Lab Members

Oscar Alcazar

Associate Scientist and Lab Manager

Biography: I'm the Associate Scientist and Lab Manager in Dr. Pilar Alcaide's Lab, where I support research in cardiac immunology. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and over 25 years of experience spanning Harvard, Cleveland Clinic, Duke, and the University of Miami, I bring expertise in immunology, translational research, laboratory management, regulatory compliance, and advanced bioinformatics. I love building an organized, efficient lab environment where scientists can focus on discovery. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures, and everything this city has to offer.

Ramona Emig, Ph.D.

Post Doctoral Fellow

Email: rxe749@med.miami.edu

Biography: As a Postdoc in Dr. Pilar Alcaide’s laboratory, my research focuses on understanding how immune and stromal cells communicate to drive cardiometabolic heart failure, with a particular interest in the interactions between cardiac fibroblasts and T cells. During my doctoral training in Germany, I studied mechanosensing pathways in fibroblasts and their role in tissue remodeling. Building on this background, I am now investigating the reciprocal relationship between cardiac remodeling and inflammation, and how fibroblast-immune cell crosstalk contributes to disease progression. My goal is to uncover novel mechanisms driving heart failure and identify potential therapeutic targets for this growing clinical challenge. Outside of work, I enjoy playing soccer, attending sports events or baking sourdough bread.

Simone Nuebling, Ph.D.

Sr. Research Lab Manager

Email: Simone.Nuebling@med.miami.edu

Biography: I’m the Lab Manager in Pilar Alcaide’s Lab, where I support research in cardiac immunology. With a background in food science, microbiology, and biomedical research, I bring experience in laboratory management, research compliance, and a broad range of hands-on bench work. I enjoy creating an organized, efficient, and supportive lab environment and taking care of the details behind the scenes so scientists can focus on what they do best - great research. Outside of the lab, I love playing soccer, being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Maria Zambrano, B.S.

Ph.D Candidate., Pre-Doctoral Fellow

Email: maz123@miami.edu

Biography: My name is Maria Antonia Zambrano, PhD candidate in Dr. Alcaide’s lab. My research focuses on identifying novel mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced heart failure, with particular emphasis on stromal-immune cell interactions that drive disease onset and progression. In my free time I enjoy traveling, walking my dog, and sports.

Zachary Robbe, B.S.

M.D., Ph.D., Candidate Pre-Doctoral Fellow

Email: zlr15@miami.edu

Biography: Zach is an MD-PhD candidate in Immunology at Tufts University School of Medicine. He earned his BS in Biology with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As an AHA predoctoral fellow, he studies the immunological mechanisms that lead to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), including the interplay between endothelial dysfunction and T cell cardiac infiltration. In his spare time, he enjoys board games with his wife, Haley, and two cats, Eowyn and Kira.

Constanza Stortini, B.S.

Ph.D. Candidate, Pre-Doctoral Fellow

Email: cxs2372@med.miami.edu

Biography: I am currently a Ph.D. student in Dr. Pilar Alcaide's lab. My research focuses on understanding the role of the cardiac endothelium in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, particularly how endothelial cells regulate immune cell recruitment and contribute to cardiac inflammation and dysfunction. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology in Argentina, where I first developed my interest in immunology. My goal is to better understand the mechanisms driving chemotherapy-induced heart damage and identify potential therapeutic targets. Outside the lab, you can find me playing field hockey, spending time at the beach, or enjoying the company of friends.