Lab Members

Christine Junhui Liu received her PhD in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology from Harvard University in 2025, where she trained as a systems neuroscientist under Anne Takesian, PhD, at Mass Eye and Ear, studying inhibitory circuits and neuropeptide signaling in auditory cortical plasticity. Christine joined the Riera lab in 2025.

Vinicius received his PhD in Neuroscience from UC Irvine in 2024 under the leadership of Katherine Thompson-Peer, PhD, where he investigated the cellular mechanisms of neuronal dendrite regeneration in fruit flies. Vinicius joined the Riera lab in 2026.

Ava obtained her bachelor of science in physiological science at UCLA in 2026. Ava joined the Riera lab in 2026.

Kevin obtained his bachelor's degree from Boston University in 2021. He then worked as a research associate at Cedars-Sinai, followed by Aridis Pharmaceuticals and Tenaya Therapeutics, prior to joining the Riera Lab in 2025.

Clay is pursuing a bachelor of science in physiological science at UCLA. Clay joined the Riera lab in 2025.

Zachary is pursuing a bachelor of science in physiological science at UCLA.

Mahmoud is pursuing a master of science degree in regenerative medicine from Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University. He has a bachelor of science in microbiology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Zachary is pursuing his PhD in Biomedical and Translational Sciences at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University.