Research Team

The Castel lab is led by an interdisciplinary team of scientists focused on using translational mouse models, cell biology, and biochemical approaches to elucidate the role of Ras family proteins in human disease.

Group Leader

Pau Castel, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine

Email: pau.castel@nyulangone.org

Meet the Team

  • Anabelle Ouedraogo

    LAB MANAGER

    B.Sc. College of Staten Island, USA

    Anabelle oversees daily operations, research coordination, and laboratory safety. She also enjoys supporting innovative research and fostering an organized and collaborative environment.

    Beyond the bench, Anabelle loves hiking, Broadway show, exploring New York City’s vibrant cultural scene, especially art galleries and local events.


  • Yuzhe Niu

    POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

    Ph.D., Chinese University of Hong Kong, China

    Yuzhe is interested in investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying germline syndromes, such as RASopathies, by studying cell differentiation using isogenic cell lines, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, and transgenic mouse models.

    Outside the lab, Yuzhe enjoys cooking, exercising, and caring for my plants.


  • Alessandro Mozzarelli

    POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

    Ph.D., Humanitas University, Italy

    Alessandro is studying the signaling mechanisms of RAS family GTPases in cancer. His research focuses on understanding how dysregulated canonical and non-canonical RAS protein activity drives tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic response through molecular, biochemical, and in vivo approaches.

    Outside the lab, Alessandro enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, and hiking.

  • Alvaro Fernandez-Cabrera

    POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

    Ph.D., University of Salamanca, Spain

    Alvaro is studying the role of LZTR1 and its biochemical properties, as well as the regulation of proteostasis in vivo and in vitro. His research focuses on understanding how the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is altered in disease models.

    Outside the lab, Alvaro enjoys working out, cooking delicious recipes, and meeting new people around the city.

  • Katie Chang

    PH.D. STUDENT, BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS

    B.Sc. Cornell University, USA

    Katie is studying the regulation of Ras family GTPases, with a focus on those that lack identified GAPs or GEFs. Her research aims to uncover alternative mechanisms that control Ras activation, signaling, and degradation using a combination of biochemical, proteomic, and cellular approaches.

    Outside of the lab, Katie enjoys playing volleyball, snowboarding, exploring new restaurants in the city, and traveling.

Previous Members

Josue Canales, NYU Vilcek Rotation Ph.D. student
Position after leaving the lab: Senior Research Associate, Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Elena Mascaro, Visiting MD student
Position after leaving the lab: Continuing University of Barcelona

Nessim Soffer, Summer Student
Position after leaving the lab: Associate at The Capria Group

Tamara Gonzalez Costa, Visiting Ph.D. student
Position after leaving the lab: Completing Ph.D. at the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research

Alec Vaughn, NYU Vilcek Rotation Ph.D. student
Position after leaving the lab: Completing Ph.D. at NYU School of Medicine

Verna Lin, NYU STEP program student
Position after leaving the lab: Completing B.Sc. at University of Rochester

Stephanie Mo, Ph.D., University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
Position after leaving the lab: Investigator Scientist at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Martha Vega
Position after leaving the lab: Happy retirement

Sheena Faye Garcia, Ph.D., Assistant Research Scientist
Position after leaving the lab: Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley, USA

“I felt incredibly supported by Pau, both as a scientist and a person. Thank you for the opportunity to do exciting science in such a fun and collaborative environment!”

- Sheena Garcia, Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Berkeley