SUZANNE ANGELI, PHD
Assistant Professor, P. I.
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana to Honduran-immigrant parents. I received my B.S. in Cell and Molecular biology. I attended graduate school at University of California, San Francisco, where I studied the group of genetically inherited neurodegenerative diseases known as polyglutamine diseases. For my postdoctoral studies, I incorporated how aging contributes to age-related diseases using C. elegans as a model.
ALYSSA CASTLE
PhD Graduate Student
I am a PhD Candidate in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department. I received my bachelor’s degree at Utica College and my master’s degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in biochemistry and molecular biology. My current research investigates mitochondrial dysfunction during aging, with an emphasis on the role of reactive oxygen species. During my free time, I enjoy exploring the scenery of Maine.
HOLDEN ZURAS
PhD Graduate Student
I am a PhD student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I earned my bachelor’s degree at the University of Maine, where I majored in molecular biology and music performance. My research focuses on the role of mitochondria in aging and disease. Outside the lab, I compete on the tennis team and enjoy playing guitar.
Ghadeer Zakareya
PhD Graduate Student
Ghadeer is third-year Ph.D. student in Biological Sciences at the University of Maine, School of Biology and Ecology (SBE), where she works in the Grey Lab and currently collaborates with the Angeli Lab. She earned a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Marine Science from Kuwait University, followed by an M.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Long Island University- Brooklyn, and an M.S. in Forensic Science from Florida International University.
Her current Ph.D. research focuses on Fraction B, a gelatinous epidermal secretion of the Arabian Gulf catfish, Arius bilineatus. Her research aims to investigate Fraction B as a potential regenerative and anti-inflammatory agent for neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease.
REMI GEOHEGAN
PhD Graduate Student
Remi is a PhD student in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering program. She conducts aging research for a cross-collaboration project between the Kelley and Angeli labs. She has two undergraduate degrees, the first in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic, the second in Microbiology from University of Maine Orono. She is passionate
about the molecular mechanisms of aging and strives to find ways to promote healthier aging outcomes and prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, she is investigating the possible
relationship between defects in nuclear transport and aging using C. elegans and S. cerevisiae models. In her free time she enjoys spoiling her cats, swimming and hiking in the Maine outdoors.
NATHANIEL JORDAN
Masters Graduate Student
I am a UMaine graduate with a bachelors degree in Microbiology. I am currently pursuing a masters degree under Dr. Angeli's guidance. I am currently focused on how different pathways within C. elegans can possibly interact with one another within the model organism.
KIRIN GUAY
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a microbiology undergraduate currently undertaking research in Dr. Angeli's lab, and I'm expected to graduate in May of 2027. My research interests mostly involve genetic aspects of immunity, and how over time, the body's immune system becomes more susceptible to illness via viruses or other infectious agents. In my free time, I am a digital artist, and I perform hardware mods on various electronics.
Other Undergraduates:
Annah Van Deventer
Leah Cromarty
Mariah Sharrow
Angeli Lab Alumni:
Melisa Matonsi ‘26
Riley Jerome ‘26
Justine Solomon ‘26
Franklin Libby ‘26
Seth Ashby ‘25
Gavin Bressette ‘25
Hannah Lembree ‘25
Timber Mattson ‘24
Matt Sande ‘24
Maria Vina Lopez ‘23
Arianna Hatt ‘23
Marcus Ratz ‘23