LAB TEAM
Navid Bavi, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator Assistant Professor, Physiology
I’m a mechanobiologist with a background in mechanical engineering, biophysics, and structural biology. In our lab, we use cryo-EM, electrophysiology, and force spectroscopy to study how membrane proteins—such as ion channels, motor proteins, and transporters—function in sensory processes. Our ultimate goal is to uncover the molecular basis of sensory disorders by understanding these proteins. We're also committed to promoting equity and diversity, welcoming everyone into our science family, regardless of background.
Gabriel Carmona Rosas, Ph.D.
Assistant Project Scientist gcarmonarosas@mednet.ucla.edu
I obtained my Ph.D. in biochemistry and cell biology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where I worked on the signaling and trafficking of different GPCRs using multiple biochemistry and microscopy strategies. I then completed a postdoctoral training at the University of Chicago, where I worked on solving the structures of different cell-surface molecules using X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM.
Hao Liu, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher haoliu@mednet.ucla.edu
I am a biochemist with a research background in the photosensitization mechanisms of photosensitive dyes and their interactions with tumor cell membrane proteins during my PhD. After joining Navid’s lab in August 2024 at UCLA, I focused on investigating mechanically-gated ion channels and exploring their roles and mechanisms in cancer metastasis and immune responses.
Kloy Marie Ocampo
Research Associate kmocampo@mednet.ucla.edu
I am a recent graduate of UCSD with a master’s degree in Biology. During my time as a student, I primarily used different staining techniques to visualize and semi-quantify FKBP proteins in the context of depressed individuals with HIV. My goal is to further my education and see where science will take me.
Brandon Noimany
Undergraduate Researcher bnoimany28@g.ucla.edu
I am currently a first-year undergraduate at UCLA studying Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. I have been passionate about basic scientific research and neurobiology, joining the Bavi Lab in October 2024 to gain deeper hands-on research experience. Originally from Lake Oswego, Oregon, I gained my first laboratory and research experiences during three summer internships in the Murthy Lab in the Vollum Institute at Oregon Health and Science University before attending UCLA. At OHSU, I aided investigations into the physiology of the TMEM63 mechanosensitive ion channel family in mammals using various staining techniques.