Melek Firat Altay

City Coordinator

I am a neurobiologist and postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University. My work focuses on modulating immune responses to alleviate Alzheimer's disease pathology. I am passionate about science communication and thrilled to be part of the Pint of Science team in the US!

Shilpi Sehgal

Shilpi Sehgal

Event manager

Ever wondered how a temporary organ grows, communicates, and supports life for nine months? I am a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford studying the placenta, vital in pregnancy yet still mysterious. I use stem cell models and genomics to study complications and help bring science to the community.

Castro Johnbosco

Event manager

I am a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University working at the interface of bioengineering and neuro-oncology. I recently moved to the US. I enjoy spending time in nature, exploring hiking trails, and playing soccer.

Pankaj Gupta

Event manager

I am a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University studying how large-scale brain circuits generate behavior. I combine neural recordings, computational modeling, and biologically inspired AI to uncover how distributed brain regions interact during learning and skilled movement.

Silvia Melzi

Silvia Melzi

Event manager

Sleepy for as long as I can remember, I grew up curious about biology and ended up studying what makes my own brain unique—and sleepy. I am a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford studying the neurobiology of narcolepsy, a condition I have lived with since childhood, and I enjoy communicating science.

Izabela Kowalczyk

Event manager

I am a postdoctoral research fellow at Stanford studying early embryonic development, focusing on heart valve formation and the influence of the maternal environment. New to the Bay Area, I am excited to organize Pint of Science and connect with others to share our passion for science.

Csenge Rezi

Event manager

I'm a postdoc at Stanford studying how a tiny cell compartment called the primary cilia – aka the cell’s antenna – helps during lung damage and healing. I love meeting others to share science ideas, and in my free time, I enjoy nature, running, and cycling.