

Our lab values ethical integrity, collaboration, open communication, respect, and equity. We love to talk about science and celebrate everybody successes, big and small.
Team

Alessandra Ferrari
Principal Investigator
I have always been fascinated by lipid biochemistry and metabolism. I earned my Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Università degli Studi di Milano, where my doctoral research focused on the epigenetic regulation of adipose tissue metabolism. For my postdoctoral training, I moved to Los Angeles to join Dr. Peter Tontonoz's laboratory at UCLA. My time in Dr. Tontonoz's lab ignited my passion for lipid trafficking in physiology and the pathophysiology of lipid-related diseases. Outside the lab, I enjoy running, hiking, spending time with my family, visiting museums and art exhibitions, and exploring new restaurants.

Jinse Kim
Postdoctoral Fellow
My research interest is in metabolism and physiology. I earned my Ph.D. in Comparative biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. During my PhD, I worked on uncovering the function of a nuclear receptor, PPARalpha, in regulating liver proteostasis. I am now genuinely interested in understanding the detailed mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism, particularly how it is finely balanced from absorption to excretion. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing and watching soccer, hiking, and spending time with my lovely family.

Francesca Fantini
Postdoctoral Fellow
After graduating in Pharmacy, I am now a PhD student in Pharmacological Biomolecular Sciences, Experimental and Clinical at the University of Milan. My research focuses on the link between mitochondrial lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in the liver, particularly in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, with the aim of identifying relevant targets for the treatment of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. I joined the lab to further investigate the intricate interplay between mitochondrial dynamics and cholesterol trafficking. Outside the lab, I am a competitive fencer, and I enjoy cycling around the city and hiking.

Melania Montes Perez
Postdoctoral Fellow
Throughout my research career, I have focused on identifying novel molecular biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis and exploring gene expression-based therapies. I earned a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, then joined Dr. Andrew Paul’s laboratory at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. My current research interests lie in understanding how diet influences cholesterol trafficking and how these processes contribute to disease. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking, running, and spending quality time with my family.
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Julia Hwang
Junior Specialist
Hi everyone! After graduating from UC Berkeley in 2025, I joined the Ferrari Lab as a junior specialist/lab manager. I support ongoing research efforts, mentor our undergraduate students in laboratory techniques, and assist with overall coordination/communication of Ferrari Lab research projects. Outside the lab, I enjoy staying active through volleyball and hiking, and I love exploring different cafes around the Bay Area in search of the best matcha!

Sophie Lowy
Graduate Student
Metabolic Biology
After graduating from Boston College in 2025, I began my Ph.D. in the Metabolic Biology and Nutrition program at UC Berkeley and joined the lab in Spring 2026. My research investigates how dietary fatty acid composition shapes plasma membrane organization and lipid trafficking in disease models, especially at the intersection with reproductive biology. I am particularly interested in how changes in membrane lipid composition regulate cellular signaling, inflammation, and disease severity. Outside of research, I enjoy playing with my dog Otto, reading, crocheting, yoga, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Kathy Liu
Graduate Student
Metabolic Biology
I am a PhD student in the Metabolic Biology program. After graduating from Vanderbilt University in 2023, I spent two years as a postbacc researcher at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. My previous work includes investigating the genetics of inborn errors of immunity and applying proteomics approaches to study age-related diseases. I joined the Ferrari Lab in May 2026, and my research now focuses on cholesterol metabolism in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Outside the lab, I enjoy tennis, basketball, coffee, and quality time with my dogs.

Yiwei Guo
Graduate Student
Metabolic Biology
I joined Ferrari Lab in May 2026 as a graduate student to explore the mechanism of cholesterol metabolism and engineer metabolic processes within and beyond the cell. Outside of the lab, I am usually hunting for great food, good movies, or an excuse for a road trip.
Lab Alumni
Name
Marilena Ciuffa
Saloni Rajput
Lisa Yoon
Position
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Years
August 2025-May 2026
August 2025-May 2026
August 2025-May 2026