Author : Melissa Lay Date : June 25, 2026
Meet Dr. Daiana Perez Visnuk, a Postdoctoral Fellow from Dr. Pedro Lowenstein’s Lab. 

1. What motivated you to pursue postdoctoral training, and what led you to join the Castro-Lowenstein Lab? I pursued postdoctoral training to expand my expertise at the interface of cancer biology, neuroscience, and biophysics, with the goal of understanding how brain tumors organize, communicate, and invade. I was drawn to the Castro-Lowenstein Lab because of its interdisciplinary approach to glioma research, particularly its integration of tumor biology with active matter physics. 

2. What is one key finding or aspect of your current research that you’re particularly excited or proud about?
I am especially excited about our work showing that the neurotransmitter glutamate can modulate collective glioma cell behavior and calcium signaling during isotropic–nematic–jamming transitions. This suggests that glioma cells can behave like an active liquid crystal, where neurotransmitter signaling helps drive phase-like transitions in tumor organization and dynamics.

3. What advice would you give to graduate students or early trainees who are considering a career in your research area?
My advice is to stay curious, be persistent, and seek out mentors and collaborators who challenge and support you. Research can be demanding, but asking meaningful questions and remaining open to learning from both successes and setbacks is essential for growth.