Current Lab Members

Dr. Martellucci obtained his Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine at “Sapienza” University of Rome in Italy. After a first postdoc in Italy, he joined the Campana Lab in 2021 to enter the field of glial biology. Dr. Martellucci’s research project focuses on identifying novel LRP1 ligands in the injured peripheral nerve that activate the Schwann cell Repair program. His goal is to better understand the function of receptor systems in the PNS, that are associated with chronic pain. His research focuses on targeted therapeutics (molecular and cellular) to eventually better treat human diseases including small fiber neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy. During his leisure time, he enjoys playing the piano and cooking dinner with a glass of red wine. "Omnia summa consecutus es, virtute duce, comite fortuna" (Marcus Tullius Cicero). "You got the best results, led by virtue accompanied by fortune".

Paris studied at China Pharmaceutical University before joining the Campana Laboratory as a graduate student. She investigates the role of LRP1 agonists in regulating pain, neuro-inflammation and bioenergetics in chemotherapy induced neuropathy models. As a master’s student in Dr. Campana’s lab she published a first-authored paper showing how an innovative LRP1 ligand attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity and activation of innate immunity in a model of traumatic injury in the FASEB J. She enjoys translating peptide chemistry into pre-clinical animal model systems related to chronic pain. When she is not in the lab, Paris is a fan of Nintendo. In her spare time, she plays many games on her Steam account.

After a fifteen year-long career in construction, I made the decision to switch paths and pursue an education in molecular biology. I graduated with a B.S. in Biology in June 2023 with honors. I am now a Research Specialist in Dr. Campana’s lab. I am actively investigating the role of Schwann cell extracellular vesicles in chronic neuropathic pain. My free time is spent playing chess, surfing, camping, or enjoying a bonfire on Sail Bay.

Melissa received a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology, with a minor in Psychology, in Revelle College at the University of California, San Diego in June 2022. She was accepted into the master’s Biology program and works with her thesis advisor, Dr. Campana. She is scientifically interested in subjects such as genetics, molecular and cell biology along with the application of cellular processes and their importance in the maintenance and functionality of cells. She applied these interests to her project in the Campana lab, which focuses on the role of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 LRP1 and mitochondria regulation in Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Melissa is involved in several extracurricular activities such as being a student mentor to incoming biology students in BSSA, being an Instructional Assistant in the School of Biological Sciences, being a bassist in UCSD's Chamber Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and The Intermission Orchestra, being an orientation leader for Revelle College, and being an undergraduate student representative for UCSD's Library Student Advisory Council. Melissa was accepted to the UCLA Biology PhD program and will start this Fall 2023!

I am a second-year pre-med student at UCSD, studying molecular and cellular biology. I am aspiring to become a physician with a focus in cardiology. Some of my hobbies include trying new foods, going to the beach, and listening to chill R&B music.

Aaron Tran is a 4th year undergraduate student at UCSD majoring in Psychology with a specialization in human health. With a big interest in holistic medicine, he is mainly interested in Schwann cells and the peripheral nervous system in their role in chronic neuropathic pain. After graduating, Aaron hopes to attend medical school and pursue his lifelong goal as an anesthesiologist. During his free time, he enjoys street photography, cooking, and playing electric bass.

Dr. Masaki Norimoto graduated from Chiba University, School of Medicine in Japan and gained his M.D.. and became an orthopaedic doctor. He gained his Ph.D. in Medical Science at Chiba University in Japan. Then he specialized in spine surgery. After working as a spine surgeon, he began to be interested in pain research and joined the Campana Lab. Dr. Norimoto’s research theme in Japan was pain visualization using medical imaging. After joining the Campana Lab, his goal is to acquire knowledge for molecular biology of pain transmission and control in order to further research the treatment of severe peripheral neuropathy and create new therapeutic seeds. During his leisure time, he loves to play with his children and work out.