People
Ariel Pani, PI
Ari is fascinated by how cells communicate with each other to build animals. He attended graduate school at the University of Chicago and Stanford University, where he investigated the origins of vertebrate brain patterning mechanisms and the evolution of developmental genetic networks. Ari was a postdoctoral fellow at in Bob Goldstein's lab at UNC Chapel Hill, where he worked to elucidate mechanisms of Wnt dispersal using C. elegans and functions for cellular architectures in cell-cell signaling. In the lab, Ari particularly enjoys blasting things to smithereens with lasers, devising far-fetched experiments, and looking at new strains for the first time on the confocal. Outside the lab, he enjoys hiking with his family, catching fish, and exploring new places.
Theresa Gibney, Graduate student
Theresa received her BS in Biology from the College of William and Mary, where she was a member of an award-winning iGEM team. She then worked on the Flylight project HHMI's Janelia Research Campus before starting graduate school at UVA. Theresa's research focuses on deciphering how Fibroblast Growth Factors regulate cell migration and differentiation.
Michelle Favichia, Graduate student
Michelle received her BS in Biochemistry from the University of Delaware. Her research focuses on characterizing mechanisms for Wnt transport in different cell types and on potential functions for Wnt signaling from the nervous system to other tissues. Outside of the lab, Michelle enjoys mountain and gravel biking.
Laila Latifi, Undergraduate student
Laila is a Biology and Spanish double major who joined the Pani lab in 2021. She is currently using transgenic methods and live imaging to develop new tools to manipulate Wnt signaling in specific cell types.
Maria Lyons, Undergraduate student
Maria is a Biology and History double major who joined the Pani lab in 2022. She is currently establishing an Acoelomorph flatworm colony in the lab and working on roles for cell signaling pathways in acoel development and regeneration.
We are seeking new lab members
The Pani lab is always looking for postdocs, graduate students, and research staff who are interested in tackling big questions in developmental and cell biology. We believe that anyone can be a great biologist, and that our differences strengthen and improve our science.
Prospective graduate students:
If you're a graduate student at UVA and are interested in rotating in the lab, please come talk to us or send Ari an email. If you're an undergraduate interested in graduate school at UVA, you can send Ari an email to discuss your research experience and interests. Graduate students can join the lab through the Biology Department Graduate Program or the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program.
Prospective postdocs:
We welcome applications from creative and motivated postdoc candidates interested in pursuing new C. elegans or Acoelomorph projects. Please contact Ari for more information and to begin discussing your ideas.
Ariel Pani, PI
Ari is fascinated by how cells communicate with each other to build animals. He attended graduate school at the University of Chicago and Stanford University, where he investigated the origins of vertebrate brain patterning mechanisms and the evolution of developmental genetic networks. Ari was a postdoctoral fellow at in Bob Goldstein's lab at UNC Chapel Hill, where he worked to elucidate mechanisms of Wnt dispersal using C. elegans and functions for cellular architectures in cell-cell signaling. In the lab, Ari particularly enjoys blasting things to smithereens with lasers, devising far-fetched experiments, and looking at new strains for the first time on the confocal. Outside the lab, he enjoys hiking with his family, catching fish, and exploring new places.
Theresa Gibney, Graduate student
Theresa received her BS in Biology from the College of William and Mary, where she was a member of an award-winning iGEM team. She then worked on the Flylight project HHMI's Janelia Research Campus before starting graduate school at UVA. Theresa's research focuses on deciphering how Fibroblast Growth Factors regulate cell migration and differentiation.
Michelle Favichia, Graduate student
Michelle received her BS in Biochemistry from the University of Delaware. Her research focuses on characterizing mechanisms for Wnt transport in different cell types and on potential functions for Wnt signaling from the nervous system to other tissues. Outside of the lab, Michelle enjoys mountain and gravel biking.
Laila Latifi, Undergraduate student
Laila is a Biology and Spanish double major who joined the Pani lab in 2021. She is currently using transgenic methods and live imaging to develop new tools to manipulate Wnt signaling in specific cell types.
Maria Lyons, Undergraduate student
Maria is a Biology and History double major who joined the Pani lab in 2022. She is currently establishing an Acoelomorph flatworm colony in the lab and working on roles for cell signaling pathways in acoel development and regeneration.
We are seeking new lab members
The Pani lab is always looking for postdocs, graduate students, and research staff who are interested in tackling big questions in developmental and cell biology. We believe that anyone can be a great biologist, and that our differences strengthen and improve our science.
Prospective graduate students:
If you're a graduate student at UVA and are interested in rotating in the lab, please come talk to us or send Ari an email. If you're an undergraduate interested in graduate school at UVA, you can send Ari an email to discuss your research experience and interests. Graduate students can join the lab through the Biology Department Graduate Program or the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program.
Prospective postdocs:
We welcome applications from creative and motivated postdoc candidates interested in pursuing new C. elegans or Acoelomorph projects. Please contact Ari for more information and to begin discussing your ideas.