Master's Student 

• Maanas Vankalapati, BsC, MSc completed in 2026 @uOttawa

  • Maanas is an enthusiastic MSc candidate in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Ottawa. He holds an Honours BMSc with a specialization in Medical Cell Biology, graduating with High Distinction from the University of Western Ontario. In the laboratory, Maanas is currently focussing on the role of the thiamine transporter SLC25A19 in vitamin B6 and B1 deficient environments, working off of a project completed by Dr. Izabella Pena. Alongside his research, Maanas loves to spend time volunteering at the hospital and with the children at CHEO, as he says he enjoys giving back to his community. During his spare time, Maanas loves to read comics, watch soccer, and spend time at the gym

Undergraduate students

• Justin Nguyen, uOttawa TMM honours program completed in 2026 @uOttawa

  • Justin is currently completing a Honours BSc in Translational and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa. His project focuses on studying behaviours in the zebrafish larvae model of PDE and helping to develop a novel pharmacological model of PDE in zebrafish larvae.

  • Outside the lab, Justin enjoys volunteering at CHEO and working with kids!

  • Hobbies include: taking care of my plants, baking sweets, and playing video games.

• Isabella Arlotta, uOttawa Biomedical Science honours program completed in 2026 @uOttawa

  • Isabella is an ambitious and dedicated student currently completing her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science with a focus in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. Her current work at Pena Lab as a volunteer involves utilizing zebrafish models to analyse and investigate the effects of Pyridoxine-Dependent Epilepsy (PDE), aiming to advance understanding of this rare condition. 

  • Beyond her academic and research pursuits, Isabella is deeply passionate about volunteer work. She is the co-founder of The Lotus Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for local shelters in need, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community. In her spare time, Isabella enjoys travelling, baking, hiking, and painting.