ROBEL LAB UAB
ROBEL LAB UAB
Empowering Scientists To Achieve Excellence Through Discovery
Our Vision and Values
Why we exist. The Robel Lab researches astrocyte biology to advance our knowledge of how the brain adapts to injury, to empower the public with this knowledge, and to promote brain health.
Our vision of the future. We teased out why astrocytes change after mild traumatic brain injury, what factors determine if, how, and when they change, how their changes affect brain function and behavior, and how to therapeutically manipulate aspects of their response.
Mission – how we will get there. In the Robel lab, we empower and support each other in service of uncovering each lab member’s authentic voice and purpose. We tap into our creativity to find and answer select big questions in astrocyte biology by challenging ourselves to do high-quality, top-notch science.
Diversity Equity Inclusion
We believe that each person is uniquely brilliant. We are internationals, single, married, parents, African-American, Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, first-gen, disabled, socioeconomically disadvantaged, or not, catholic, atheists, spiritual, orthodox, christian, baptist, Mediterranian, American, undergrad, Virginia Tech graduate (that's where we moved from), transfer student, postdoc, postbac, professor, research scientist, research assistants, medical doctor, neuroscientist, glial/ molecular biologist, US citizens, visa/ green card holders, LGBTQI+, straight, dedicated to the academic track, going to med school soon, interested in jobs outside of academia, military reserve, active duty, feminist, anti-racist.
Who are you? We support each team member equally because of who they are. We embrace and build on diversity. We respect every person independent of race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, military service, national origin, immigration, academic rank and position, socioeconomic status, and/or political preferences as long as they respect the dignity of all individuals.
We take ownership for educating ourselves about diversity, equity, and inclusion subjects. We commit to having uncomfortable conversations, resolve our biases, and change behaviors to make all members of our community feel included and valued. During our monthly and weekly personal development, we dedicate time to the discussion of diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges within the team and beyond. We will find solutions including changes to our personal behavior, beliefs, and/or world views. We are allies; we use our power and privilege to advocate externally for others and call out discriminatory behavior.
We are committed to cultivating a physically, mentally, and emotionally safe environment built on mutual trust and respect. We acknowledge our responsibility in changing a historically discriminating academic system. To do so, we use processes and tools for recruiting team members that circumvent biases and emphasize potential and fit for the job. Each team member is given training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Our Current Focus
ATYPICIAL
RESPONSE OF ASTROCYTES TO MILD TBI/ CONCUSSION
THE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER & MILD TBI/ CONCUSSION
ASTROCYTE
COUPLING IN POST-TRAUMATIC EPILEPSY
Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
All team members stretch out of their comfort zone and are proactive participants in driving team performance. We understand that a safe environment is foundational to high performance but not mutually exclusive to high standards and the occasional discomfort from performing in the roam of excellence. We support every member of our team to find and perform within their unique zone of excellence and to prepare for the next stage in their career – whatever that may be – while driving our shared goals now.
Stefanie Robel
Team Leader
Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.
Carmen Muñoz-Ballester
Postdoctoral fellow
Pitna Kim
Scientist & Lab Management
Alex Shandra
Scientist & Future PI
Dzenis Mahmutovic
Research Assistant