Lab Members

Manoj Patel, Ph.D.
I earned my BSc and Ph.D. in Physiology at the University of Coventry, UK. After completing my Ph.D., I continued my electrophysiology training as a postdoc at the University of Virginia, USA, University of Bristol, UK and finally at the University of Cambridge/Pfizer GRD, UK. I returned to the University of Virginia in 2000 where I began establishing my own independent research laboratory.

Over the past twenty years my laboratory has focused on understanding the role of voltage-gated ion channels, particularly sodium (Na), in the development of epilepsy. Na channels play a critical role in controlling neuronal excitability since they are responsible for establishing firing thresholds and generating the upstroke phase of the action potential. My research has focused on understanding the importance of these ion channels in establishing and facilitating the neuronal hyper-excitability associated with epileptic seizures. More recently, my research has focused on the mechanism by which Nav1.6 gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations can lead to abnormal Na channel activity and epileptic encephalopathy.

In my free time I like to go jogging, mountain biking, hiking and kayaking.

Raquel Miralles
Fourth Year Graduate Student 
I earned a B.S. in Mathematics from the College of William & Mary in 2019. I spent a year doing research at the Vollum Institute in Portland, Oregon before joining the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Virginia. My research in the Patel Lab focuses on parvalbumin-positive inhibitory interneurons in SCN8A epileptic encephalopathy. Outside of lab, I spend time working at the local ceramics studio, climbing, and social dancing.

Alexis Boscia
Laboratory Specialist
I joined the Patel Lab in September of 2021 after graduating from the University of Virginia. I assist in maintaining the mouse colony and help other members of the lab with experiments and surgeries. I love to paint, make playlists, and cook dinner for my friends.

Caeley Reever
Second Year Graduate Student
I earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Florida in 2022 before joining the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Virginia. My research in the Patel Lab investigates the physiological and genetic downstream impact of Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) in the SCN8A gene in pediatric epileptic encephalopathy.

Irene Sanchez Brualla, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate
I earned my BSc in Biomedical Science at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and I got my PhD as an international diploma from both Aix-Marseille Universite and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, as a member of the labs of Frederic Brocard (formerly Laurent Vinay) and Esther Udina respectively. In the Patel lab, I research the mechanisms of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and in particular how seizures stop breathing. Outside the lab, I like to organize and participate in activities from UVA Postdoc Association, exercise and explore Charlottesville with friends.

Shreya Vundela
Fourth Year Student
Shreya is a Chemistry major at the University of Virginia, and she joined the Patel Lab in the fall of 2021. She is using immunohistochemistry to look at the expression of different types of cells, particularly glia, in SCN8A mutant mice.

Shrinidhi Kittur
Third Year Student
Shrinidhi is a Neuroscience major at the University of Virginia, and she joined the Patel Lab in the spring of 2022. She is focused on learning patch-clamp electrophysiology to work on inhibitory interneurons in SCN8A mice.

Eric Wengert, Ph.D. (Graduate Student, 2016-2021), Current Position: Postdoctoral Researcher at Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania
Matteo Ottolini, Ph.D. (Research Assistant), Current Position: Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Virginia
Bryan Barker, Ph.D. (Graduate Student, 2013-2018), Current Position: Research Advocate at ORACLE
Nicholas Hargus, Ph.D. (Graduate Student, 2006-2011), Current Position: Director of Medical Affairs at Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
Paulianda J. Jones, Ph.D. (Graduate Student, 2004-2007), Current Position: Professor of Chemistry at Mercy College
Timothy W. Batts, Ph.D. (Postdoctoral Researcher, 2003-2005), Current Position: Regional Medical Scientific Director at Merck
Paul W. Lenkowski M.D., Ph.D. (Graduate Student, 2000-2004), Current Position: Otolaryngologist at Roanoke Valley ENT and Allergy