Research Lab Members

Debra graduated from the University of Alaska with a BS in Biological Sciences. She has worked on a variety of studies exploring potential ALS therapeutics & understanding the molecular and genetic causes of ALS. Debra is currently assisting with projects focused on the effects of head trauma on dementia-related neurodegeneration, and the effects ALS mutations on PFN1 function.

Megan received her Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University in Boston where she studied Behavioral Neuroscience. Following graduation, she spent two years researching the role of chondrocytes and effect of lubricin deficiency on cartilage as a technician in the orthopedic department at Boston Children's Hospital. Megan joined the Bosco lab in 2021 to study the role and targets of TDP-43 and FUS in ALS and under conditions of stress.

Jonathan graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a BS in Biomedical Engineering. Following graduation, he worked as a research technician in a variety of settings including UMass Chan Medical School and Biomodels LLC. Most recently, he studied microglia and its effects on synapse loss in the context of multiple sclerosis in Dr. Schafer’s lab at UMass Chan. Jonathan joined the Bosco lab in 2022 to study the effects of ALS-linked mutations on the function and role of microglia in the disease.

Jackson Nguyen, an undergraduate intern and third-year biochemistry student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, joined Bosco Lab in January 2024. Jackson is interested in studying neurological diseases, specifically neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS. Jackson participated in a research fellowship program at Harvard University over the summer of 2024, during which he investigated how rod photoreceptors regulate time during their development. Currently in Bosco Lab, Jackson works with Dr. Rotunno to purify the GST-2xFYVE protein that could be used as a probe to study how ALS-linked mutations in Profilin-1 cause ALS. Jackson plans to obtain an MD, PhD in neurology.

Kennedy graduated from Assumption University in 2021 with a B.A. in Biology and a concentration in Neuroscience and a B.A. in Italian Studies as well as an honors certificate. While in undergrad, she led as president of the Neurscience Club which inspired her to look for roles in biomedical research. Following graduation, she spent two years working as a research associate in the Esteves Lab at UMass Chan Medical School. Kennedy joined the Bosco Lab as a graduate student in 2024 and is excited to develop her project investigating traumatic brain injury. 

Melissa graduated from URI with a BA in English with a focus on publishing and writing in 2006. Before returning to get a BS degree in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry, she earned a biotechnology Certificate in Manufacturing. Working in Bosco lab in 2015 allowed her to complete her PhD while studying wild-type SOD1 misfolding in the context of ALS. Melissa continued studying neurodegenerative diseases in her Post Docs at both Boston Children’s Hospital and Sanofi Inc utilizing proteomics to identify biomarkers. In 2018 she was hired as a Scientist at Gritstone Bio where she identified cancer-specific antigens for designing novel therapeutics. In 2023, Melissa returned to the Bosco lab to study head trauma and its link to neurodegenerative diseases. She is particularly interested in identifying and assessing aberrant protein interactions, PTMs/truncations, and localization in disease through proteomics and biochemistry techniques. When she is not in the lab you can find her rock climbing or hiking up a mountain. 

Elenore “Ele” graduated from Lafayette College in 2018 with her BS in Biochemistry. After graduation, she worked at Bristol Myers Squibb in Downstream Process Development, as well as at Pfizer in Formulation Process Development. Ele joined the Bosco lab in 2022 to study the role of STING signaling and neuroinflammation in ALS.