Meet our lab members!
We are a collaborative group with lots of different research interests, and we love working together to answer big scientific problems.
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Maria G. Montiel-Jaen , PhD
Postdoctoral FellowResearch Focus: Fluorescent visualization of potassium fluxes
Scientific History: Maria G. Montiel-Jaen is a biochemist captivated by the functioning of ion channels, with expertise spanning mathematical modeling, calcium signaling, and cardiac physiology. Her academic journey began with undergraduate studies at Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla (Mexico), where she developed a mathematical model of voltage-dependent channel kinetics. During her master's research at Center of Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV, Mexico), she investigated the modulation of store-operated calcium channels by a bis-boronate ester derived from L-leucine, deepening her understanding of calcium dynamics.
Her Ph.D. work also at CINVESTAV focused on the long-term effects of the hormone aldosterone on adult atrial cardiomyocytes, examining its impact on excitation-contraction coupling, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity.
As a Postdoctoral Associate at William Kobertz's Lab, Maria is exploring extracellular potassium (K⁺) accumulation near the plasma membrane following ion extrusion through channels. Using fluorescent bioconjugates for cell surface labeling, this novel strategy aims to accurately measure of the extracellular ion dynamics, particularly near the plasma membrane in different cellular models including cardiomyocytes.
Fun Fact: As a child, I thought all living beings have hearts, even spiders! Does anyone have a stethoscope for spiders?
Lab Location: LRB 840C
Phone: 508-856-6722