Our Team

In his doctoral and postdoctoral research, Stefanos focused on investigating genetically-defined and genetically-heterogeneous large neuron populations to uncover how they encode and control diverse instinctual behaviors. His research interests include, but are not limited to understanding :a) the biological and computational principles that enable robust cognitive and behavioral outcomes despite the inherent variability in the activity of relevant neuron populations. b) the implementation of plasticity to generate optimal behavioral expressions, and its reversal to extinguish pathophysiological behaviors, when they emerge. c) the neural network, hormone, and neurotransmitter dynamics that actuate long-lasting internal states and the expression of individual behavioral actions.

Giada Spigolon is a senior scientist with extensive experience in neurobiological research, possessing deep expertise in advanced microscopy techniques such as confocal, light-sheet, and two-photon microscopy. As an integral member of the Stagkourakis laboratory, she supports multiple projects and leads cutting-edge investigations examining the roles of targeted neuronal populations in survival behaviors.

Peter Löw is a neuroscientist with a deep expertise in motor system physiology and neural circuit dynamics. Previously, as a senior scientist in Ole Kiehn’s lab, he played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of how spinal and supraspinal networks generate and refine movement. His work has illuminated fundamental principles of motor control, combining sophisticated electrophysiological techniques with behavioral and anatomical approaches. With a strong track record in dissecting neural circuits at multiple levels, Peter brings invaluable expertise to the Stagkourakis Lab, where he aims to explore how motor and instinctual behaviors are orchestrated in freely moving animals. By integrating state-of-the-art neurotechnologies, he seeks to bridge the gap between movement generation and its broader role in survival behaviors.

Alekhya is an eager neuroscientist with an education in behavioral neuroscience and a passion for all things brain! She completed her Master's degree in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Groningen. She has previous experience in hibernation and sleep neuroscience, with a focused training on 2 photon microscopy from Washington State University, Spokane. Her previous projects have also cultivated an interest in understanding the role of non-neuronal cells like glia and their contribution to brain functions.

Miguel aspiring Biomedical Engineer with entry-level professional proficiency in Signal Processing and Machine Learning pipelines in Python and Matlab applied to biosignals, specifically the Electroencephalogram (EEG) with a focus on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). Further academic competencies and interests involve building circuitry (PCBs) related to signal acquisition/conditioning for Medical Devices, process control, and developing Android Applications in Java that monitor users' states. With experience in agile methodologies, his aim is to combine technology and medicine to advance medical knowledge, create solutions that enhance human health/well-being, and improve the overall efficiency of the healthcare system with reduced costs.

Mihika is an undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia interested in neuroscience, and is currently pursuing her summer research internship in our lab. She is contributing to the annotation and analysis of survival behaviors, including social interactions, fear responses, and metabolic states, by combining manual behavioral scoring with unsupervised approaches. Mihika is gaining hands-on experience with tools such as BENTO and DeepLabCut and custom pipelines developed in the lab to extract high-dimensional behavioral features from freely moving animals.