Ashley Brandebura, PhD
Principal Investigator
Dr. Brandebura grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, where she developed a love for all Pittsburgh sports teams. She completed PhD training at West Virginia University and postdoctoral training at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where she developed expertise in astrocyte biology. Dr. Brandebura is interested in understanding how astrocyte communication with other cell types is altered in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease. Outside of the lab, Dr. Brandebura enjoys hiking, being in nature, biking and spending time with her cat.
Charles “Mitch” Boudreaux, MS
Senior Laboratory Specialist
Mitch is originally from south Louisiana, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for the natural world, scientific discovery, and cheering on the LSU Tigers. He earned a Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Sciences from Louisiana State University with a focus on immunology, serology, and molecular biology, and has contributed to research programs in infectious disease, immunology, pharmacology, and neuroscience at Louisiana State University, the University of North Carolina, Duke University, and now the University of Virginia. In the Brandebura Lab, Mitch supports research investigating glia–extracellular matrix interactions, astrocyte-microglia signaling, and neurodevelopmental disorders while helping manage laboratory operations and mouse colony maintenance. Outside of the lab, Mitch enjoys growing orchids and tropical plants, visiting museums, college sports, and listening to music.
Daniel Heller, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dan is originally from Las Vegas and opted for a scientific career path instead of becoming a professional poker player. He completed his doctoral training at the University of South Florida, where he investigated the role of spontaneous activity during neural circuit formation. He investigated developmental axonal-glia contact at the ultrastructural level, piquing his interest in glial biology. In the Brandebura lab, he is interested in understanding how impaired GABAergic dysfunction contributes to physiological and morphological impairment in Down Syndrome. Outside of the lab, Dan enjoys hiking, as long as it’s not too hot, and seeing live music.
Susanna Kast
Undergraduate Researcher
Mary Lampton
Undergraduate Researcher
Michael Tartaglione
Undergraduate Researcher
Alumni:
Sophia Menna (2026)