Karen Zito

Principal Investigator

I am a Professor of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior in the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience. Together with the members of my research team, I hope to better understand the molecular mechanisms that support brain plasticity during learning and how those mechanisms are altered with aging and disease. I have the privilege of teaching at many levels, both in the classroom and through mentoring students for research projects in the lab. I received my B.S. from Indiana University, my Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, and postdoctoral training at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Beyond my academic pursuits, I enjoy listening to live jazz, traveling, and exploring the wilderness.

Juan Flores

Postdoctoral Scholar

I earned a BS in Chemistry and a BA in Biology from Central Washington University in 2017. I completed my PhD in Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology in 2024 in the Zito lab, where I elucidated the molecular mechanisms that contribute to a refractory period during plasticity at single spine synapses. My current interests continue to center on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity during learning. Outside of the lab, I like to code, play video games and spend time with my wife and daughter and our pets.

Dipannita Sarkar

Postdoctoral Scholar

I earned my master's degree in biotechnology from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, India, and completed my PhD at the National Centre for Biological Sciences – TIFR, Bangalore, working with Dr. Hiyaa Ghosh. My doctoral research focused on investigating the role of a schizophrenia-associated transcription factor in neuronal function. As a member of Dr. Zito’s lab, my research centers on the molecular mechanisms underlying dendritic spine plasticity and spaced learning. Outside the lab, I am passionate about cooking (and sharing meals with others), exploring new destinations, and capturing moments through photography. I’m also an avid cinephile who enjoys diving into the world of movies.

Heather Spooner

Postdoctoral Scholar

I received my PhD in Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology from UC Davis in 2024 working with Dr. Rose Dixon on L-type calcium channel regulation in the heart. My current interests lie in uncovering the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity pathways during learning and disease. When I’m not in lab, I love crafts and being outside-- I am particularly fond of hiking and skiing in Tahoe.

Azariah Coblentz

Graduate Student

Marco Alarcon

Postbaccalaureate Scholar

I graduated with a BS in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from UC Davis in 2024. I first joined the Zito lab in 2023 as an undergraduate researcher, where I performed mutagenesis experiments on the synaptic scaffolding protein PSD-95. Now as a PREP scholar and junior specialist, I am investigating the role of the phosphatase STEP61 in the refractory period of dendritic spine plasticity. Outside of science, I like to cook, play video games, and hang out with my PREP cohort.

William Li

Junior Specialist/ Lab Manager

I graduated in 2023 with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I started in the Zito lab in 2022 as an undergraduate researcher investigating the interactions of RhoGTPases and GEFs in the brain. Now as a Junior Specialist and Lab Manager, I am assisting with biosensor development and general lab upkeep. Outside of science, I like performing with my orchestra and ensemble members, and playing video games.