Lab Members

Sihem Boudina

Principal Investigator

Dr. Boudina has had a distinguished career in Diabetes and Cardiovascular related research. As a post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dale Abel, she elucidated the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in altering cardiac metabolism, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction in the diabetic heart. Dr. Boudina also established a new assay to measure mitochondrial respiration using an oxygen sensor probe. Furthermore, she was among the first investigators to show that mitochondrial uncoupling played a crucial role in altered cardiac efficiency in obese animals. Her work was published in the journals Diabetes and Circulation.

Dr. Boudina is committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers. In the past four years she has supervised post-doctoral research fellows, undergraduates and medical students in her laboratory. She has mentored summer students sponsored by the American Heart Association. She also participated as a mentor in the Native American Summer Research Programs sponsored by the University of Utah, Department of Pediatrics and the Bioscience Undergraduate Research Program.

Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Physiology at University of Science and Technology in Algeria
Master’s of Science in Neuroscience and Neuorpharmacology at Universite Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2
Doctoral Degree in Biological and Medical Sciences at Universite Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2
Assistant Professor in Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes at University of Utah
Former Director of Metabolic Phenotyping Core Facility at University of Utah

Sara Palacios Ortega

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Sara received her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. Her favorite classes in her undergrad were biochemistry and genetic engineering. She recently moved to Salt Lake City with her husband and is currently focused on elucidating the mechanisms linking redox homeostasis in adipocytes with the regulation of fat metabolism. In her spare time, she enjoys martial arts, sports and outdoor activities. She also likes to read, watch movies and play board games and video games. Her greatest passion is traveling and she wants to continue to do so in her coming research years.

2015 PhD researcher, University of Basque Country (Pamplona, Spain)
2010-2015 PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Navarra (Pamplona, Spain)
2009-2010 Master in Biomedical Research, University of Navarra (Pamplona, Spain)
2008-2009 Degree in Biochemistry, University of Navarra (Pamplona, Spain)
2003-2009 Degree in Biology, University of Navarra (Pamplona, Spain)

PhD Project: Regulation of the caveolin-1 expression and activation during adipocyte differentiation, and its relation to insulin signaling. Effect of TNF-α and glucose.
Master Research Project: Caveolin-1 expression during 3T3-L1 cells adipocyte differentiation.

2015 Title: Effect of high glucose levels on caveolin-1 expression and activation during adipocyte differentiation and in mature adipocytes. Status of insulin signaling.
Authors: Palacios-Ortega S, Varela-Guruceaga M, Martinez JA, de Miguel C, Milagro FI. Adipocyte. 2015 Dec 8;5(1):65-80. doi: 10.1080/21623945.2015.1122856.
2015 Title: Effect of TNFα on caveolin-1 and insulin signaling during adipocyte differentiation and in mature adipocytes.
Authors: Palacios-Ortega S, Varela-Guruceaga M, Algarabel M, Milagro FI, Martínez JA, de Miguel C. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2015;36:1499-1516 DOI:10.1159/000430314.
2014 Title: Expression of Caveolin 1 is enhanced by DNA demethylation during adipocyte differentiation. Status of insulin signaling.
Authors: Palacios-Ortega S, Varela-Guruceaga M, Milagro FI, Martínez JA, de Miguel C. PLoS One. 2014 Apr 21;9(4):e95100. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095100. eCollection 2014.
2014 Title: Modulation of hyperglycemia and TNFα-mediated inflammation by helichrysum and grapefruit extracts in diabetic db/db mice.
Authors: Laura de la Garza A, Etxeberria U, Palacios-Ortega S, Haslberger AG, Aumueller E, Milagro FI, Martínez JA.
Food Funct. 2014 Jul 8. [Epub ahead of print]
2011 Title: Delay the age of procreation, decline in fertility and increased use of assisted reproduction: risk of birth defects.Ref. Revista/Libro: Cuadernos de Bioética.
Authors: Palacios-Ortega S, López-Moratalla N.
Cuad Bioet. 2011 May-Aug; 22(75):259-72.

1. Aside from necessities what is one thing you could not do without?

a: My family and friends in addition to my hobbies.

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

a: Learning more about science anywhere in the globe.

3. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?

a: I am not sure…maybe barnacles?

4. What was your favorite science class in your Undergrad?

a: Biochemistry and Genetic engineering.

Sydney Strait

Laboratory Technician

Sydney recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Central Florida. She intends to continue her education at the University of Utah. During her spare time, she enjoys hiking through the mountains, skiing and snorkeling.

May 2016: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Central Florida

Hiking through the beautiful mountains surrounding Salt Lake City. The dog friendly trails off of Millcreek Canyon and in Centerville, UT are my favorite so far.

1. Aside from necessities what is one thing you could not do without?

a: My dog, Bandit.

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

a: Hopefully by that time I will have gone further with my education and will be growing my career.

3. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?

a: Sesame roasted baby crabs. They were terrible. Crunchy and gooey on the inside.

4. What was your favorite science class in your Undergrad?

a: Microbiology.

William West

Undergraduate Volunteer

William graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience in 2016. While earning his degree, he helped with research in the BYU Infant Studies Lab and BYU Canine Cognition Lab. In his free time, William loves rock climbing, ultimate frisbee, and running.

2016: Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience from Brigham Young University

Lake Powell is the best place in Utah for fishing and hiking.

1. Aside from necessities what is one thing you could not do without?

a: Driving. Car = Freedom

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

a: Studying in medical school and hopefully still very involved in research.

3. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?

a: African Mystery Meat – I still don’t know exactly what I ate, but it tasted pretty good.

4. What was your favorite science class in your Undergrad?

a: Biochemistry and Advanced Neuroscience.