Elisa Perciballi

Elisa is a postdoctoral researcher at the Therrien Gliomics Lab. She earned her PhD in “Converging Technologies for Biomolecular Systems” from the University of Milano-Bicocca, where she studied metabolic alterations in patients with familial ALS linked to SOD1 and TDP-43 mutations. Her work also involved the development of neural stem cell models derived from patient-specific iPSCs, focusing on reprogramming strategies and disease modeling. During her time at the University of Eastern Finland, she specialized in microglia differentiation to investigate the role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly how microglia contribute to disease progression.Fascinated by the role of microglia in neurodegeneration, she joined the Gliomics Research Lab at UC Davis, where she will continue to explore microglial function in disease using advanced cellular models. She aims to deepen her understanding of microglia’s contribution to pathology and identify potential therapeutic targets.Outside the lab, Elisa loves outdoor activities and feels a deep connection with nature. She enjoys hiking, skiing, cycling, and surfing. Her greatest passion is traveling, as she loves immersing herself in different cultures, exploring new landscapes, and experiencing local traditions. She also enjoys spending time with friends, discovering new restaurants and foods, and visiting art museums. To maintain balance and mindfulness, she practices yoga and meditation.Elisa is always exploring, whether it’s in the lab or out in the world.