Diego Calderon

Principal Investigator

Diego received his B.A. from Wesleyan University and subsequently conducted his Ph.D. research on the genetics underlying complex traits at Stanford University. Intrigued by massively parallel molecular biology, he then went on to become a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Washington, where he led projects involving the computational analysis of large-scale single-cell data and developed new massively parallel reporter assays to investigate gene regulation. In 2024, Diego joined UCSF as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences.

Outside of lab, Diego can be found jogging and engrossed in his latest audiobook, while liberally sending kudos on Strava. Currently, he’s nearly finished listening to ‘Oathbringer’, part of Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive series. He’s also finally finished reading ‘At the Helm’, and has started the first few pages of ‘The Eight Day of Creation’.

Chetan Aditya

Postdoc

I am an interdisciplinary researcher trained in bioinformatics, data analysis and synthetic biology with extensive experience in genetic engineering, bioproduction, immunology and cancer. I am fascinated by biological transitions and want to understand how these changes come about from a mechanistic standpoint. In this pursuit, I have developed optogenetic controllers that dictate cell fate, biosensors that report on dynamics of signaling activity and most recently, in the Calderon lab, I am invested in developing methodologies that will allow us to monitor transcriptomic changes during biological transitions.

My leisures include reading contemporary fiction, writing poetry and devouring cinema.

Kina Atkin-Yamaguchi

Lab Manager

I am the Lab Manager at the Calderon Lab and a Junior Specialist in the PROPEL Program at UCSF. My responsibilities in the lab include general lab operations and research. I obtained my General Biology (B.S.) Degree from the University of Washington in 2024 and worked as a Laboratory Technician at the Shendure Lab in the Department of Genome Sciences during my time there. I conducted plant genetics research at Hokkaido University in the Miwa Lab as a Special Auditor in the Department of Biology. My goal is to attend graduate school to obtain a PhD in a field related to genetics and genomics.

In my free time, I love to run, hike, read at coffee shops, bake, and spend time with my friends and family. My favorite place to visit is Japan!

Juliane Bombosch

Rotation student (BioE) Fall 2025

I am a Ph.D. student in the Bioengineering joint program between UC Berkeley and UCSF and rotating student in the Calderon Lab. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Neuroscience with Honors from Smith College.

Post graduation, I joined SanBio Inc. to investigate how transplanted mesenchymal stem/stromal cell therapies restore cortical excitability and improve recovery following ischemic stroke in rats. In Dr. Aaron Gitler’s lab, where I explored why skeletal motor neurons are particularly vulnerable in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), contributing to multiple publications on disease-associated motor neuron states and axonal regeneration defects.

On my free time, I love swimming, dancing salsa and bachata, and learning to cook.

Madeline Chertkow

PhD student (BioE)

I am a Ph.D. student in the Bioengineering joint program between UC Berkeley and UCSF. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics from UCSC. During my time at UCSC, I conducted research in Dr. Daniel Kim’s lab to advance liquid biopsy technology via the detection of cfRNA found in extracellular vesicles released by solid tumors expressing a mutant form of KRAS. In 2023, I was a UCSF SRTP intern where I investigated the molecular effects autophagy inhibitors have on the metastatic characteristics of triple negative breast cancer in Dr. Jayanta Debnath’s lab. As a first-generation student, I am open as a resource to other first-gen students to aid them in successfully navigating the STEM field. When I’m not talking about science, I enjoy trying new food, reading, cooking, and exploring the city.

Carlos Gomez

Rotation student (BMI) Fall 2025

Carlos is a PhD student in the Biological and Medical Informatics program at UCSF. He received his bachelor’s degree in microbiology from San Francisco State University and completed a post-baccalaureate in the PROPEL program at UCSF, during which he also worked as a Junior Specialist in Dr. Susan Lynch’s lab applying computational methods to study the human microbiome. Carlos is broadly interested in how machine learning, AI, and data-driven approaches can help answer questions in human health. Outside of research, he enjoys cooking, working out, and exploring new places.

Noah Gordon

Rotation student (BioE) Fall 2025

Noah is a first-year PhD student in the Joint Berkeley - UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering. Originally from the Bay Area, he attended Gunn High School and then earned BA and MEng degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering from The University of Cambridge. At nearby Stanford University and Hopkins Marine Station, Noah developed computational methods to understand the dynamics of hematopoietic stem cell competition.

Noah played varsity basketball for Cambridge and Board 1 for the Downing College Chess Team, but these days he enjoys being a tennis beginner, playing guitar, and maintaining his home Linux server.

Peter Lu

Purchasing Analyst and Asset Custodian

I am a Purchasing Analyst and Asset Custodian for Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences. I also provide administrative support for Dr. Calderon, Dr. Ahituv and Dr. Giacomini/Chen.

In my free time, I like fishing and biking around the city.

Rashad Reid Jr.

Rotation student (BMI) Summer 2025

I am a Ph.D. student in the Biological and Medical Informatics program at UCSF. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Temple University. As an undergraduate, I conducted research in Dr. Vincent Voelz’s lab in the Department of Chemistry, where I worked on several projects revolving around the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. I also participated in a summer research experience at UC Santa Cruz in Dr. Russell Corbett-Detig’s lab, where we used phylogenetic trees to identify mutations associated with the extinction of viral lineages. When I’m not doing science, I enjoy walking, hiking, and playing video games.

Join our team!

The lab is looking to recruit talented inviduals interested in joining our science community. If the following roles don’t apply to you, and you’re still interested in joining, feel free to reach out and we’ll figure something out.

Graduate students. Applicants should be accepted through one of UCSF’s graduate programs. Still, I encourage you to reach out before submitting an application because I can I advise you on what might be the most relevant program. Potential rotation students should contact Diego to discuss. A typical ~10 week rotation, will include:

• A rotation project that we collaboratively choose to blend your interests with the interests of the lab, along with mentor availability.
• An initial short lab meeting (5 min) to introduce yourself and your rotation project.
• Scheduled weekly meetings with Diego to update him on your research and career.
• A final lab meeting presentation.

Postdocs. Reach out to Diego with a bit about yourself and your science interests, along with a CV or resume. Promising postdoc candidates will be expected to provide contact information for references. We are happy to submit any paperwork on behalf of the lab for any postdoctoral fellowships.

Environment. Our lab aims to be composed of a unique mix of smart, interactive people from a wide range of personal backgrounds and scientific backgrounds, including genetics/genomics, biology, and quantitative fields like CS/math/stats. My goal is that everyone should have the resources and support that they need to be successful.