Stelzer Lab Members

Ina Stelzer, MSc, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology

I completed my Bachelor and Master’s training in Molecular Life Sciences/Medicine in Maastricht, NL and Berlin, GER, and received my Ph.D. in Reproductive Immunology in Hamburg, GER. During postdoctoral trainings in Cincinnati, OH, and Stanford University, CA, I expanded my background in preclinical and systems immunology.

At UCSD, I am the Director of Reproductive Immunology in the Center for Perinatal Discovery. I am also a faculty member of the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program.

In my lab, we are striving to close the tremendous gap in knowledge of maternal health in the peripartum period and beyond.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ina-stelzer-a08893105/

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=0b1KrVYAAAAJ&hl=en

Jillian Sweetland, BSc

Graduate Student

Hi there! Following my matriculation into the Biomedical Sciences PhD Program at UC San Diego, I joined the labs of Dr. Ina Stelzer and Dr. Justin Trotter. My research utilizes single cell-suspension and imaging mass cytometry, precision neuroscience, targeted neuromodulation, and bioinformatics to investigate how pregnancy-specific immune challenges affect neural regulation of labor onset. In addition to my research, I tutor K-12 students in STEM subjects, I assist with community initiatives for a nonprofit organization in San Diego County, and I mentor incoming graduate students to the Biomedical Sciences Program to inspire and connect those interested in science!

Connect with me here: www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-s6

Sarah van Dijk, BSc

Graduate Student

My name is Sarah (she/her) and I am a PhD student in Biomedical Sciences with a Specialization in Immunology at UCSD.  For my thesis work, I am investigating how serotonin and its dysregulation mediated by peripartum depression or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy impact the function of the immune system and placenta during pregnancy under the direction of Drs. Ina Stelzer and Kathleen Fisch. When I am not in the lab, you can find me playing my clarinet in the North County Winds, spending time outdoors or at the gym, or working on local science education and outreach initiatives.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/svand1jk

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=2u6nPeYAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Zala Nikita Juvan, Mag Pharm, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

I began my research journey as a PhD student at the Medical University of Graz in Austria, where I explored neutrophil phenotypes and their functions at the feto-maternal interface during early pregnancy. Currently, as a postdoctoral fellow, my research focuses on understanding how stress and reward regions in the brain influence pregnancy outcomes. I utilize advanced techniques such as chemogenetics, imaging mass cytometry, and CyTOF in both mouse and human models to investigate these mechanisms. Outside of research, I am a passionate traveler and hiker, often combining these two interests by backpacking through different countries to explore new landscapes and cultures.

LinkedIn: coming soon

Karen Sykes, MSc