Current Lab Members
Theanne received her BA in neuroscience and Spanish from Smith College, earned her doctorate in neuroscience at Northwestern University, and conducted her postdoctoral training in the field of somatosensation at Columbia University. In October 2020, the Griffith Lab opened its doors in the Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology at UC Davis. In 2025, Theanne was appointed as an HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar. In addition to her research, Theanne is a children’s book author. When she’s not in the lab, she’s probably hanging out with her family or in a Pilates studio.
Theanne GRiffith, Ph.d. | Principal Investigator
Cyrrus received his B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Sacramento State. Under the mentorship of Michael Wright, Cyrrus became passionate about Electrophysiology. During his time at Sacramento State he served as a STEM tutor/mentor where he gained a passion for teaching and pedagogy. Outside of his love for ion channels he enjoys snowboarding, golfing and fishing.
Cyrrus Espino, Ph.D. | PostDoctoral Scholar
Marino earned his B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and completed his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Cellular Biology and Pharmacology at Glasgow Caledonian University . His doctoral research under Unilever R&D focused on how neurotransmitters regulate connexin and pannexin signalling to modulate sweat gland function. He later pursued a biotherapeutics research role investigating host–microbe interactions and probiotic therapies for bacterial vaginosis. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and on a good day pretending to be a rock star.
Marino Swanzy-Krah, Ph.D. | Postdoctoral Scholar
Samantha graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from the University at Albany. She continued to pursue her doctorate with an emphasis in biochemistry at the University at Albany under the mentorship of Dr. Li Niu as an RNA fellow of the RNA Institute. In her free time, she likes to take strolls through a park, paint landscapes, and play guitar.
Samantha ingenito, Ph.D. | Postdoctoral Scholar
Mulatwa earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences, with an emphasis in systems physiology and a minor in African American Studies, from San Jose State University. She began her research career in Dr. Katie Wilkinson’s neurophysiology lab, studying how diet‑induced obesity affects spinal cord excitability using the H‑reflex. She went on to complete her Ph.D. at the University of California, Irvine under the mentorship of Dr. Lulu Y. Chen. Her doctoral work characterized a region‑ and cell‑type‑specific knockout of the presynaptic adhesion molecule Neurexin‑2, identifying phenotypes relevant to autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. Mulatwa is passionate about teaching and mentorship, both in the lab and the classroom, and has taught introductory biology at San Jose State University. Outside of science, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
Mulatwa Haile, ph.d. | Postdoctoral Scholar
Serena earned her B.S. and M.S. in physiology at San Jose State University under the mentorship of Dr. Katherine Wilkinson. It was in Dr. Wilkinsons neurophysiology lab Serena developed and grew her love for research. Having already collaborated with the Griffith Lab, she is so excited to finally become an official lab member and continue asking exciting questions in the sensorimotor field. In her free time she enjoys reading, listening to music, attending small concerts and finding local coffee shops
Serena Ortiz, B.S.,M.S | Graduate Student
Akash Murali is an undergraduate at UC Davis working towards a BS in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. His research interest is in neurotransmitters and their relationship with the senses. In his free time, Akash enjoys mountain biking, breakdancing, and working out.
Akash Murali | underGraduate Student
Nadya Berber is a undergraduate student majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior at UC Davis. She is part of the Advance Diversity in Aging Research Scholars Program (ADAR). In her free time, she enjoys playing with her dogs and scrapbooking.
Nadya Berber | Undergraduate Student
Joy Wu is an undergraduate majoring in Neurology, Physiology, and Behavior at UC Davis. She is quadrilingual and is currently a Cantonese and Mandarin Patient Advocate at Paul Hom Asian Clinic
Joy Wu | underGraduate Student
Jax Dayton received her B.S. in Animal Sciences from UC Davis in December of 2017. She’s passionate about immune and nervous system interactions, and has a strong research background in neuroimmunology and central nervous system disorders. She’s also passionate about lab safety culture and work to promote safe non-toxic productive lab environments. She’s very active in the SVM community with rescue and rehabilitation projects. She volunteers as a teacher and counselor for NAMI and teaches their Family-to-Family class, as well as volunteering with many diabetic and medical supply redistribution non-profits. In her free time, she likes hiking with her dog, fishing, reading, chilling with friends, or napping.
jax dayton, b.s. | staff research associate
Griffith Lab Alumni
Aiza Sarwar is an undergraduate student athlete at UC Davis majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, following the pre health track. She is a triple jumper on the UC Davis track and field team, which actively strengthens her interest in proprioceptors and their role in movement coordination. In my free time, I enjoy working out, hanging out with friends, or reading a good book!
Aiza Sarwar | underGraduate Student
Nikita Mishra is an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She enjoys going on walks, listening to music, reading, and exploring new places!
Nikita Mishra | underGraduate Student
Jasmine Gomes is an undergraduate at UC Davis majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and Classical Civilization. She is interested in ion channel signaling and its role in nociceptor function and pain signaling. Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending time with her family, cats and training for her first marathon.
