional program with hopes to become a optometrist or a physician to help give back to the community.

Kiana Jeon

Kiana joined the laboratory Spring of 2024 as a research assistant! Kiana is currently a sophomore pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology. After learning more about Alzheimer's Disease and experiencing it first-hand through her training as a CNA, Kiana is interested in learning more about the hormonal influences and mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease, especially in women with endocrine disorders such as PCOS. Currently, Kiana is most looking forward to learning perfusion and other PCR techniques at the lab! After graduation, Kiana plans to further her education by pursuing a Master's Degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion.

Mason Jonah

Mason joined our laboratory in the Spring of 2024 as a research assistant! Mason is a senior undergraduate student who will be graduating this semester with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a pre professional concentration. Scientific inquiry and exploration have always been a source of passion for him, but it was not until his discovery of the brain that really molded and gave that passion direction. After losing family in their battle with cancer, dealing with medical scares entailing a tumor of his own, along with other health related issues regarding his family; Mason became determined from these experiences to channel his drive to understand the brain and to shape it in the form of advancing patient care and medical technology. Mason is currently dedicating his time in the lab to assist in the observation and analysis of biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease in human blood samples, where he aspires to help find other indications of AD pathology such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles to help contribute to treatments that serve to prevent cognitive decline. After he graduates, Mason plans to take a gap year to better prepare himself for medical school where he will be volunteering in hospitals, continuing his assistance in Alzheimer's disease research, and studying to take the MCAT so that he will be ready to apply the following summer.

Daniyal Kheradmand

Daniyal joined our laboratory in the Spring of 2024 as a research assistant! Daniyal is dedicated premedical student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a dual major in Biology and Psychology. He is ambitiously aiming for a career as a neurosurgeon, and is committed to advancing healthcare and patient well-being. He demonstrates exceptional initiative and a keen interest in his field, underscoring his passion and potential in the medical sciences.

Kyle Suk

Kyle joined the lab Spring of 2022 as a research assistant! Kyle is currently an undergraduate student at the UNLV Honors College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. After losing close family and friends to Alzheimer’s Disease, Kyle became interested in understanding the molecular functions and processes in neurodegenerative diseases through microbiology and neuroscience. Kyle is currently interested in expanding his knowledge and better understanding the mechanisms responsible for neurodegenerative diseases such as the buildup of beta-plaques between neurons that ultimately result in necrosis. His research goal is to consider the various factors that are possibly responsible for Alzheimer’s Disease such as diabetes and neuroinflammation. After graduating, Kyle plans to pursue his education by attending medical school with the hopes of becoming a doctor to give back to the community and provide quality care to diverse communities.

Adrianna Tsao

Adrianna joined the laboratory in Spring of 2024 as a research assistant! Adrianna is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biological Science with a minor in Neuroscience. Adrianna plans to pursue a career in medicine with a focus in neurology and treating neurological disorders. Adrianna’s curiosity for studying Alzheimer’s Disease came about when she discovered that there is so much still unknown about the mechanisms that cause the sporadic (late-onset) variety of Alzheimer’s Disease. Her relentless curiosity and passion for the subject drew her to the lab, and she is excited to gain experience in research and furthering her understanding of the complexities behind neurodegenerative disorders. Being able to work in a group with like-minded individuals fuels her drive and excitement for making a contribution to important projects within the lab. Outside of the lab, Adrianna loves spending time with her friends and family, baking, and spending time outdoors!

Emily Tran

Emily joined our laboratory in Spring 2024 as a research assistant! She is a current 3rd year Biology major with a Pre-Professional concentration. She plans on attending medical school following her graduation in pursuit of a career as a physician specializing in developmental health. Emily became interested in brain health research after her patient experiences as a certified nursing assistant at a local veteran’s home. Her goals are to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human brain and how they connect to the onset of different pathologies. Specifically, she aims to explore different lifestyle and environmental factors that alter neurological functionality. Using the knowledge she learns throughout her academic career; she strives to be able to educate others about neurodegenerative diseases and promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Not Pictured:

1. Jacob Osorio

2. Rubycelia (Ruby) Sanchez

3. Lateef Omidiji Jr

4. Amy Oganesyan

5. Mason Jonah

6. Isabella Hou

PREVIOUS LAB PHOTOS

FALL 2019

Summer Semester 2019

(Left to right)

Back: Kyle Diago, Renzo Chuapoco, Christian Guese, Blaine Book, Christian Marquez, Amanda Leisgang, Logan Myers, Justin Bauzon

Middle: Saad Chowdhry, Cecil Babul, Andrew Ortiz, Nicholas Kolch, Philip Edwards

Front: Michael Kimmich, Asad Chowdhry, Arnold Salazar, Celine Nguyen, Elizabeth Groesbeck, Dr. Jefferson Kinney, Michelle Perez, Natnael Begremariam, Luke Anger

FALL SEMESTER 2018

(Left to right)

Back: Christian Guese, Logan Meyers, Megan Yoon, Marie Hernandez, Chelsea Tran, Ibrahim Bhatti, Amanda Leisgang

Middle: Michelle Perez, Cailey Divers, Andrew Ortiz, Myguan Trinh, Nicholas Kolch, Ava Platt

Front: Renzo Chuapoco, Emily Chau, Dr. Jefferson Kinney, Willie Jay Nicolas, Arnold Salazar

SPRING SEMESTER 2018

(Left to right)

Back: Nicholas Kolch, Amanda Leisgang, Dr. Jefferson Kinney, Logan Meyers, Emily Chau, Andrew Ortiz

Front: Ibrahim Bhatti, Chelsea Tran, Renzo Chuapoco, Arnold Salazar, Myguan Trinh, Megan Yoon, Marie Hernandez, Michelle Perez

 FALL SEMESTER 2017

(Left to right)

Back: Renzo Chuapoco, Logan Myers, Andrew Murtishaw

Middle: Amanda Leisgang, Robert Sotille, Chelsea Tran, Hailey Bergman, Marie Hernandez, Andrew Ortiz, Emily Chau

Front: James Toughlian, Arnold Salazar, Dr. Kinney

SPRING SEMESTER 2017

(Left to right)

Back/Middle: Dr. Kinney, Renzo Chuapoco, Andrew Murtishaw, William Kim, Austin Boren, Megan Yoon, James Toughlian, Michelle Strong, Choi Tsang, Andrew Ortiz

Front: Arnold Salazar, Emily Chau, Monica Bolton, Alex Goslar

 Spring Semester 2016

(Left to right)

Back: Hailey Bergman, Kirsten Calvin, Monica Bolton

Middle: Robert Nagele, Andrew Murtishaw

Front: James Toughlian, Dr. Kinney, Austin Boren

Not pictured: James McClinch

Spring Semester 2015

FALL Semester 2013

former Senior Researchers & Lab Managers

Chelcie Heaney, PhD

Chelcie received her Ph.D. from UNLV in Spring 2015. She joined the Experimental Psychology program with an emphasis in Neuroscience in the fall of 2009, having previously obtained a B.A. in Psychology and Biology from Boston University in 2007.  She earned her M.A. from the program in the spring of 2012. Her research interests include inhibitory mechanisms of learning and memory, focusing on hippocampal circuitry, and how alterations within these circuits contribute to disease states. Chelcie is currently a post-doctoral scholar in the laboratory of Dr. Kimberly Raab-Graham at the Center for Learning and Memory at the University of Texas at Austin, which is currently in the process of relocating to Wake Forest School of Medicine in North Carolina. 

Contact Chelcie: chelcie.heaney@gmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chelcie-heaney-510321b5/

Monica Bolton, PhD

Monica received her PhD in January of 2017 with her dissertation entitled, "An Evaluation of GABAB Receptors on Modulating Neuroinflammation in a Non-Transgenic Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease." She is currently a Medical Science Liaison where she is a field-based medical expert responsible for scientific exchange on disease states and products.

Contact Monica: monicabolton@gmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/monicambolton/

Austin Boren, BA

Austin Boren graduated from UNLV in Fall 2015 with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in neuroscience.  He began the Experimental Program in Fall 2016. His research interests include learning and memory, the role of GABA in neuropyschological disorders, and the pathology of neurodegenerative disorders. Austin transferred to the Hines Group Laboratory in August 2017.

Contact Austin: austin.boren@unlv.edu 

Jonathan Sabbagh, PhD

Jonathan entered the Experimental program in 2007 with a B.S. in Neuroscience from Tulane University. His research interests include elucidating mechanistic features of Alzheimer's disease. Jon graduated in the spring of 2013 with his Ph.D. and worked as post-doctoral scholar in the Department of Molecular Medicine USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute in the laboratory of Dr. Chad Dickey. Jon is currently working for NIH in the NINDS as a Health Program Specialist.

Contact Jon:  jonathan.sabbagh@nih.gov

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-sabbagh-a128779a/

Andrew Murtishaw, PhD

Andrew received his PhD in July 2018. His dissertation work is entitled "An Evaluation of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Pathology in Two Different Models of Diabetes in Immune-Challenged Mice." His research in the lab focused primarily on overlapping mechanisms between diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease. Andrew worked as a Research Associate in the UNLV School of Nursing's Applied Biomedical Research Laboratory. Andrew currently is the assistant director at the Alzheimer’s Association in the greater Chicago area.

Andrew Murtishaw maintained the Kinney Lab website from 2012-2017

Contact Andrew: andrew.murtishaw@gmail.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmurtishaw

Arnold Salazar, PhD

Arnold Salazar graduated from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. His research interests fall in the broad field of molecular biology of diseases. His projects focused on the mechanisms of microglial responses to neuroinflammation. Additionally, he collaborated with the Lou Ruvo Cleveland Clinic here in Las Vegas to analyzes human samples from individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimie’s disease, Parkisons’s disease, etc., for potential biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s; and lead the biobank in the Department of Brain Health during his stay.

Contact Arnold: arnold.salazar@unlv.edu             

FORMER RESEARCH ASSISTANTS and personal

*Please contact Andrew.ortiz@unlv.edu if you were a previous laboratory member and not listed*