Team

 Stephanie Tankou, MD, PhD

Role: Principal Investigator

Email: stephanie.tankou@mssm.edu

Stephanie K. Tankou, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Mount Sinai Health System, and sees patients at the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, with a clinical focus in multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica, and neurosarcoidosis. Dr. Tankou has an established research lab focusing on identifying gut derived bacteria that regulate inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS), setting the goal to identify gut derived bacteria that can serve as biomarkers as well as disease modifying therapies for MS and other CNS autoimmune diseases.

Paola Bianchimano, PhD

Role:  Postdoctoral Fellow
Email: paola.bianchimano@mssm.edu

Paola is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Dr. Tankou Lab. She obtained her degree in Biochemistry and PhD in Biology from Universidad de la Republica, in Uruguay. Her long term research interest is on the mechanisms regulating nervous system plasticity, disease and repair. Her previous research has focused on peripheral nerve plasticity, neuro-vascular coupling and spinal cord injury. Paola joined the Tankou Lab to study astrocyte biology in a mice model of multiple sclerosis (EAE), and the gut-derived microbiota modulating astrocyte function. In her free time, Paola enjoys reading, traveling and travel photography.

Kacper Iwanowski, MS

Role:  Associate Researcher

Email:  kacper.iwanowski@mssm.edu

Kacper is an associate researcher at Dr. Tankou’s Lab. He received his bachelor’s degree in Biology and master’s degree in Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. His previous research focused on studying cholinergic interneurons within the striatum and their relevance to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Kacper will be interested in studying gut-derived microbiota and their influence on the EAE mouse model of Multiple Sclerosis. Kacper is planning to apply to medical school upon acquiring research experience. In his free time, he enjoys cycling on his Peloton and finding the best cup of coffee in the city.

Justine Choueri
Role: Research volunteer
Email: choueirij@bxscience.edu

Justine Choueiri is a sophomore at the Bronx High School of Science. Her favorite subjects are math and science. She is interested in bench work because she finds it fascinating to be able to learn more about how our bodies work. Justine is particularly interested in conducting research in the future, more specifically immunology. Her hobbies include playing the cello, dancing, soccer, and biking.

Emma Smith 

Role:  Alumni

Emma Smith is now a Research Analyst for Envision Pharma Group.