Meet Our Team

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Rocío began her scientific path at UNAM’s Instituto de Biotecnología in Mexico, where she studied calcium channels involved in human sperm motility with Dr. Takuya Nishigaki and Dr. Alberto Darszon during her undergraduate and master’s training. To deepen her understanding of ion channels, she pursued a Ph.D. at the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin, Germany, with Dr. Gary Lewin and Dr. Kate Poole, investigating chondrocyte mechanotransduction and the roles of TRPV4 and PIEZO1. As a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Ardem Patapoutian at Scripps Research in San Diego, California, she explored the physiological functions of PIEZO channels, discovering a role for PIEZO2 in gut physiology and contributing to projects on mechanosensation in adipose and reproductive tissues. Now leading her own lab, she studies how sensory and enteric neurons coordinate gut–brain communication. Outside the lab, Rocío enjoys making pottery and taking long walks with Chequis, her feisty Chihuahua mix.

PhD STUDENT

Maria is a PhD student studying gut-brain communication through the investigation of sensory and enteric neurons. Prior to joining the Servin-Vences lab, she was studying the effectiveness of small molecules in the alleviation of multiple sclerosis symptoms, using mouse models of MS. Outside of the lab, she enjoys running by the lake, reading, crafting, and playing with her two cats, Wallace and Gromit.

MASTERS STUDENT

Corina is a Master's student in Neurobiology at Northwestern University. In Dr. Rocio Servin-Vences' lab, she studies the molecular components of PIEZO2 enteric neurons in the colon of mice. Outside of the lab, Corina enjoys reading, playing the bass, and crocheting.

UNDERGRAD INTERN

Hannah is a senior at Northwestern University studying neuroscience and global health. She is an undergraduate researcher in the lab, where she contributes to projects examining neuropeptides involved in enteric nervous system function and gut-brain communication. In her free time, you can find her reading, playing volleyball and trying out new recipes in the kitchen

UNDERGRAD INTERN

Joaquin is a sophomore at Northwestern University studying Biology and Neuroscience. He is an undergraduate researcher in the lab, where he contributes to projects relating to Piezo2's role in mechanosensory pathways in the gut. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing soccer, playing the trumpet, and spending time on the lake with friends.

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