Meet Our Team

Dr. Kimberly Ritola

Associate Professor, Core Director

Dr. Ritola began her scientific career as an undergraduate researcher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received a Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Award while studying emergence of replication competent pseudorabies virus in the vaccinated porcine population. Following a transfer to the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill to pursue her running career as a member of the track and field team, she continued working in research labs studying neurogenesis (Paul Farel Lab), cancer (Channing Der Lab), and the effects of pesticides on learning (EPA Summer Internship). She received her PhD in Genetics and Microbiology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill studying HIV-1 transmission dynamics and the role of CNS compartmentalization in HIV-1 associated dementia (Ron Swanstrom Lab). Dr. Ritola completed her post-doctoral studies with Charlie Rice at the Rockefeller University studying hepatitis C viral fitness dynamics and, after a brief stint at the FDA as a virus specialist, landed at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute-Janelia Research Campus. During her eleven years at Janelia, Dr. Ritola created Janelia Viral Tools which provides viral vectors (AAV, rabies, and lenti) optimized for neuroscience applications to the HHMI community. Dr. Ritola returned to the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2021 to focus on further optimization and development of viral vectors for the broader neuroscience community. When not in the lab, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two boys, and two dogs, attending Carolina sporting events (Go Heels!), running, riding horses, and hiking. She is thankful for support from her family, the UNC-CH Neuroscience Center, the BRAIN Initiative U24 funding mechanism, and all the wonderful colleagues she gets to work with.

  • Gavin Hughes

    Research Technician

    Gavin is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He majored in Biology and Philosophy. Gavin joined the Ritola Lab / Neurotools in 2021 as an Undergraduate Research Assistant and then moved into a Research Technician position after graduating from college. Gavin’s primary responsibilities include cloning and DNA preparation. Gavin is also currently involved in two AAV gene therapy research projects. Gavin is preparing to apply to medical school.

  • Aaliyah O'Dell

    Research Technician

    Aaliyah received her B.S. in cellular biology from The University of Georgia in 2021. When she joined Ritola Lab / Neurotools she began working on AAV DNA bacterial growth protocols. Aaliyah has since transitioned to her primary responsibilities in AAV production, optimization, and quality control. Aaliyah’s current research projects include reduction of recombinase independant recombination, AAV gradient production optimization, and non-human ITR to human capsid compatibility. Aaliyah is preparing for PhD applications to continue her training in hopes of achieving her long term goal of developing improved AAV vectors that can overcome the challenges in translating rAAV gene theropy to clinical applications.

  • Dr. Simna S P

    Postdoctoral Research Associate

    Simna received her PhD in Biochemistry from India, where she studied the pharmacological effects of traditional drug in Skin squamous cell carcinoma. She underwent postdoctoral training at UPenn (Clinical and gene therapy studies), Saveetha Medical University (Neuroscience) and at UNC, Chapel Hill (Ophthalmology and Neuroscience). Simna’s interdisciplinary skill set and rigorous training under different mentors has led her to explore new arenas in the scientific field. Currently, in the Ritola lab Simna is focusing on optimization and production of AAV, Rabies and Retro viruses and their implications on gene therapy.

  • Zoe Senn

    Business Officer

    Zoe is an experienced business and program manager with a proven track record of streamlining processes and growing revenue. As the lab's business officer, Zoe is responsible for improving the lab's processes including billing, shipping, customer experience, and financial management. Her bachelor's degree in pedagogy from George Mason University and background in education has led her to work with a number of educational institutions, where she's developed a passion for bettering businesses with a meaningful mission. Outside of the lab, Zoe enjoys trying new restaurants, home decorating, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two dogs.

  • David Bottenberg

    Research Technician

    David received his B.S. in biology from South Carolina State University. He joined Ritola Lab / Neurotools in 2023 as a Research Technician. David was promptly trained on AAV production and DNA bacterial growth protocols. David's primary responsibilities currently include DNA preparation, assisting in AAV production, as well as other lab maintenance duties.

  • Xiaojing Chen

    Research Specialist

    Xiaojing Chen received her M.S. degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from China. During her previous research, she focused on gene therapy for hemophilia, specifically developing and testing engineered AAV constructs and their delivery into animal models. These works aimed to enhance transduction efficiency and address immunogenicity, thereby advancing the potential for clinical applications. In June 2024, she joined Dr. Ritola's lab to further her research in gene therapy in neuroscience.


  • Julia Funke

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

ALUMINI

Rotem Olsha

Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2021-2022

Rotem assisted with AAV production support, PCR, and basic laboratory maintenance

Corrine Walker

Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2021-2022

During her time with the lab, Corrine was responsible for AAV production support, DNA amplification and purification, and basic laboratory maintenance

Thipparat Suwanmanee

Research Specialist, 2021-2023

- Thippa was integral to establishing inventory of cell lines used for product as well as developing cloning protocols.

-Her work was focused on DNA amplification, rabies production, lenti production, and student mentoring

Melinda Somers

Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2021-2022

- Melinda was an organized and hard working student who gained extensive knowledge and experience during her time with the lab

- Melinda was responsible for AAV production support, mammalian cell culture, DNA amplification and purification, laboratory administration, peer mentoring, website design, and basic laboratory maintenance

 Kyle Messier

Undergraduate Research Assistant 2022-2023

- Kyle was a committed lab member who supported routine laboratory functions while also contributing to research projects.

- His daily responsibilities included AAV production support, mammalian cell culture, DNA amplification and purification, PCR, peer mentoring, and basic laboratory maintenance

Caroline Kramb

Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2021-2022

Caroline contributed to AAV production support and basic laboratory maintenance