Dana Klatt Shaw, Ph.D.
Principle Investigator
Dana received her Ph.D. in Human Genetics from the University of Utah. She completed her postdoctoral work at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, where she developed techniques for neurobehavioral screening and measuring the neuro-immune events during spinal cord regeneration. In her free time, she enjoys camping and hiking in the summer and quilting in the winter.
Brittney Unverzagt
Lab Coordinator
Brittney is a Registered Veterinary Technician and a Registered Laboratory Technician with a passion for animal care and science. With a background in animal studies, she loves being part of a field where she can combine hands-on care with technical expertise. When she’s not working, she is usually spending time with her family and 26 animals — yes, 26! She also enjoys traveling, kayaking, and making the most of the outdoors whenever she can.
Diana Cervera
Graduate Student
Diana is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Biological Sciences Department, having earned her bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology from Saint Mary’s College. During her undergraduate studies, she contributed to the GEP’s Puerto Rican Parrot Project, focusing on gene annotation. Her current research explores the regeneration of the spinal cord in zebrafish, combining her interests in genetics and regenerative biology.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Diana is passionate about the arts and enjoys creating ceramics and drawing. She cherishes the time spent with friends and family and loves taking long walks with her dog, Rorro.
Geirard Fernandez
Undergraduate
Originally from Tinley Park, Illinois, and now proudly residing in Morrissey Manor, Geirard is a sophomore on the pre-medicine track pursuing a Biology major and a Compassionate Care in Medicine minor. In the lab, he is thrilled to work with a team to contribute to good in the world by striving toward the further uncovering of how zebrafish can seemingly perform magic (regeneration!), something that he hopes will inform human patient therapies in years to come. Outside of the lab, he is involved in the local community and enjoys cooking (and eating), watching movies, playing basketball, and spending quality time with friends and loved ones.
Catherine Tuohy
Undergraduate
Catherine is a junior from Cresskill, New Jersey, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior with a minor in Scientific Computing. She is interested in neuroplasticity and repair and is excited to explore how zebrafish can help uncover mechanisms of spinal cord regeneration. Outside of the lab, she loves traveling, cooking, photography, and spending time outdoors.
Madeline Turner
Undergraduate
Madeline is a freshman from Cleveland, Ohio, living in McGlinn Hall. She is majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior with a minor through the Glynn Family Honors Program. Drawn to understanding the mechanisms of healing within the nervous system, she is fascinated by how the zebrafish’s ability to regenerate the spinal cord can deepen our understanding of neural repair. Outside of the lab, she enjoys trying out new coffee shops, spending time with friends, and cheering on the Fighting Irish at football games.
This could be you!
We are currently recruiting graduate students and postdocs.
Our lab accepts graduate students through the Biological Sciences graduate program and Integrated Biomedical Sciences graduate program at the University of Notre Dame. Contact Dana if you are interested in rotating in the lab.
We are not currently accepting undergraduate students but may recruit in the future. Please fill out this form to indicate your interest. Preference will be given to students in Dana’s courses.
Honorary Lab members
Louie
Lab mascot
Louie loves a good game of fetch or an exhilarating hike. She is excited to expand her network in the South Bend area and to rid our new neighborhood of its squirrels.
Hank
Lab lab
Hanky specializes in begging for food and sleeping. His special talent is his absolute lack of coordination.
Klatt Shaw Lab 