Our members

Priscila Sato (PI) , PhD: Priscila obtained her PhD in Mario Delmar’s lab elucidating how mutations in plakophilin-2 (PKP2) were linked to sudden cardiac arrhythmias. Her work was the first to show that PKP2 alter Nav1.5 channel properties which partially explained the arrhythmogenic  potential for patients with ARVC. As a post-doctorate fellow in Wally Koch’s lab, Priscila identified and investigated the non-canonical role of G-protein coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in the mitochondria and its link to alterations in cardiac metabolism particularly post-ischemia. Our team’ is involved in various areas of cardiac biology which ‘s current research interests encompass defining the role of GRK2 in the mitochondria and its link to metabolic syndrome-related cardiac dysfunction. Our nexus lies at the interface between metabolism, electrophysiology, and contractility in the development of cardiac pathologies.

Chun-Sun Jiang (Scientist I), MD/PhD: Chun-sun obtained his MD from Tongji Medical College and his PhD in Cell Biology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His expertise ranges from molecular biology, biochemical techniques, AAV, FISH staining, to mouse model development and surgery. Dr. Jiang is also experienced in xenograft models, cell survival, and miRNA studies. Dr. Jiang is a pillar to the Sato lab family.

Lilly Underwood (Researcher II), BS: Lilly obtained a Bachelors degree at UAB and performed research using animal models of pulmonary disease. She has joined the lab with expertise in molecular biology, ELISA, and mouse handling/experimentation. Lilly is interested in research and currently runs two independent projects in the lab.

Victoria Kaml (Researcher II), BS: Victoria obtained a Bachelors degree at UC Davis in Wildlife and Fish Conservation Biology. She is passionate about biology and physiology and has worked with animals at the Birmingham Zoo and the El Paso Zoo. Victoria is interested in research and provides invaluable support to the team.