Lab Members

Postdoctoral Associate

Vaibhav has roots in India and his heart in Australia. He has done a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, but found his true calling in the fascinating realm of Systems Biology. He has finished a joint PhD degree in “Quantitative microscopy and systems biology approaches to probing cellular heterogeneity in neuronal systems and T cell development.” This work was conducted at the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (India), and Swinburne University of Technology (Australia). He has expertise in computational modeling and image processing, which he is excited to apply in Systems Neuroscience research. In his free time, he likes to go on hikes and binge-watch shows on Netflix. His all time favorite animation is ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’

Contact: vdhyaniufl.edu

Graduate Student

Adriana obtained her B.S. in neuroscience with a minor in chemistry from George Mason University in northern Virginia. Upon graduation, she joined the chemistry department at GMU to study the thermodynamics of small-molecule-protein interactions. She later joined the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine as a technician to study small-molecule activators of the brain proteasome in a neonatal pig model. Adriana joined the Hattori lab in 2024 as a first-year graduate student in the Scripps Research Skaggs Graduate School. Outside of the lab, Adriana enjoys weightlifting, painting, playing Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and complaining about the Florida weather.

Contact: aamreinalmiraufl.edu

Graduate Student

Although born and raised in Illinois, Liz considers herself a native of Florida. She earned a double-major Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Public Health from Vanderbilt University. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research at UF-Scripps, focusing on bioinformatics for identifying optimal RNA targets. Liz joined the Hattori Lab in late 2024. Outside the lab, she enjoys birdwatching, playing video games, planespotting, and working out.

Contact: elekahufl.edu

Undergraduate Research Intern
2025-2026 SURFiN Fellow

Isabelle is an undergraduate student at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. She is currently completing a double major in Cellular Neuroscience and Medical Humanities and a minor in French. Isabelle joined the Hattori Lab in November 2024, driven by her passion for neuroscience and a desire to explore the intricate workings of the brain. Her curiosity was especially piqued by the lab’s focus on reinforcement learning, as she was fascinated by how this concept bridges neuroscience and artificial intelligence. The lab’s innovative use of neural recordings and data science to study brain dynamics made it the perfect place for her to deepen her knowledge and pursue her interests. Outside of academics, she has a deep passion for music, reading and dancing.

Contact: isabellesolagesufl.edu

Undergraduate Research Intern
2025-2026 SURFiN Fellow

Angela grew up in the coastal city of Naples, Florida. She is an undergraduate student at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, where she is currently majoring in Cellular Neuroscience and minoring in Creative Writing. Moved by an avid interest in the neurological basis of behavior, Angela joined the Hattori Lab in January of 2025, where she is eager to partake in a hands-on and innovative approach to the study of how artificial intelligence can be used to model the effects of neurological variations on learning and cognition, particularly in relation to neurological disorders. In her free time, Angela enjoys reading, story writing, working out, and watching horror films.

Contact: angelayu1ufl.edu

Undergraduate Research Intern
2025-2026 SURFiN Fellow

Alejandro grew up in Havana, Cuba. He moved to the US almost four years ago and he is currently an undergraduate student at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. He is currently pursuing a major in Cellular Neuroscience with the goal of eventually becoming a neurosurgeon. He is moved by his passion for the brain and how that dictates the nature of our reality. Alejandro joined the Hattori Lab in May 2025, and is specially interested in the lab’s study of number sense and the neural plasticity of pathways controlling such abstract cognitive functions. In his free time Alejandro enjoys chess, video games, philosophy, and Latin.

Contact: aguevarapadronufl.edu

Undergraduate Research Intern

Lauren is a fourth-year undergraduate at Florida Atlantic University’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College studying Psychology and Data Analytics. She joined the Hattori Lab in May 2025 to learn more about the neural mechanisms of reinforcement learning in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology with the goal of bridging computational neuroscience approaches and mental healthcare. Beyond the lab, Lauren works part-time as a Program Specialist with the Center for Child Counseling‘s Education and Prevention Services to enhance mental healthcare accessibility in the community. She also enjoys dancing and playing with her dogs, Sadie and Dirt.

Contact: lauren.reynoldsufl.edu

Undergraduate Research Intern

Chloe is a Biology undergraduate student at Indian River State College with a passion for neuroscience research. She joined the Hattori Lab in August 2025 to explore the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques, including two-photon imaging of neural activity. Chloe is driven by a curiosity about how neural circuits adapt and change, and she aims to apply her research experience to future studies in brain function. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing the piano, baking, and reading.

Contact: ridgleychloeufl.edu

Undergraduate Research Intern

Vaideep was born in India and moved to the United States at the age of four. He is currently an undergraduate student in the Accelerated BS/MD Program at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, double majoring in Cellular Neuroscience and Business with the goal of becoming a Neurologist. From a young age, he has been curious and passionate about the brain and its internal workings. Vaideep joined the Hattori Lab in October 2025 to gain hands-on laboratory experience and understanding of synaptic plasticity. He is specifically interested to explore reinforcement learning in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing video games, table tennis, and working out. 

pemmadavufl.edu

Undergraduate Research Intern

Pranay is an undergraduate student at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College pursuing a degree in Cellular Neuroscience with a minor in Environmental Studies. Motivated by his passion for learning about the brain, he joined the Hattori lab in October of 2025. He is looking forward to uncovering the potential of artificial intelligence, a novel innovation, in studying reinforcement learning. The lab’s unique approach to observing neural activity makes it an amazing opportunity for him to gain a new perspective on neuroscience. In his free time, Pranay likes to play basketball, produce music, and read. 

pranaykolukuluriufl.edu

Undergraduate Research Intern

Nirek is an undergraduate student at Florida Atlantic University majoring in Biology. He joined the Hattori Lab in October 2025 and is interested in studying mouse models to explore reinforcement learning mechanisms while gaining hands-on experience with essential laboratory research skills. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing soccer and exploring new places.

nirekgadaufl.edu

Undergraduate Research Intern

Mourya is an undergraduate BS/MD student at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. He joined the Hattori Lab in October of 2025 and has a strong desire to delve deeper into studying the mechanisms behind reinforcement learning. He looks forward to gaining hands-on experience and laboratory skills. Outside of the lab, he enjoys going to the gym, playing sports, and trying new foods.

Contact: mouryasibalaufl.edu

Lab Administration Coordinator III

Beth has been a senior lab admin coordinator and has provided support to researchers at Scripps Research since 2008 and UF Scripps since 2022.  She has a wide range of experience with grants and lab administration to fully support Dr. Hattori and assist with the overall successful operation of his lab. 

Contact: bethperconteufl.edu