Makoto Ishii, M.D./Ph.D.
Principle Investigator
Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Neurology
As a clinician scientist, Dr. Makoto Ishii believes that a two-pronged approach is essential in order to advance the medical care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. First and foremost, patient care should be directed on a personal and individual basis based on the latest evidence-based medicine available. Disorders like Alzheimer’s disease affect each individual and family differently and a comprehensive clinical management approach is often needed to provide the best possible care. However, in order to advance the treatment of these disorders, patient care must also be coupled with the latest research efforts. By maintaining an active research laboratory, Dr. Ishii’s goal is to provide excellent patient care while also focusing on the ultimate goal of translating new research findings to the development of new diagnostic tools and novel therapies that can one day make a difference in the lives of the patients he sees.
Fun Fact: Favorite dog breed is a Saint Bernard
Eduardo Munoz
Ph.d. candidate (2021-current)
bio upcoming-
Fun Fact: Loves to play video games
Weipeng xie
Lab technician (2021-current)
Weipeng Xie has been a lab technician at the Ishii Lab since July, 2021. He graduated from Vassar College with degrees in Neuroscience & Behavior and Chemistry, minoring in Japanese. He is interested in pursing medicine with curiosity in the brain, imaging, and technology. His current project involves understanding the dysfunctional Calcium channels in the NPY/AgRP neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and investigating potential periphery therapeutic targets to prevent weight loss observed in preclinical AD patients. Outside of the lab, he spends time doing an array of sports like figure skating, volleyball, tennis, badminton, and golf, but dislikes running.
Fun Fact: Figure skates competitively since the age of six and has tried every single sport known to mankind.
Daniel Barbakoff
Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Summer program med student (2022-current)
bio upcoming-
Fun Fact: Brew kombucha
Harshil Bhavsar
undergraduate gateways summer program student (2022-current)
Harshil is a rising senior at Lafayette College majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry. He is currently working in the Ishii lab for a second summer through the Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program. After graduating, he hopes to work as a research assistant in a neurobiology/neuroendocrinology lab and later apply to MD/PhD programs. With this training, Harshil hopes to one day practice at an academic medical center and study Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration in greater depth. He is originally from Northern NJ and loves spending time outdoors, obsessing over Marvel, mentoring first-generation students, and drawing in his free time.
Fun Fact: Has been stranded using every type of public transportation
Kat lafever
undergraduate access summer program student (2022-current)
Kat LaFever is a senior majoring in psychology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and work as a psychologist with a focus on helping individuals heal from trauma. She is especially interested in the intersection of trauma and neurodiversity, and how to best help autistic adults heal from past experiences while navigating the challenges that come with being neurodiverse. During the school year, Kat works as a research assistant at Marcus Autism Center, where she helps develop strategies that promote inclusive classroom environments for neurodiverse students. She also volunteers as a peer mentor at Emory Autism Center, where she works to create a supportive community for neurodiverse adults living in Atlanta. When she isn't studying for school, Kat enjoys hiking, yoga, and rewatching old episodes of Gilmore Girls.
Fun Fact: Spent part of a summer backpacking across New Zealand
thomas lo
highschool meyer summer research program (2022-current)
Thomas is a senior at Great Neck South High School. He loves taking science and history classes. Currently Thomas is a part of the Meyer Cancer Summer Research Program and is interested in exploring different scientific fields. Thomas is also an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts where he gives back to his community with volunteering. He loves to hike and go on camping trips with his fellow scouters. He enjoys a wide variety of sports such as basketball, baseball, volleyball, swimming, and crew. He is a Co-Captain of the Port Rowing Crew team that placed 3rd in NY and qualified several boats for Youth Nationals. Thomas also started a rowing club in his school and raised over $400 in a rowathon for a Ukrainian refugee organization.
Fun Fact: Thomas plays piano and the alto saxophone