Welcome!

Welcome to the

Training Tomorrow's Researchers and Educators

Welcome to the Soto Laboratory. We are a diverse and spirited group of researchers, passionate about morphogenesis and cell polarity, and what they may teach us about keeping tissues healthy. Curious, open-minded researchers at all levels are welcome.

We study cell migrations and movements, powered by branched actin.

Our Lab Logo: “S” Our model organism, C. elegans, will hold embryos inside, when branched actin (first “O”), is reduced, also arresting cell migrations in the embryo (second “O). Our lab is committed to green principles, including sustainable research, and safe recycling.

Videos

Video from the Soto Lab.

Current Members

Martha Soto

I am intrigued by how cells become polarized to move correctly during development. Our genetic screens have identified important proteins required for polarized movements, including regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. Our studies provide insights into healthy growth and diseases, like cancers, where cells move and grow incorrectly.

I am also the PI and Co-Director of the INSPIRE IRACDA postdoctoral training grant.

When I am not in the lab I enjoy walking my dog Luna, hiking with my husband and kids, short runs, baking bread, and reading all kinds of novels (latest: Animal Dreams, by Barbara Kingsolver).

Patricia Irizarry Barreto

Hello! I am a scientist, educator, and STEM advocate. After a career in Outreach and Science Communication, I recently joined the Soto Lab to investigate cellular polarity and branched actin in C.elegans.

I am currently characterizing the nuclear-promoting factors (WAVE, WASH, and WASP) that are present in C. elegans. Our goal is to understand how NFPs work and affect the trafficking of cargo proteins and to learn more about the signaling cascades that regulate their function. In addition, I have the privilege of being the program support coordinator for the INSPIRE Program.

Outside of the lab, I am passionate about museums in general (history and education trajectory) and I love to spend time with my daughter and our dog Mia.

Yeshaswi Pulijala

Hi! I’m Yeshu, a lab technician here at the Soto Lab. I’ve recently graduated from Rutgers with a major in Genetics and a minor in Political Science. Together with Patty, I help manage lab operations and assist colleagues with their research projects.

My interest in developmental biology and reproductive endocrinology led me to this lab. Here, studying cell migrations and movements in C. elegans embryos, further fuels my fascination.

When I’m not in the lab you can find me crocheting, on call as an EMT, nose deep in a book, playing quidditch, exploring hidden gems in the city, or baking treats for friends and family!

Kavya Kadabageri

Hi! I’m Kavya Kadabageri and I’m an undergrad at Rutgers University studying Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.

My project currently focuses on potential GEFs lowering F-actin intensity during embryonic ventral enclosure.

In my free time, I love going on hikes and trying out new restaurants!

Soto Lab Alumni

Sponsorship of Candidates for Postgraduate Degree

09/03 - 06/05	Michael Huang, a Master’s Degree Student, continued to Pharmacy School
09/07 - 06/12	Yelena Bernadskaya, Ph.D. Student, currently a postdoc at NYU, funded by NIH postdoc grant. Recipient of the 2013 RWJMS Dissertation Award, and GSBS Nominee for the Council of Graduate Schools/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award
09/07 - 08/12	Falshruti Patel, Ph.D. Student, currently working in genomics and attending Rutgers Business School
01/15 - 12/18	Hamidah Raduwan, Ph.D. Student, Cell & Developmental Graduate Program
01/19 - 1/20	Jennifer Smolyn, Master’s Degree Student, Teacher at Princeton High School

Sponsorship of Postdoctoral Fellows

Image of Soto Lab Alumni - Postdoctoral Fellows

09/19 - 08/20	Dr. Denver Baptiste, Ph.D. from Howard University. recipient of INSPIRE Fellowship, now Assistant Professor of Biology, New Jersey Institute of Technology
08/16 - 05/20	Dr. Shashikala Sasidharan, Ph.D. from U. of Kerala, India, recipient of a postdoctoral fellowship, NJCRR, now Scientist-Advanced Imaging and Digital Pathology
06/15 - 08/19	Dr. Sofya Borinskaya, Ph.D. from U. CT Health Center, recipient of INSPIRE Fellowship, now Assistant Professor at St. Elizabeth’s College, Morristown, NJ
04/11 - 09/16	Dr. Andre Wallace, Ph.D. Penn State, recipient of an INSPIRE Fellowship, now Assistant Professor of Biology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ
06/15 - 08/16	Dr. Marc Tuazon, Ph.D. from Rutgers U., is now a Biology teacher, at Montclair Academy
06/13 - 02/15	Dr. Maria Agapito, Ph.D. Rutgers U., recipient of an INSPIRE Fellowship, now Assistant Professor of Biology, Bard College High School, Newark, NJ
07/12 - 01/14	Dr. Sailaja Mandalapu, Ph.D. from George August University, Goettingen, Germany, researcher and instructor, Delaware State U
10/10 - 07/11	Dr. Sandra Chesoni, Ph.D. from Rutgers U., continued to NJMS and now a practicing physician and researcher
02/08 - 03/11	Dr. Huajiang Xiong, Ph.D. from U. Heidelberg, Germany, recipient of a postdoctoral fellowship, NJCRR, joined the faculty at Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany

Undergraduate Research

Including Junior and Senior Year Research Projects for Rutgers Students & RISE Summer Students

1/04 - 05/04	Veronica Zappi, Rutgers, Junior Year Research in Biology. Veronica entered the Physicians Assistant Program at NYU
09/04 - 05/05	Agnieska Zonierowska Research in Genetics 308, research under Work Study
09/05 - 05/08	Holly Patel, Rutgers, conducted research in the lab for five semesters, leading to an Honors Thesis project, awarded “High Honors,” “Genes that regulate cell movement in C. elegans.” Holly now works at a local biotech firm
06/06 to 08/06	Poonam Patel, Rutgers, research in genetics and molecular biology. Poonam was accepted into the Pharmacology Program at Rutgers.
09/07 to 05/08	Nilam Patel, Rutgers Sophomore, research in genetics and molecular biology. She applied to medical school.
09/07 to 05/10	Samara Henry, Rutgers, “Genetic and Molecular mapping of a novel morphogenesis mutant, pj2.” Samara started medical school courses in Fall of 2010 after acceptance into the highly competitive RWJMS Access-Med Phase II Program that encourages underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in medicine.
06/08 to 08/06	Paola Durand, Rutgers Junior Year Research and Independent Study. Paola is now employed at a chemical company.
06/08 to 05/10	David Rivera: Rutgers, Senior Thesis, “Genetic and Molecular mapping of a novel morphogenesis mutant, pj21.” David is now a senior scientist at a local chemical company.
01/09	Rose Yu, a Visiting Undergraduate from MIT, learned molecular genetics.
06/09 to 08/09	Moises Peña, a Rutgers Sophomore, was introduced to molecular genetics research.
06/09 to 08/09	Lauren Anllo, RISE student from The College of NJ, Trenton: SNP mapping of a new morphogenesis mutant. Lauren attended graduate school fall of 2010 at Princeton University.
06/10 to 08/10	Kamil Amer, RISE student from The College of NJ, Trenton: genetic and SNP mapping of a new morphogenesis mutant. Kamil is applying to medical school
06/11 to 08/11	Kim Box, RISE student from U. Kansas, Manhattan. Kim applied to graduate school.
06/12 to 08/12	Jordan Martinez, RISE student from The College of NJ, Trenton. Jordan was accepted early admission to medical school.
06/13 to 08/13	Samantha Myruski, a RISE student from SUNY Oneonta, NY, applied to Pharmacy schools
09/12 to 05/13	Tarun Uppalapati, Rutgers Sophomore, Biochemistry major, med. school hopeful.
09/13 to 05/15	Vipin Palukuri, Rutgers Junior, Neuroscience and Cell Biology major
02/14 -to 05/14	Kinjal Bhalodia, Rutgers Sophomore, Biology and Public Health major.
09/14 to 05/15	Jessica Maldonado, Rutgers Senior, Genetics major
06/16 to Summer 2017	Rachel Rebello, Rutgers Freshman, Honors College, 06/16 to summer 2017, accepted to Law School, planning to focus on environmental law.
09/16 - 05/17	Baldeep Kaur, Rutgers Sophomore, 09/16 to 05/17
5/17 - 8/17	Angelica Barreto-Galvez, a RISE student from NJCU, was accepted to Rutgers MBS Graduate Program.
6/17 - 8/18	Sushma Mannimala, a Rutgers Junior, was accepted to dental school.
Summer 2018	Jeff Martinez, a RiSE student from NJCU, applying to PA programs.
2/19 - Present	Thejasvi Venkatachalam, Rutgers Freshman. Honors Thesis on “CED-12/CED-5 has two opposing roles during morphogenesis.”
2/19 to 6/20	Karla Larios, Rutgers Junior. Accepted to Medical School (NJMS).
2/19 to 7/19	Lanette Mantle, Rutgers Junior, accepted Early Admission to RWJMS
Summer 2018 and 2019	Julia Saks, Princeton Academy high school student, summer 2018 and 2019, accepted Case Western Reserve, majoring in biology and writing.
Summer 2019	Paulina Marino, RiSE student from Fairleigh Dickinson U.
Fall 2019 to Present	Deepti Rao, Rutgers Sophomore. Honors Thesis “Role of WAVE complex in Cadherin transport.”
Summer 2020	Sophia Philippe, a RiSE student from NJCU, currently working at a biotech firm.
	Joshua Egwuonwu, Rutgers Newark, 2021 to present, Neuroscience and Behavior major
	Daniela Rosenbloom, Rutgers Junior, 2022 to present, Biotechnology major.