The Brixius Lab

Simone received a diploma in Molecular and Human Biology from Saarland University (Germany). She then joined the lab of Dr. Rita Bernhard at Saarland University and received her PhD in biochemistry which focused on exploiting human steroidogenic P450 enzymes for biotechnological applications. She then transitioned to the laboratory of Dr. Emily Scott at the University of Michigan to learn X-ray protein crystallography of human P450 enzymes. Simone joined the School of Pharmacy Center for Pharmacogenetics in September 2021 and is excited to work on fatty acid metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes and their use as drug targets! In her free time, Simone spends much time with her dogs and enjoys going to heavy metal shows.

Olivia is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in biochemistry and minoring in studio arts and chemistry. She is excited to learn about the usage of P450s, their role in drug metabolism, and potential utilization in medicine at the Brixius Lab. In her free time she is a strength instructor, and loves to paint.

Bjoern attended the Naturwissenschaftliches Technikum Kuenkele (Landau,  Germany) to become a chemical-technical assistant. He then joined the contract laboratory CBA (Chemische Beratung und Analyse) in Kirkel-Limbach (Germany) where he received vast experience in GC-MS, GC-FID and various other instruments for environmental analysis and food/consumer goods. After transitioning to the US, he joined Bureau Veritas North America (Novi, MI) as a Laboratory Analyst and supervisor. He then joined the group of Dr. Edward Zellers (University of Michigan) to develop micro-GC systems. Bjoern then transitioned to Dr. Adina Turcu’s lab (Michigan Medicine) to train in the analysis of steroids in human serum samples and the operation of LC-MS systems. In January 2022 Bjoern started in the Brixius Lab as Research Specialist and Lab Manager.
In his spare time, Bjoern enjoys music, PC gaming, sports, and reading.

Ema Clark is an undergraduate majoring in biochemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, with a minor in applied statistics and an Asian Studies Certificate. She is passionate about drug development and pharmacology, and is looking forward to learning more about P450 enzymes and their potential applications in medicine here at the Brixius-Anderko Lab. In her free time, Ema enjoys playing tennis, running and spending time with friends. 

Huiting is the first Brixius lab PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences and joined in 2022.  She received her undergraduate degree in Bioengineering at Northeastern University in China and her master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy, where she conducted research in Dr. Camarero’s Lab and focused on the mechanism of action of a newly synthesized peptide drug in lung cancer and ovary cancer. Huiting is excited to start working on CYP4F omega hydroxylases and their association with cancer progression.

Alexis is an undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Applied Statistics and the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Certificate. She is interested in the connections between biochemical pathways and human health, with a particular focus on P450 enzymes and their role in drug metabolism. Outside of academics, Alexis enjoys reading, riding bikes with friends, and hiking.

Ty is a first-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student here at the University of Pittsburgh. Before attending Pitt Pharmacy, Ty obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, PA, where he graduated cum laude. Ty’s current interests lie in psychiatric pharmacy; he is eager to research P450 enzymes and their role in mental health and pharmacology in the Brixius Lab. In his free time, he enjoys listening to Taylor Swift’s music and spending time with friends and family! 

Mae Moukamal is a third-year student pharmacist at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. She is excited to return to the Brixius Lab as a student research assistant, where she looks forward to expanding her knowledge of drug targets and the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in pharmacotherapy. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new coffee shops around the city!

Audrey Shao is an undergraduate studying biological chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, with a plan to further pursue her studies in pharmacology. She is interested in the biochemistry side of pharmaceutical studies, especially in discovering biological pathways for innovative drug therapies. She is looking forward to learning more about cytochrome P450 enzymes and their roles as drug targets in the Brixius-Anderko lab! In her free time, she enjoys dancing, spending time with her cat, and listening to music.