The Laboratory

OUR TEAM!

At the Saelices Lab, we believe science works best when it’s a team sport. We’re a collaborative group of structural biologists, biochemists, and amyloid enthusiasts who are passionate about solving the puzzle of protein misfolding in ATTR and other systemic amyloidoses. From cryo-EM maps to late-night lab chats, we tackle tough questions together—with rigor, creativity, and a lot of snacks. Our goal? To turn molecular insights into real-world solutions, while building a lab culture that values curiosity, kindness, and the occasional dance break in the cold room.

Lorena Saelices, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

I was born and raised in the south of Spain. I earned my B.S. in biology and my Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Sevilla, where my training focused on molecular biology and structural biology. As a postdoc, I used these tools to study proteins involved in human amyloid diseases.

My lab applies crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to obtain atomic information of amyloid structures, which is later used to design tools for the clinic. Our attention is mainly directed to transthyretin amyloidosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Binh Nguyen, Ph.D.

Instructor

I started as a community pharmacist, then shifted careers and earned my Ph.D. in molecular biology at the University of Otago in New Zealand. I served as a lecturer in molecular biology and managed the External Relations Department at Vietnam National University’s School of Medicine, in Ho Chi Minh City. I then moved to UCLA, where I discovered a passion for amyloid research and cryoEM. In the Saelices lab, I’m using cryoEM to explore fibril structure and dreaming about solving the mystery of amyloids.

Shumaila Afrin, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Researcher 

I am from India, and earned my Ph.D. in biochemistry at Aligarh Muslim University. In the Saelices Lab, I am interested in developing a cell-based model system of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, applying it to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies, and understanding the disease’s pathophysiology. I enjoy reading, traveling, cooking exquisite Indian dishes, and then eating them.

Mari Fernández-Ramírez, M.S., Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Researcher

I grew up in Córdoba, Spain, and earned my B.S. in biotechnology at Francisco de Vitoria University, and my M.S. and Ph.D. in neuroscience at the Autonomous University of Madrid. My research goal is to find key structural determinants in transthyretin and tau proteins associated with their related diseases, using CryoEM and other techniques.

Rose Pedretti

Graduate Student: Cell and Molecular Biology

I am from New York and earned my B.S. in biochemistry from Nazareth College. In the Saelices Lab, I am developing peptide probes that can be used for diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis. Outside of research, I enjoy weightlifting, baking, and trying new food.

Lanie Wang

Temporary Staff Specialist

I am an undergraduate student in neuroscience at UT Dallas. In the Saelices lab, I work on diagnostic tools for transthyretin amyloidosis using peptide probes. Outside of the lab, I enjoy drawing, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Parker Bassett

Graduate Student

I am from Rockwall, TX and received my undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Baylor University. In the Saelices lab, I study fibril structure in light chain amyloidosis in hopes of learning more about the disease pathogenesis. Outside of the lab, I like to rock climb and mountain bike.

Candace Kelly

Lab Technical Assistant I

I am from Fort Worth, TX and earned my undergraduate degree in neuroscience at Baylor University. In the Saelices lab, I am interested in using transthyretin as a biomarker for disease detection in Pre-Eclampsia. Outside of the lab I enjoy finding beautiful places to go on runs and reading Malcolm Gladwell books.

Layla Villalon

Temp High School Intern

I am a high school senior and starting at the University of Texas at Dallas in the fall. In the Saelices Lab, I am an intern working on a diagnostic tool for transthyretin amyloidosis and assisting with various experiments. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing softball, being involved with school, and spending time with family and friends.

Emma Camp

Graduate Student at Texas Woman’s University and lab intern.