Kim Dore, PhD

Yixing Du MD, PhD

January 2023 - present

Yixing worked as a Neurologist at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in China after obtaining her MD and Ph.D. degrees. In 2013, she pursued her passion for neuroscience research and joined Dr. Min Zhou’s lab at the Ohio State University as an electrophysiologist. In his lab, her research focused on the electrophysiological characteristics of astrocytes, especially the astrocyte syncytium. She also explored how astrocyte syncytial coupling changed in neurological disease models, including epileptiform discharges, chronic stress, and Alzheimer's disease. Her interest in disease-related research has motivated her to join Dr. Dore’s lab in 2023. She is eager to apply her expertise to Alzheimer's disease research regarding how astrocyte syncytial coupling function is affected and how this could change neuronal circuit function through neuro-glia network crosstalk. 

Haritha Karthikeyan

October 2022-August 2025

Haritha is a Master’s student in the BS/MS program at UCSD. She joined the Dore Lab in the Fall of 2022 as an Undergraduate Research Volunteer to gain research experience in the field of neuroscience and further her research interests. She hopes to gain industry experience and apply to PhD programs in the future. Her thesis project aims to investigate the knockdown of ABHD17a, a depalmitoylating enzyme of PSD-95, as a potential target for effective gene therapy and treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. Outside of research, Haritha loves going on food adventures and spending time outdoors.

Amber Lawrence

June 2024-present

Amber is a graduate student in the BS/MS Biology Program at UCSD. She joined the lab in Summer 2024 and has been using electrophysiology techniques to investigate sex differences in long term synaptic depression. Following her MS degree, she hopes to continue her studies and pursue a PhD in Neurobiology. Outside the lab, Amber is a resident advisor and enjoys spending time with her pet bearded dragon.

Maureen Dinata

September 2023-December 2025

Maureen is a graduate student in the BS/MS program at UCSD. She joined the lab in Fall 2023 as a volunteer research assistant to gain research experience. Currently she is investigating the interactions between different postsynaptic proteins with PKCa and how it relates to synaptic loss in Alzheimer’s disease through fluorescence lifetime imaging in primary hippocampal cell culture. Outside the lab, she enjoys exploring San Diego and trying new food places.

Deen Nair

January 2025-present

Deen Nair is an undergraduate student at UC San Diego majoring in Neurobiology. He joined the Dore Lab in January of 2025 to learn more about the molecular causes of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Alzheimer’s disease. He is especially interested in how synaptic proteins like PSD-95 affect Alzheimer’s disease and enjoys studying these questions through his research. In the lab, he works on behavioral testing and analysis, and also helps with biochemical projects that use PCR techniques. Through this experience, Deen is preparing for a future career in medicine by developing strong research and laboratory skills. Outside the lab, he enjoys listening to and playing music, hanging out with his friends, and trying new foods.

Son Dinh

January 2025-present

Son is a senior at UCSD majoring in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Neuroscience. She joined the Dore Lab from the start of Winter quarter 2025 as an Undergraduate Researcher to deepen her research experience in neuroscience, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, building on her prior training in Public Health and Human Biology. In the lab, she is expanding her skills beyond her earlier work on Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, learning other techniques such as DNA extraction and nanodrop concentration measurement, genotyping PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), brain dissection, brain slicing, confocal imaging, and electrophysiology. She hopes to pursue a PhD and a career as a research scientist in the future. Outside the lab, Son loves nature, photography, hiking, exploring different cultures through food, and watching movies.

Parth Choudhary

March 2025-present

Parth is an undergraduate 3rd year student at UC San Diego majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a Minor in Business. He joined the Dore Lab as an Undergraduate Researcher to deepen his interests in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. In the lab, his work primarily focuses on brain tissue processing and analysis, including brain slicing and downstream data analysis. Through this research, he seeks to prepare for a future career in medicine while applying and integrating these scientific skills into the research dimension of physician practice. Outside the lab, Parth enjoys going on bike rides with his dog, cooking new food, and listening to music.

Jasmin Rosato

March 2025-present

Jasmin is an undergraduate student majoring in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. She joined the Dore Lab in Winter 2025 as a volunteer research assistant to deepen her research experience in neuroscience. She is interested in using biochemical, electrophysiology, and behavioral techniques to examine the mechanisms contributing to Alzheimer’s disease. Outside the lab, she enjoys exploring San Diego, hiking, photography, and baking.

Sofia De la Rosa

June 2025-present

Sofia is an undergraduate student majoring in Neurobiology. She joined Dore Lab in Summer 2025 and is part of the 2024 STARTneuro cohort. She is interested in the molecular aspects of neurodegenerative diseases, and excited to explore the role of PSD-95 in Alzheimer’s disease by using both biochemical and behavioral approaches. Outside of lab she enjoys reading, painting, and checking out local coffee shops. 

Sam Simon

June 2025-September 2025

Sam is a 4th year undergraduate researcher at the University of Oregon majoring in Neuroscience. He is volunteering in the Dore Lab in Summer 2025. He is interested in the physiology of neurodegenerative diseases and memory cognition. He enjoys learning about patch clamp electrophysiology, confocal microscopy, and cognitive memory tasks. In his free time, Sam enjoys blogging (see: neuroforall.substack.com), biking, running, and playing volleyball.

Marlenne Gutierrez

September 2025-present

Marlenne is a third-year undergraduate student at UCSD majoring in Human Biology. She joined the lab in Summer 2026 to supplement her interest in medicine with practical experience applying her knowledge. Her focus is on investigating the correlation between synaptosomal palmitoylation and protection against aging-related cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. In her spare time, Marlenne loves reading, hiking, or cooking.