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People

Current Members

Katie Baldwin

Katie Baldwin, PhD

Dr. Baldwin is an assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and a member of the Neuroscience Center. A native Michigander, Dr. Baldwin completed her undergraduate and graduate training at the University of Michigan, followed by her postdoctoral training in Dr. Cagla Eroglu’s laboratory at Duke University. Outside of the lab, she enjoys mountain biking, running, and being a mom.

 

 

 

Alex Eaker, BS

Alex is a Research Technician in the Baldwin Lab. He grew up in the Western Foothills of North Carolina and moved to Chapel Hill in 2016. Alex graduated from UNC in the fall of 2020 with a BS in Neuroscience and worked in Toxicology at LabCorp for several months before returning to Carolina as an employee. In his free time, Alex enjoys exercising, all things outdoors, and being a dog dad.

 

 

Dr. Karen Farizatto stands outside smiling in front of a treeKaren Farizatto, PhD

Dr. Farizatto is a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Associate in the Baldwin Lab. She is originally from Brazil, where she got her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science, followed by her M.S., and Ph.D., at the University of Sao Paulo. During her graduate training, she also conducted research at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, where she also went on to conduct postdoctoral research in the laboratory of Dr. Ben Bahr. In the Baldwin lab, Dr. Farizatto is investigating how disruptions in astrocyte function drive disease pathogenesis. She also very much enjoys teaching and spending time with family & friends.

 

Robert Lewis

Robert is an undergraduate researcher for the Baldwin lab. He grew up in Chapel Hill and plans to graduate from UNC with a BS in Biology. Robert previously did research at the nearby EPA facility in RTP for 2 summers. Robert enjoys watching movies, exercising, and spending time with friends.

 

 

 

Valerie Muzyka

Valerie is an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Baldwin Lab. She was born and raised in Tampa, FL and is currently pursuing her BS in Neuroscience and BA in Exercise and Sport Science at UNC Chapel Hill. In the future, she hopes to research neurodegenerative disorders and become a physical therapist for professional athletes. Outside of school, Valerie enjoys doing pilates, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.