Paulo W. Pires, PhD. I am native from Brazil, where I got a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Master of Science degree in Cell and Structural Biology. I moved to the USA in 2007, and received my Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Michigan State University in 2013. Upon completion of the doctoral degree, I proceeded to do Post-Doctoral training at the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2019, I moved to the University to Arizona as an Assistant Professor to start the Laboratory of Neurovascular Physiology and Disease in the Department of Physiology. I am very passionate about science in general, but I am particularly passionate about understand the mechanisms by which cerebral vascular disease lead to cognitive decline, which is the current focus of the laboratory. In my free-time I enjoy playing with my kids, reading books and watching sci-fi movies and TV shows.
Postdoctoral Scholars
Josiane F. Silva, PhD. I completed a Bachelor’s in Biology in Brazil, as well as my PhD from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. After my PhD, I moved to the University of Sao Paulo for Postdoctoral training. I then joined the Pires laboratory in 2021, and have been here since. I have been fascinated by the mechanisms regulating vascular function since the beginning of my research training, particularly how these mechanisms are changed in disease conditions. I am excited to be a member of Dr. Pires team, which provides me the opportunity to grow as a neurovascular physiologist while working with great colleagues in a collaborative workplace. In my free time I like to play with my cute dog and try to understand American Football.
Graduate Students
Felipe D. Polk. My name is Felipe, I am a PhD candidate in the Physiological Sciences Graduate Interdisciplinary Program. I moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2014 from the small town of San Carlos, Mexico located off the coast of the beautiful Sea of Cortez. Since then, I have found my passion for biomedical research in the field of cardiovascular physiology. Specifically, I am interested in investigating molecular processes important for vasodilation of cerebral arterioles, and how neurodegenerative diseases can lead to impairment of these important molecular processes. I have been part of the Pires’ laboratory since December 2019, where I have gained significant experience in pressure myography of cerebral arterioles, patch clamp electrophysiology, cell culture, and molecular biology. In addition to performing experiments, I enjoy my time doing outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and snowboarding.
Stephenie Thai. Born and raised in Arizona, I moved from Gilbert to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. During my undergraduate years, I was able to supplement my lecture and textbook studies in the Pires Laboratory where I was exposed to the fundamentals of research. Quickly, I grew a strong passion for physiology and after earning my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physiology with a minor in Biochemistry and Sports Nutrition, I chose to continue my education. Currently, I am a Master’s student in the Physiological Sciences Graduate Interdisciplinary Program at the University of Arizona studying vascular changes associated with Alzheimer’s Disease in the Pires Laboratory. I am a coffee enthusiast and love trying new coffee shops in my free time. I also enjoy spending time with friends & family, dancing, exercising, and traveling.
Paige Martin. I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. I received Bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and Physiology and am currently a second-year Master’s student in the Physiological Sciences GIDP. After completing my Master’s degree, I plan to attend medical school. I am interested in all things physiology and biochemistry, but have a special interest in the physiological changes associated with aging and disease progression that comes along with it. Outside of the lab you can find me at a coffee shop, hanging out with my friends, or at a pool.
Matthew Gonzales. I am currently a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Physiological Sciences. I was raised in Southeastern Arizona where I completed my first two years of higher education at Eastern Arizona College. I then transferred to the University of Arizona where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and Medical Sciences with a minor in Biochemistry in 2021. From the beginning of pursuing my undergraduate degree the vastness of Physiology has always intrigued me, with understanding the way that our body systems change as we age being the area, I find most interesting. With my free time, I enjoy being present with my friends and family, spending time outdoors, and exercising.
Undergraduate Students
Ella C. Frank. I am from Wisconsin, but moved to Arizona to study Biology with minors in Physiology and Spanish 3 years ago! This is my first year working and researching in the Pires Lab where I have learned lots of new techniques to supplement my undergraduate education. Outside of being a part of the Pires Lab, I am an University of Arizona Ambassador, Panhellenic’s VP of Community Standards, and work as a bartender at a local bar. When I am not studying or working in the lab I enjoy going to sporting events, spending time with my friends outside, and finding new spots to watch the sunset!
Viktoras Sangster-Biye’. My name is Viktoras Sangster-Biye’ I am from San Carlos, Arizona. I am currently a Junior majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences. I started coming into the lab summer of 2020 where I now work on tissue staining on various vascular structures. I aspire to continue my education in a health-related graduate program after I complete my undergraduate studies. Outside of school, I am very passionate about producing/writing music, learning and participating in Navajo Traditional culture/Dine’ Bizaad'(Navajo language), and connecting with kind people in the Tucson community.
Marlie Nochomovitz. I’m from Phoenix, Arizona. I’m a sophomore majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences, with minors in Biochemistry and Religious Studies. I have been a part of the Pires lab since the start of Fall 2023, and currently work on projects concerning the genotyping of mice and analysis of isolated blood vessels. After my undergraduate career, I plan on going on to medical school. Outside of school and the lab, I enjoy reading, competitive board games, baking, and exploring Tucson.
Hana Kim. Hello, my name is Hana Kim and I’m currently a junior studying Neuroscience and Cognitive Science. This is my first year in Dr. Pires’ lab and it’s been a challenging but fun and educational experience working with the team and learning new skills. I’ve been thinking about what I want to do after my undergraduate years, but my ultimate goal is to pursue a career in the medical field. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, listening to music and occasionally making art.