Karishma Pratt

Karishma Pratt is a PhD Candidate specializing in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology at the Villeda Lab at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Her research focuses on the mechanisms underlying brain aging and rejuvenation, particularly investigating epigenetic and transcriptional changes. She aims to understand how these processes can be influenced by environmental factors, including exercise and diet, which have implications for stem cell activity and neuronal health.

Educational Background

• Undergraduate Studies: Karishma completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at the Universidad Austral de Chile, where she also conducted her thesis on the role of ion channels in respiratory diseases.
• PhD Research: She is currently pursuing her PhD at UCSF, where she has gained significant experience in cell biology and developmental biology, contributing to various research projects that explore the dynamic chromatin landscape and its effects on aging and regeneration in the brain.

Research Interests

Karishma's research interests are centered around:

• The epigenetic influences on stem cell function.
• The role of environmental factors, such as diet and exercise, on metabolic and neurological health.
• Mechanisms of remyelination and neuronal differentiation.

Professional Experience

Before her current role at UCSF, she has worked in various research capacities that have equipped her with a robust skill set in molecular biology and cellular mechanisms. Her work has implications for understanding diseases related to aging and neurodegeneration.

Karishma Pratt's contributions to the field are recognized through her publications and presentations, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge in developmental biology and regenerative medicine.