TEAM

Mervyn graduated with a BSc degree with 1^stClass Honors in Microbiology from Queen Elizabeth College, London. He obtained his PhD from NIMR Mill Hill, England, staying there for 3 more years conducting molecular biology research. He then moved to Dr. Don Cleveland’s lab, then at Johns Hopkins University, USA, where he made the first transgenic mice in the lab. He moved to University of Maryland Baltimore in 1989, where he is currently a tenured Professor. Mervyn began working on neurodegenerative diseases when he opened his lab. He is particularly interested in understanding how protein misfolding and defects in the protein degradation machinery cause neurodegeneration. Besides his curiosity for learning how the body works, and the enjoyment he derives from scientific discovery, Mervyn enjoys playing golf, fixing anything that is broken (or not), DIY projects, and cooking.

Peyton graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University in 2020, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She joined the Monteiro lab in August 2020. Peyton manages the organization of the lab and mouse colony. She conducts different behavioral tests to assess cognitive changes in the new AD mouse models that the Monteiro lab has made. She performs cell and biochemical analysis of proteins to monitor pathologic alterations in the mice. Peyton enjoys reading, puzzles, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

Victoria graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park in 2020, with a degree in biology with concentration in kinesiology and neuroscience. From 2017 to 2019, she completed a series of summer internship programs in bacterial fermentation and mammalian cell culture through Catalent Pharma Solutions, formerly Paragon Biosciences. Victoria joined the Monteiro lab in 2020 and is engaged in both biochemical and behavioral studies. She also takes care of our mouse colony. She is interested in the molecular mechanisms associated with neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and ALS. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys reading, knitting, hiking and playing tennis.

Grace graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park in 2024, with a degree in biology focused on ecology and evolution. She joined the Monteiro lab in November of 2024 and is engaged in both biochemical and behavioral studies. Grace performs cell culture and biochemical analyses to investigate the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which UBQLN2 and PSEN1 mutations cause ALS and Alzheimer’s disease using our mouse models for these interrogations. She enjoys historical dramas, playing guitar, reading, puzzles, and hiking.

Sofia graduated from University of Maryland, College Park in 2024, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She joined the Monteiro lab in November 2024 and performs cellular and biochemical analyses. She is interested in the molecular mechanisms by which UBQLN2 and PSEN1 mutations cause ALS and Alzheimer’s disease. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, cooking, knitting, and trap shooting.