People
Michael S. Bienkowski, PhD
Director, Center of Integrative Connectomics
Assistant Professor of Physiology and Neuroscience and of Biomedical Engineering
RESEARCH AND EXPERTISE
Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathology
Mouse Brain
Digital Human Pathology
Spatial Transcriptomics
Dr. Bienkowski received his BS and PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh where he developed a love of neuroanatomy under the mentorship of Drs. Linda Rinaman and Pat Card. His research has spanned from brainstem to cortex, working to understand the organizational principles of brain architecture, and contributing to collaborative projects like the Mouse Connectome Project and NIH Brain Initiative Cell Census Network. Outside the lab, he has two lazy cats and enjoys playing slow-pitch softball (shoutout Bats Amore) and watching movies with his daughter.
Contact Mike at Michael.Bienkowski@loni.usc.edu
Learn more about Mike on Research Gate, on Google Scholar, on PubMed, and on X (formaly Twitter)
Marlene Becerra
Research Lab Technician II
My name is Marlene and I have a BS in Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology. My main project focuses on exploring deep brain stimulation as a therapeutic option for mitigating pathological changes in SUB/CA1 regions in the 5xFAD mouse model. I live a very active lifestyle and enjoy doing yoga, going to concerts during the weekends, and watching Bayla and Evan beat each other in chess.
Contact Marlene at Marlene.Becerra@loni.usc.edu
Jared Simmons
Research Lab Technician II
My name is Jared, and I’m working on classifying morphological changes in retinal ganglion cells in rat models of retinal degeneration. I have a B.S. in Neuroscience and Psychology and M.S. in Neuroimaging and Informatics. I grew up in Michigan, and now that I’m in LA, I’m enjoying the vibrant music scene and frequent concerts. I listen to genres like metal, lofi, rock, electronic, and alternative. Outside of work, I enjoy digital drawing and watching gaming streamers/youtubers.
Contact Jared at Jared.Simmons@loni.usc.edu
Yiwen Zhou
Research Lab Technician I
My name is Yiwen. I pursued a M.S. in Neuroimaging and Informatics at USC. I am currently working on projects that investigate retinal degeneration and potential treatment methods in diseased animal models. I am involved in experiment design, stereotaxic surgeries, tissue processing and data analysis. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking and feel delighted when I share gourmet food with family and friends. Additionally, I have two cats, Caramel & Seasalt, who are smart and friendly. They greet me with meows and cuddles every morning, starting my day on a happy note.
Contact Yiwen at yiwenzho@usc.edu
Evan Abdollahi
Resource Employee
My name is Evan, and I graduated from USC with a degree in neuroscience. I’m interested in applying computational techniques to Alzheimer’s research. Outside of lab, I enjoy working out, cooking, and playing basketball. I also enjoy beating Bayla in chess when I feel down.
Contact Evan at eabdolla@usc.edu
Maricarmen Pachicano
PhD Graduate Student (NGP)
My name is Maricarmen, and I am a 6th year Neuroscience PhD candidate at USC. My research focuses on understanding molecular and cellular changes in hippocampal CA1 neuronal cell types in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse models. Coming from a family with a long history of AD, I feel privileged to work alongside scientists who share the same passion for combating this disease. Outside the lab, you can find me at your local taco truck with my dog, Jade.
Contact Maricarmen at pachican@usc.edu
Bayla Breningstall
PhD Graduate Student (NGP)
Hi! My name is Bayla and I’m a 4th year Neuroscience PhD candidate at USC. I’m studying Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in collaboration with the USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, developing methods for deep learning based analysis of neuropathology slides. I’m interested in anatomically-specific quantification of AD pathology like amyloid and tau, and the intersection between technological development and neuroscience research. Outside research, I love running and hiking, hanging out with my nieces and nephews, and beating Evan in chess.
Contact Bayla at bbrening@usc.edu
Annie Saustad
PhD Graduate Student (NGP)
My name is Annie and I’m a 2nd year Neuroscience PhD student. I’m interested in finding novel therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). I am currently characterizing neuronal cell type susceptibility throughout AD progression in both the mouse and human hippocampus. My goal is to translate preclinical discoveries into real-world therapeutic strategies. Outside of my research, I enjoy painting, going to the beach, and FaceTiming my mom.
Contact Annie at saustad@usc.edu
Vahini Garimella
Master’s Student (NIIN Program)
My name is Vahini, and I’m pursuing a master’s degree in Neuroimaging and Informatics at USC, where I also completed my bachelor’s degree in Human Biology. Currently, my research focuses on studying morphological changes in retinal ganglion cells following retinal degeneration in diseased animal models. Outside of lab, I enjoy hiking, indoor bouldering, and going to concerts!
Contact Vahini at vgarimel@usc.edu
Harshini Rallapalli
Master’s Student (NIIN Program)
I’m Harshini, a master’s student studying Neuroimaging and Informatics. Before grad school, I helped grow a medtech startup focused on improving neurorehabilitation, which inspired my research interests in exploring how the brain changes before and after disease. I’m interested in translational neuroscience and innovation to develop tools that improve brain health. I’m drawn to the intersection of neuroscience, thoughtful design, technology, and philosophy. Outside research, I enjoy running, hiking, and chasing the perfect cup of coffee or tea.
Contact Harshini at hrallapa@usc.edu
Eduardo Ortiz
USC Undergraduate
Hello! My name is Eduardo Ortiz and I am a senior at USC majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in business law. Working in the Bienkowski Lab, I investigate Alzheimer’s disease by studying brain tissue and applying digital imaging methods to assess cellular and structural changes. My curiosity in research involves being able to understand how neurodegeneration alters neural networks and how computational tools can clarify brain organization. Outside of research and academics I love music, traveling to new places, and exploring new recipes for cooking!
Contact Eduardo at ejortiz@usc.edu
Meron Naizgi
USC Undergraduate
My name is Meron, and I’m a senior at USC majoring in Computational Neuroscience. I’m currently assisting with analyzing brain tissue and applying computational methods to quantify Alzheimer’s disease pathology. I’m interested in applying machine learning and computational modeling to better understand disease mechanisms and brain organization. Outside of lab, I enjoy beach days, exploring new cafes, and movie nights.
Contact Meron at naizgi@usc.edu
Preston Nguyen
USC Undergraduate
Thani AlRemeithi
USC Undergraduate
Hi, My name is Thani Alremeithi. I'm an undergraduate student at USC majoring in Neuroscience. In the Bienkowski Lab, I assist with histopathological analysis of Alzheimer’s disease models, focusing on annotating and quantifying neuronal structures using digital imaging tools. My research interests include neurodegeneration, connectomics, and the intersection of neuroscience and computational analysis. Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, going to the gym, and exploring new restaurants.
Contact Thani at talremei@usc.edu
Terri-Leigh Stephen
CEO PebRX
Rebecca Hernandez
Scientist I at Thermo Fisher Scientific
Laura Korobkova
USC NGP PhD Program
Neda Khanjani
Cedars Sinai PhD in Biomedical Sciences
Margot Dayan
USC Master’s in Biomedical Engineering
Shrey Mehta
Brown University
Angela Hurtado
Charles R. Drew Medical School