Meet the PI!
Hi, I am Dr. Sankalp Shukla. I started my lab after completing my postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley, where I was a BrightFocus Foundation Fellow working on lysosomal membrane repair mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease. My scientific journey began with a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, where I investigated the mechanics of asymmetric membrane remodeling. My research bridges the fields of membrane biophysics, protein biochemistry, and neurodegenerative disease, combining quantitative in vitro reconstitution with cell-based approaches to understand how protein aggregates like tau seeds escape from intracellular compartments and trigger toxic cascades. I am deeply committed to mentoring researchers at all levels and fostering an inclusive lab culture that values diverse perspectives. Whether you’re curious about tauopathies, excited by the physics of lipid membranes, or eager to develop biophysical tools, there’s a place for you here. We welcome motivated students and postdocs to join us in uncovering the membrane-centric mechanisms of disease and identifying new therapeutic targets for brain health.
Meet the Team
We are actively recruiting. Help us replace the mascot photos by joining our team! Please read the description on the Join Us page.
Postdocs
Comet Postdoc
BS: University;(Bachelor’s Degree)
PhD:
Graduate Students
Comet Graduate student
BS: University;(Bachelor’s Degree)
Undergraduate Students
Akshitha-Nandhakumar
BS: UT Dallas
Akshitha is an undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience. She is interested in how disruptions in organelle function contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, particularly through lipid-protein interactions and membrane remodeling. Outside the lab, she enjoys watching horror movies and practicing taekwondo.
Jeremy Cerf
BS: UT Dallas
Jeremy Cerf is a post-baccalaureate researcher working in the Shukla lab. A former Marine Corps officer, he is now pursuing a career in medicine with a strong interest in regenerative and cellular biology. His experience undergoing MSC stem cell therapy following a spinal injury inspired his passion for understanding the molecular mechanisms behind tissue repair and disease. Outside the lab, he enjoys camping, listening to science podcasts, and cooking.