Get to know us a bit more!
Postdoctoral Researchers
Luis M. Colon-Perez, PhD
I am originally from Utuado PR. I completed a bachelors degree in Physics from the University of Puerto Rico in 2007, and my PhD in Physics from the University of Florida in 2013. My dissertation title “Weighted networks and the topology of brain networks” and it focused on methods to quantify network connectivity and topological features using diffusion MRI and tractography. I currently am focused on using functional MRI to quantify topological features of functional networks in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Click here on this link to see my publications in pubmed.
Marjory Pompilus, MD, MSc
I am originally from Haiti. I completed an MD degree at the Escuela Latino America of Cuba in 2008. In September 2015, I completed a Master’s degree in neurobiology under the guidance of Dr. Carmen Maldonado-Vlaar, Department of Biology, at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras. My dissertation title was “Adolescent exposure steroids anabolic androgenic triggers susceptibility to cocaine and anxiety in adult male rats”. My current research interests is to combine the enteric nervous system and addiction to determine their impact among adolescents and younger adults. In December 2015, I joined Dr Febo’s lab as lab technician to further refine my addition research background. Ultimately, I intend to pursue a clinical research career in the US.
Graduate Researchers
Joe Dragone
I am originally from Richmond, Virginia. I completed my bachelors degree in Psychology with a focus on Neuroscience from the University of Mary Washington in 2017. I am a second year graduate student working towards my PHD at the University of Florida where I am co-mentored by Marcelo Febo and Barry Setlow. Both of these labs are focused on exploring the underlying neurobiology of addiction and decision making. My current projects involve exploring alterations to functional connectivity as a result of cannabinoid exposure, THC or CBD, using MRI, and I will soon begin a study exploring self-administration of oxycodone in rats.
Matteo Grudny
I am originally from Miami, Florida. I completed a bachelors degree in Biology with a focus on Neuroscience from Florida International University in 2016. I am a second year graduate student working towards a PhD at the University of Florida mentored by Marcelo Febo. My current research interest is the utilization of MRI to study neurobiological actions of psychostimulant drugs of abuse and neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Undergraduate Researchers
Kristin Toroella
I am a 4th year Biology student from Miami, Florida, following the pre-Medical track at the University of Florida. I joined Dr. Febo’s lab on November 2015 and my research interests are in the field of Neuroscience. I am particularly interested in the treatment of mental illnesses, such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
In the hopes of later attending medical school and becoming a pediatric physician, I am involved in UF’s pre-Med AMSA and volunteer weekly at the Surgical Oncology unit at Shands Hospital.
Mallory Suarez
I am currently a fourth year Biology student on the pre-Medical track from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I have been volunteering in Dr. Febo’s lab since 2016, and my research interests are in the field of neuroscience, studying the effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
I am currently involved in organizations such as the Latino Medical Student Association, serving as the communications and outreach chair, and the Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-health honor society. Ultimately, I intend to attend medical school and pursue a career in ophthalmology or dermatology.
Kelly Acuna
I am a 4th-year Biology student from Miami, Florida, following the pre-Medical track at the University of Florida. I joined Dr. Febo’s lab 2016 and my research interests are in the field of Neuroscience as it applies to the neurodegenerative diseases that affect human health. I am involved in UF’s pre-Med honor society, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and currently the community outreach chair for the Latino Medical Association at the University of Florida. In the future I hope on attending medical school and becoming a ophthalmologist.