Lab Members
Principal Investigator
Johanna Melo-Cardenas, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pathology
312-503-8066
Research Staff
Alicia Perez Casanova
Research Technician
I graduated with a degree in Biomedicine from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria in Spain. During my first year at Northwestern University, I worked as a Research Technician in the Radiation Oncology and Neurological Surgery Departments. My research focused on understanding the effects of extrinsic electrical modulation in the immune system of glioma bearing mice. Currently in the Melo-Cardenas lab, I study the role of immune cell derived inflammation in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Outside the lab, I take ballet classes, enjoy reading novels, and love being with my friends.
Thomas Brannon
Research Technician
I graduated from DePaul University in 2023 and previously worked in the Division of Nephrology & Hypertension. In Johanna's lab, I'm working on understanding the role of inflammatory cells in blood cancers. Outside of the lab, I like to work out, go to concerts and festivals, and go out with friends.
Graduate Students
Hubert (Huey) Mysliwiec
PhD Student, DGP program
I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2021 and spent 3 years in New York as a Research Assistant at Rockefeller University and an Associate Scientist at Regeneron. For my PhD studies, I’m interested in understanding the interplay between oncogenic signaling and inflammatory pathways in cancer pathogenesis, and how these networks are co-opted in blood cancers. Outside of the lab, I like to cook and bake, go to DJ sets, and go out with friends.
Teresa Song
Masters Student, MBP program
I am a Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP) student at Northwestern University. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Davis. I am interested in the mechanisms that drive cancer development and progression, and how this knowledge can be used to develop new and better therapies. In this lab, I focus on validating substrates for DCAF7 to better understand how DCAF7 influences hematopoietic signaling pathways and contributes to the development of myeloid cancers. Outside the lab, I’m a huge cat and dog lover, and I enjoy traveling, hiking, photography, cooking, and playing basketball.