Principal Investigator
Ivan A. Anastassov, PhD
Assistant Professor of Biology
I am a cellular neuroscientist and neurophysiologist by training. I grew up in Bulgaria and moved to New York City to attend Hunter College of the City University of New York, where I obtained my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I received my PhD in 2013 from the City University of New York, but most of my graduate work was done remotely at the Marine Biological Laboratory (Woods Hole, MA) under the mentorship of Drs. Richard Chappell and Harris Ripps. Following my graduate studies, I did the first half of my postdoctoral training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX in the laboratory of Dr. Theodore Wensel (2013-2015), and the second half at the University of California, San Francisco in the laboratory of Dr. Felice Dunn (2015-2018). I started my position as an Assistant Professor at SF State in the Fall of 2018. The research in my lab is primarily focused on the evolution and comparative neuroscience of vision. Currently, our model system is the simplex retina found in some elasmobranch fishes like Leucoraja erinacea and Leucoraja ocellata (find out more about our research here). We use a variety of techniques including electrophysiology, molecular biology, serial electron microscopy, and morphological analysis.
I also teach courses from the undergraduate and graduate curriculum in the Department of Biology at SFSU. For more information about the specific classes I teach each semester, please take a look here.
Graduate Students
Emma Alejandra Alvarez Castañeda (class of 2023)
I completed my BS in Biomedical Engineering at University of Guadalajara, in Mexico. During college, I worked in an electrophysiology laboratory, where I performed tests of acquisition of biosignals to humans (EEG, or electroencephalograms; EMG, or electromyograms; EKG, or electrocardiograms, etc.); these studies were required by other undergraduate students and MS and PhD candidates for their own research protocols. During the summer of 2020, I was a research intern at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, where I performed EEG data analysis to train machine learning models for a BCI (Brain-Computer Interface) tool that will be use in a neuroprosthetics for patients with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Although I am passionate about biomedical engineering, my plan is to focus my career on biology, specifically, physiology and behavior, and I intend to continue my graduate studies and to pursue a PhD on the same field, which is why the Anastassov Lab is a great place for me to perform research in. Besides reading science-related articles, I spend my free time working out, binge watching TV series, attempting to sing and dance, baking, and cooking (especially Mexican food).
Marta Ramon Guevara (Class of 2023)
Marta did her undergraduate degree in Cell & Molecular Biology at SFSU with a minor in Chemistry. At SFSU, she got involved in undergraduate lab research, which sparked her interest in pursuing a graduate degree in biology. Marta also works as a QC analyst at a biotechnology company while pursuing her graduate degree. She is interested in neuroscience and neurobiology and also has biochemistry experience from her undergraduate studies. In the Anastassov Lab, Marta wants to learn more about patch clamp electrophysiology, bioinformatics, and serial section electron microscopy. Her project involves working on describing the diversity of ganglion cell populations in the pure-rod skate retina, by using 3D reconstructions and cell filling methods, while also assembling a retinal transcriptome.
Laura Magaña Hernández (Class of 2022)
Following the completion of my BS in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology from University of California, Santa Cruz, I worked in the biotechnology industry handling the production and quality control of monoclonal antibodies. I am a first year master’s student and NIH RISE Fellow that looks forward to working in the field of developmental biology, concentrating on the function and physiology of the retina. Once I complete my Master’s degree, I plan to further my education by pursuing a PhD degree in developmental biology. In my spare time I enjoy binge-watching shows, watching sports, hiking through the redwoods, and baking
David Umbertus (Class of 2023)
I am a local Bay Area resident from San Bruno, CA who graduated from Capuchino High School, and I eventually headed to The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science. During my time in Tucson, I was a member of the SCAN Lab with Dr. William D. “Scott” Killgore studying sleep deprivation in young adults. I performed drug tests, cognitive and behavioral assessments, and also worked on PSG, EKG, and EEG recordings. This research is helping develop an app that provides the optimal caffeine dosage for soldiers in the field to remain alert after many hours of sleep deprivation. I have always been passionate and interested in all aspects of neuroscience and I am beyond excited to continue my science endeavors in Dr. Anastassov’s Lab. With this experience I plan on pursuing higher education, whether that be a PhD or Medical degree. In my free time, I enjoy cheering on Bay Area sports teams, spending time at the gym, golfing and spending time with family.
Abhiniti (Abhi) Wagh (Class of 2022)
A BS in Biological Sciences graduate from the University at Buffalo (SUNY), Abhi has extensive experience with cell and molecular biology both in the classroom and lab setting. As part of her undergrad curriculum, the most up-to-date lab techniques were emphasized in her science courses. For example, she had the chance to use the CRISPR-Cas9 system to modify a wildtype gene to a mutant in a type of yeast called S. Cerevisiae. In the summer of 2017, she participated in the Wadsworth Center’s undergraduate research program as well. Here, she worked on a project regarding bacterial gene regulation. She assisted in identifying an open reading frame in the E. Coli genome that coded for a potential regulatory protein, using the LacZ reporter gene system. The retina-based research she will conduct in the Anastassov Lab will be in large contrast to bacterial genetics; however, it is more aligned with her career goal to become an optometrist. A true New Yorker at heart, this transplant in California will luckily have the opportunity to experience both coasts. Read some of Abhi’s fantastic journalistic efforts at SUNY Buffalo here.
Yaqoub Yusuf (Class of 2023)
Yaqoub received a BS in Health Sciences from the University of Minnesota at Rochester. While attending UM, Yaqoub also worked the Mayo Clinic as a research assistant and developed experimental protocols for using EEGs to measure burnout and emotion in the workplace for health care practitioners. His work in the Mayo Clinic has already resulted in multiple research publications. Yaqoub joined the Anastassov Lab in the Fall of 2021 and is a recipient of the NIH Bridge Fellowship (you can find out more about the NIH Bridge program at SFSU here). In the Anastassov Lab, Yaqoub’s project involves working with serial EM and RNA-seq data to describe the convergence ratios and gene expression of the 2 types of horizontal cells in the skate retina.
Undergraduate Students
Aya Alazzeh
I am a third year student at San Francisco State University working towards a degree in Biology with a concentration in Physiology and a minor in Chemistry. My future aspirations include becoming a physician and being in a position to help others when they are sick. Some hobbies I have outside of academia include volunteering, baking, going on walks, riding my bike, and hanging out with friends. I am a very ambitious and driven person, and whenever the chance arises I love taking on new challenges and building up my skillset, social networks, and knowledge. Aya is also the recipient of the Genentech Foundation Fellowship, which supports her work in the lab (you can find out more about Genentech Fellowships at SFSU here).
Daniel Brown
Daniel is a senior at SFSU and a Cell & Molecular Biology major and a Chemistry minor. Daniel plans to go into the biotech industry or graduate school and is passionate about biology and neuroscience. In the Anastassov Lab, his project involves working with serial section EM data of the skate retina, on which he is performing segmentation and 3D reconstructions of photoreceptors in the outer nuclear layer.
Jessamyn Fathi
Jessamyn is a Microbiology major and a senior at SFSU. She plans to attend medical school and has a keen interest in pediatrics. Jessamyn is the recipient of the Genentech Foundation Fellowship for undergraduate scholars (you can find out more about Genentech Fellowships at SFSU here). Her project is focused on 3D reconstructions of photoreceptor synaptic architecture in the skate retina.
Julio Espinoza Robles
Julio is a Cell & Molecular Biology major at SFSU and he has a great interest in how neurons function. The unique form and function of the vertebrate retina is of particular fascination to Julio. His project in the Anastassov Lab involves working on mitochondrial populations in skate rods. His interest is to understand how mitochondrial architecture contributes to the physiology and Ca2+ dynamics of skate rods. Julio has been employing creative tools in his work on serial section data from the retina, including tools borrowed from the world of computer animation.
Erin Rose
Erin is in her fourth year at SFSU working towards a BS in Physiology with a minor in Chemistry. She became interested in our work through the cellular neuroscience class that she took with Dr. Anastassov. During the course, Erin became increasingly curious about neuroscience, which led her to join the Anastassov Lab. Her role in the lab is quantifying and making 3D reconstructions of mitochondria in the inner segment of the photoreceptors. After she graduates from SFSU, she plans to go to medical school in order to pursue a career as a surgeon.
Krisoffer Raton
I am a fourth-year student majoring in Biology with a Concentration in Physiology, and a minor in Chemistry who is graduating this semester. I am interested in learning about the many new discoveries and innovations related to biology and bio tech as the potential applications for these things can help shape the future. Outside of school/academia, I like to work out, watch videos about various topics to learn new things, play video games and spend time with my family. I initially wanted to purse dentistry, but due to the global pandemic, those plans have been postponed. However, I am open to other paths and opportunities that may come my way, as they are many other roles that will fulfill my passion to serve my community and others for their well-being and benefit.
Laboratory Alumni
2022
Graduate students:
Laura Magaña-Hernández (MS Cell and Molecular Biology; Neuroscience PhD candidate, Northwestern University)
Abhiniti Wagh (MS Cell and Molecular Biology; Optometry Technician, Optical Illusions: an Optometric Practice)
Undergraduate students:
Aya Alazzeh (BS Physiology; MD applicant)
Daniel Brown (BS Cell and Molecular Biology; Research Associate, UCSF Ophthalmology Department)
Jessamyn Fathi (BS Microbiology; Admitting Representative, Kaiser Permanente)
Kristoffer Raton (BS Physiology; QC Analyst, Genentech)
Julio Espinosa Robles (BS Cell and Molecular Biology; Research Specialist, NASA Ames Research Center)
Erin Rose (BS Physiology; MD applicant)
2021
Undergraduate students:
Parsa Dibaj (BS Cell & Molecular Biology, MD applicant)
Claudia Hirons (BS Physiology; MD applicant)
Priscilla Perry (BS Biochemistry; MS Georgetown University, Fellow at YCore)
2020
Undergraduate students:
Altan-Od Baatar (SFSU student, Senior teller, JP Morgan Chase)
Kenith Gonzalez (SFSU student)
Elizabeth Hamada (BS Cell & Molecular Biology; Research Associate, UCSF Neuroscience Department)
Vanessa Rodriguez-Hernandez (BS Cell & Molecular Biology; Lab Technician, Amyris, Inc.)
Cassidy Renee Yip (BS Physiology; Clinical Assistant, Valley Center Optometry and MD applicant)
2019
Undergraduate students:
Muhammad Aboghanim (BS Physiology; MD candidate, Ross University School of Medicine) Read news story about Muhammad’s heroics in medical school
Sakhia Dharan (BS Physiology; Certified pharmacy technician; MD applicant)
Celeste Marie Saadeh (BS Physiology; Clinical lab assistant, Myriad Genetics)