Our Team

Principal Investigator

Jennifer Graves, M.D., Ph.D., MAS
Dr. Jennifer Graves is a neurologist with fellowship training in multiple sclerosis and neuro-ophthalmology. She earned a PhD in Molecular Biophysics from the University of Texas Southwestern and Master's Degree in Clinical Research Methods and Biostatistics from the University of California San Francisco. Prior to joining faculty at UC San Diego, she was as Assistant Professor in Neurology and Ophthalmology at UCSF and Co-Director of the UCSF Pediatric MS Center. She has served as a Director for an international course of clinical research design and has mentored undergraduate and medical students, residents and fellows. She has received grants from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, NIH, and Race to Erase MS and has served as investigator for several industry and investigator-initiated trials.

Her most recent work has focused on the influence of biological aging on multiple sclerosis phenotype and leveraging biosensor technology from the computer control industry to better assess MS progression. She has also made contributions to the field of MS risk factor research, studying the role of genes and the environment on pediatric-onset disease. Through studies of puberty and menopause, she has described the influence of these reproductive transitions on disease course in girls and women. As a neuro-ophthalmologist she has studied both afferent and efferent outcome measures in adult and pediatric MS. Lastly, she has reported on important biological effects of disease modifying therapies including rebound effects following withdrawal of fingolimod and non-B cell effects of rituximab.

Neuroimmunology Clinical Fellows

Kayla Jacques, M.D.
Dr. Kayla Jacques relocated to San Diego in 2023 to complete a combined clinical and research fellowship in neuroimmunology and multiple sclerosis at The University of California San Diego (UCSD) after graduating from Neurology Residency at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Prior to this, she completed medical school at The University of Kansas School of Medicine (KUMC). Her clinical interests include diagnosing and treating immune-mediated conditions of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, autoimmune encephalitis, paraneoplastic syndromes, and neurosarcoidosis. In addition to patient care, Dr. Jacques is dedicated to the clinical research of neuroimmunological conditions and has a particular interest in the understanding and treatment of progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. She is passionate about medical education and mentorship, especially for those from historically disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds. When she is not working, she enjoys music, fitness, nature, travel, and spending time with loved ones.

Neuroimmunology Research Fellows

Agustina Piedrabuena, M.D.
Dr. Piedrabuena is a neurologist from Argentina, currently completing a research fellowship at UC San Diego. Her work focuses on neuroimmunology and biomarkers of aging in multiple sclerosis. Prior to this, she completed a clinical fellowship in neuroimmunology, which strengthened her expertise in complex disease management and patient care. Agustina is passionate about translational research and working at the intersection of clinical care and data science. She is excited to contribute to collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects that advance innovation in neuroimmunology!

Clinical Research Coordinators

Shandel Odom

Shandel serves as the Lead Clinical Research Coordinator for Neuroimmunology in Dr. Graves' laboratory, overseeing both adult and pediatric multiple sclerosis studies. With over 18 years of experience in clinical research, she has developed a strong passion for advancing the understanding and treatment of neuroimmunological conditions. Outside of her professional role, Shandel enjoys supporting her children’s athletic pursuits, often found on the sidelines cheering them on in football and soccer.
Gisselle Paez
Gisselle is a clinical research coordinator currently working on adult MS studies and COVID-19 research projects. Gisselle is from Lake Elsinore, CA and attended UCSD where she obtained a B.S. in Public Health and B.A. in Sociology- Science and Medicine. While at UCSD, she worked in the department of Neurosciences, focusing on research in using CBD to treat severe behavioral symptoms in children and adolescents with autism. She is currently attending USC to obtain her Master's in Public Health. In her free time, Gisselle enjoys traveling, hiking, and going to concerts.
Soha Fardad

Soha is a Neuroimmunology Research Study Assistant working on adult MS studies in Dr. Graves' Neuroimmunology lab. She was born and raised in Oklahoma and moved to San Diego where she obtained her B.S. in Human Biology at UCSD. Soha has been a part of our lab since her 1st year at UCSD, and plans on pursuing a career in neurology. In her free time, Soha enjoys traveling, going to coffee shops and walking on the beach.

Affiliated Clinic Staff

Carolyn Wilder, Ph.D., R.N.

Carolyn Wilder, BSN RN is a Ph.D. student at Loma Linda University and the registered nurse supporting Dr. Graves' clinics at UCSD. Carolyn's recent article, Palliative Care for Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Recommendations Emerging From a Case Study was published in the Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing. Carolyn has been a guest speaker at nursing conferences, completed Palliative education and wound specialist training at the Mayo Clinic, and received the Transformational Leader Award from the Mayo Clinic and the Florence Nightingale Leadership Award from Grand Canyon University where she obtained her baccalaureate degree. She runs a nurse mentorship and support group via Facebook with over 5K members and her own website, developed a Service Recognition Program at her alma mater that is still in use to date and is the student representative to the Ph.D. Council and Student Affairs committees at LLU. She also serves as Secretary for the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society chapter at Loma Linda. While at GCU, Carolyn served as President of the Student Nurses Association.

Jennifer Yang, M.D.
Dr. Jennifer Yang completed her joint fellowship in Neuroimmunology and Neurometabolics in 2023. She completed her medical degree at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and her residency in Child Neurology at UCSD/RCHSD where she served as Chief Resident. Her future career goals involve the clinical management and research of pediatric white matter diseases. Prior basic science experiences include a phase II clinical trial study and pre-clinical animal models for Alzheimer’s disease, and the cellular and physiological mechanism behind the glial response to gliomas. Her clinical research includes autoimmune encephalitis, pediatric multiple sclerosis, and mitochondrial disease. Her work has led to several peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. In her free time, Dr. Yang enjoys cooking/baking, mixing music, yoga, and spending time with family.

Current Trainees

Sargis Manukyan
Sargis is a medical student at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He was born in Armenia and has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Southern California. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his toddler and working out.
Jacob Santiago
Jacob is a current undergraduate attending the University of California, San Diego. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology and is interested in focusing on adult neurology and neuroimmunology. Born and raised in San Diego County, he enjoys surfing and bodybuilding in his free time.
Benjamin Zhang-Li

Benji is a recent graduate from the University of California, San Diego, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Neuroscience. He is passionate about Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and their potential to enhance human-computer interaction. Outside of research, Benji enjoys traveling, photography, cooking Chinese cuisine, and training martial arts.
Rohan Kumar
Rohan is an undergraduate student studying Bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego. He is interested in neural instrumentation and deep brain stimulation for potential prosthesis. In his free time, he practices guitar and works on personal tinkering projects.
Megan Liem
Megan is a current undergraduate student at University of California, San Diego. She is currently studying Bioengineering and has interest in neural engineering in hopes to develop medical devices that utilizes brain computer interfaces. In her free time, she is a nail technician and enjoys going out with friends to grab matcha.

Alumni

These wonderful people were previously a part of our lab but have since moved on:

Fellows

Torge Rempe, M.D. - UCSD Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Fellow

Completed his fellowship at UCSD in 2021, and is now an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida.

Kristen Krysko, M.D. - UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Fellow

Previously was an MS Clinical Research Fellow at UCSF and a recipient of the National MS Society Sylvia Lawry physician training fellowship, which funded her 3 year fellowship which included patient care, clinical trials training and clinical research. She is now an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto.

Christopher Goyne, M.D. - UCSD Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Fellow

Completed his fellowship at UCSD in 2024, and is now a neurologist at Sharp HealthCare.

Kayla Jacques, M.D. - UCSD Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Fellow

Completed her fellowship at UCSD in 2025, and is now a neurologist at The Neuron Clinic.

Research Staff

Annalise Miner, BS - Clinical Research Coordinator

Annalise was a Clinical Research Coordinator from September 2019 to June 2022. She was responsible for setting up many of our studies exploring biotechnology in MS care. Annalise has since moved to Boston University, where she is getting her PhD in Behavioral Neurosciences.

Miryam Palomino, BS - Clinical Research Coordinator

Miryam Palomino was a Clinical Research Coordinator from June 2019 to July 2021, and has since moved to a new position in clinical trials platform management.

Janelle Celso, BS - Pediatric Research Program Manager

Janelle was our Pediatric Research Program Manager from August 2022 to April 2025. She was responsible for managing all of our pediatric trials, including several Multiple Sclerosis and related disease drug trials.

Ashley Fair, BS - Clinical Research Coordinator

Ashley was a Clinical Research Coordinator from September 2022 to August 2024. She was responsible for many of our BioAging in MS trials and dedicated her energy to ensure the success of our research program. Ashley has since moved to Boston University to pursue a Master's in Neuroscience.

Sophie Zacharek, BS - Clinical Research Coordinator

Sophie was a Clinical Research Coordinator from January 2023 to April 2025. She was primarily responsible for coordinating all of our pediatric Multiple Sclerosis drug trials, however Sophie also worked with other related diseases and on a variety of pediatric clinical trials.

Tamara Shabi, BS - Clinical Research Coordinator

Tamara was a Clinical Research Coordinator from February 2023 to June 2025. She was primarily responsible for starting-up and coordinating all of our adult cross-sectional and longitudinal investigator-initiated trials in Multiple Sclerosis. Tamara has since moved to Texas and plans to pursue her PhD on the east coast in the near future.

Trainees

Andrew Valenciano, MD - UCSD Medical Student

Andrew's work with our lab included running our NeuCovid research project. This has resulted in an AAN oral presentation by Andrew and several papers. Andrew is now a Neurology Resident at Oregon Health & Science University.

Ryan Diggs, BS - UCSD Medical Student

Ryan is a 3rd year medical student who interned with us for several months on our NeuCovid research study. Ryan saw subjects impacted by long COVID over a few months-long period, and helped support the NeuCOVID research effort.

Neda Dastgheyb, MD - UCSD Medical Student

Neda Dastgheyb's research block with our lab included investigating ocularmotor dysfunction in MS patients through eye-tracking technologies, and culminated in a poster presentation and a paper.

Garrett Timmons, MD - UCSD Medical Student

Garrett Timmon's work with our lab included developing a study that investigated the impacts of COVID-19 on patients with pre-existing neurological conditions. This has culminated in a longitudinal study and multiple papers. Dr. Timmons is now a neurology resident at Stanford University.

Abdulaziz Alsulami, MD - UCSD Visiting Scholar

Dr. Abdulaziz Alsulami was a visiting scholar and a medical graduate from King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia who worked with our clinical research program. He has since returned to Saudi Arabia to pursue neurology.

Marcos Real, MD - UCSD Medical Student

Emilie Liu, MD - UCSD Medical Student