Lab Members
Accalia Fu, PhD
Assistant Professor, Program in Molecular Medicine
Investigator, Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence in New England
Dr. Fu established her laboratory at UMass Chan Medical School in 2022. Her research investigates how molecular metabolism influences pancreatic beta-cell survival and function, particularly during inflammatory and diabetes-related stress.
Her doctoral research examined the metabolic sensor kinase LKB1 and members of the AMPK kinase family in beta cell function and growth. During her postdoctoral training, she identified metabolic pathways that enhance beta cell survival, including arginine partitioning into the urea cycle and de novo glutathione synthesis.
Her work has been recognized with fellowships from the Canadian Diabetes Association and Breakthrough T1D. Dr. Fu is committed to mentoring future scientists and fostering a supportive and inclusive training environment.
Education:
Honors BS, Biology-Biotechnology: University of Ottawa
PhD, Biochemistry: University of Ottawa
Postdoctoral Training: Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Alejandra Rivera Nieves
PhD Student
Education: BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Universidad Ana G. Méndez, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Research: Investigating how molecular metabolism influences mitochondrial structure and function in pancreatic islets and how metabolism affects interactions between beta cells and other islet cells, including macrophages.
Interests: Reading fiction, painting and baking
Riley Garzella
Research Associate
Education: BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clark University, Worcester, MA
Research: Contributing to the lab’s broader mission of understanding how pancreatic beta cells respond to stress, survive and function, with the goal of identifying new approaches to improve diabetes treatments.
Interests: Hiking, biking and cooking