Nabora Reyes de Barboza, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

I’m Nabora Reyes de Barboza, a proud product of the University of California system. My academic adventure started at Merced Community College and culminated at UC Merced, where I was part of the founding class. I earned my Bachelor’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and my Master’s in Quantitative and Systems Biology there. I then pursued my PhD in Developmental Biology at UC Irvine and completed my postdoctoral training at UC San Francisco in the Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep division. I am a development biologist eager to understand how cells utilize signaling pathways within microenvironments to support major changes during development, aging, and regeneration. Outside the lab, I love exploring National Parks, Ecological Reserves, and museums with my two young children and husband. Life truly is an adventure both inside and outside the lab!

Contact Info:

nreyesde@ucsd.edu

Alma Renero

PhD Graduate Student

I was born in Mexico City and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I attended El Camino Community College and then transferred to UC San Diego to complete my B.S in Molecular and Cell biology in 2020. After graduating I worked in the muscle stem cell field at Sanford Burnham Prebys and then in the antibody oligonucleotide field at Avidity Biosciences. I started as a PhD student in the Biological Sciences program in 2022. In the Reyes lab, I am interested in investigating how p16INK4 expressing fibroblasts respond to influenza A in the lung. My hobbies outside of lab include ceramics, hiking, and camping!

Contact Info:

arenero@ucsd.edu

Julianne Carnes

Staff Research Associate 

Hello! I’m Julianne, a Staff Research Associate at the Reyes Lab. My academic journey began at community college, where I earned an Associate of Science in Biology. I then transferred to UCLA, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. While at UCLA, I had the opportunity to intern at the Koltsova Lab at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, focusing on IL27 and its involvement in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Now in the Reyes Lab, my primary focus will be characterizing the secretome of p16INK4a fibroblasts. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, and spending time at the beach!

Contact Info:

jucarnes@ucsd.edu

Jeremiah Aquino

Undergraduate Research BRAP Fellow 

My name is Jeremiah Aquino, but you can call me “Jay.” I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, to Salvadoran immigrants who came to the U.S. seeking a better future. I attended Narbonne STEAM Magnet High School, where I focused on a Pathway to Patient Care and Biological Science. Now, I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology at UC San Diego, with plans to enter an MD/PhD program. My research passion lies in understanding and reactivating senescent cells for regeneration, with a current focus on AT2 cell regeneration and antibody research. This work holds promise for developing novel treatments to restore lung function and improve outcomes for patients with chronic lung conditions. Outside the lab, I volunteer at UCSD Hillcrest Emergency Department, assisting with patient care. I enjoy plane spotting, sightseeing, and spending time in nature in my free time.

Contact Info:

j1aquino@ucsd.edu 

Stephanie Fuentes 

Undergraduate Researcher

Originally from Victorville, CA, I grew up surrounded by the iconic Joshua trees of the high desert. After high school, I transitioned to sunny San Diego to attend Grossmont Community College, where I earned my Associate’s degree in Biology. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of California, San Diego. With 8 years of experience as a veterinary assistant, I’ve developed a strong foundation in the medical sciences, but my passion now lies in Laboratory Science. My ultimate goal is to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist, contributing to the advancement of healthcare through research and diagnostics. Outside of academics, I’m an outdoor enthusiast. I’ve completed the 5 Peak Challenge in San Diego, and one day, I aspire to conquer the Pacific Crest Trail. I also hope to travel with a purpose—volunteering in underserved communities around the world.

Contact Info:

Stfuentes@ucsd.edu

Miriam Schoeler, DMD

Staff Research Associate

Hello! My name is Miriam Schoeler, and I am a Staff Research Associate at the Reyes Lab. Originally from Germany, I moved to San Diego in 2024. I earned my degree in Dentistry from Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn in 2009 and later specialized in Orthodontics at Danube Private University in Krems, Austria, completing my studies in 2021. Before coming to UC San Diego, I spent ten years working in the Netherlands. Surrounded by researchers in my daily life, I developed a deep passion for scientific inquiry, a curiosity sparked early on by my mother, a teaching assistant, who introduced me to microscopy in the lab. During dental school, I loved working in the lab and learning essential research techniques. Now, as part of the Reyes Lab, I am excited to explore cellular senescence in the lung and the pathways that contribute to lung regeneration. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, a postdoc at UCSD, and our daughter, while exploring San Diego and discovering all that California has to offer.

Contact Info:

Mschoeler@ucsd.edu

Christopher Levinger

Undergraduate Researcher

Hello! My name is Christopher Levinger, but most people call me Chris. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, and attended L.A.C.E.S. High School, where I focused on Middle Eastern history. This interest initially led me to study history with a specialization in the 20th century at UC San Diego. However, after gaining exposure to the healthcare field through the UCSD Free Clinic and working with refugees in Tijuana, I discovered a passion for medicine and the intersections of biological research and patient care. This realization led me to switch my focus to molecular and cell biology, with aspirations of pursuing an MD. Currently, I am a researcher at the Reyes Lab, where I study the cellular mechanisms behind aging and the accumulation of alveolar senescent cells to advance our understanding of lung regeneration and improve pulmonary patient outcomes. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, tennis, running, performing sleight-of-hand magic tricks, exploring new places, and hiking.

Contact Info:

Clevinger@ucsd.edu 

Joaquin Arig

Undergraduate Researcher

Hello! My name is Joaquin Jalova, an undergraduate researcher at the Reyes Lab. I was born and raised in the Philippines before migrating to California in 2022. I attended Foothill Community College, where I met some of the most supportive colleagues, mentors, and friends. While in the Bay Area, I completed an internship at the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility under the nano@stanford program, working on projects such as the fabrication of silicon micropillars. These experiences highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of STEM, allowing me to see firsthand how physics and nanoengineering apply to biological research. Currently, I am studying Human Biology at UC San Diego and intend to pursue a physician-scientist career. At the Reyes Lab, I focus on characterizing and visualizing data concerning senescent fibroblasts in the lung. Whenever possible, I enjoy traveling solo to other countries and immersing myself in different cultures.

Contact Info:

Jarig@ucsd.edu