People
Tito Borner - Assistant Professor
Originally from the Italian part of Switzerland, Tito pursued his studies at the University of Zurich. After completing his PhD in Integrative molecular medicine, he moved to the United States for his postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania.
Apart from neuroscience, Tito is interested in motorcycles, The Great Wave off Kanagawa and painting.
Sophia Fischer - Research Technician
Sophia joined the lab after completing her Masters in Neuroscience at the University of Zurich to work on the involvement of the GDF15/GFRAL pathway in malaise and keep the Swiss spirit alive.
Aside from research, she likes the gym, hiking and coffee.
Serena Gao - Graduate student
Originally from Shanghai, China, Serena came to the US for high school and pursued her academic career studying Biology at the University of Pennsylvania. Now, she is focusing on GLP-1 and GIP receptors and their involvement in eating behavior, nausea, and emesis.
Serena is not only passionate about science, but also likes dancing, cats and boba tea.
Allie Pataro - Graduate student
Allie began her scientific career studying Neuroscience at Michigan State University, and later went on to work as a technician at the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, she has been studying the neuronal mechanisms of the cytokine GDF15 and how it affects food intake and nausea.
Outside of the lab, Allie spends her time baking, crocheting, and traveling.
Fatma Cicek - Undergraduate
Fatma is a Neuroscience major at USC Dornsife , set to graudate in 2027, with a minor in cinematic arts.
She enjoys drinking coffee, photography, and exploring new places.
Rebecca Pan - Undergraduate
Rebecca is a pre-dental student studying biological sciences at USC Dornsife and will be graduating 2026.
A fun fact about her is that she went skydiving this past summer - it was an unforgettable experience!
Borner Lab Alumni
Yarah Bidot - Undergraduate
Yarah travelled all the way from Puerto Rico to join us for the summer 2024. Back at home, she is studying Biology at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
Allaha Mohiby - Undergraduate
Allaha studies neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania and supported the Borner Lab during the summer 2024.