Meet the Team
Maria Gabriela Noval, PhD
Studies & Experience: Dr. Gaby Noval is a chemical biologist and virologist from Argentina who bridges virology and cardiovascular biology to uncover how mosquito-borne viruses impact global health. She graduated with a degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Buenos Aires in 2010 and earned her PhD from the same institution in 2016. Her doctoral research at Fundación Instituto Leloir (CONICET) focused on the structure and function of intrinsically disordered domains within viral proteins.
Her path into virology began in the Moscona-Porotto Lab at Columbia University and deepened during her postdoctoral training in the Stapleford Lab at NYU, where she investigated how mosquito-borne viruses spread and cause disease. During this time, she became fascinated by their unexpected impact on the heart and blood vessels, expanding her expertise through additional training in cardiovascular biology.
In 2024, Dr. Noval launched her independent lab in the Department of Microbiology at Mount Sinai, where she is also part of the Cardiovascular Research Institute. Her team uses cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo models to study how mosquito-borne viruses spread, persist, and trigger long-term cardiovascular complications, insights that may guide new strategies against emerging viral threats.
Hobbies: Outside the lab, Gaby enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, running, and snowboarding.
Fun Fact: If she weren’t a virologist, she would have been a professional ballet dancer.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Sara Thannickal, BSc
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Studies and Experience: While pursuing my BSc in Microbiology at The Ohio State University (go bucks!), I noticed myself gravitating towards microorganisms and the extensive and potential long-lasting consequences that can come following an infection. Looking to combine my increasing passion for arbovirology and its impact on public health, I joined the Noval Lab! I'm continuing my interest in studying emerging and evolving RNA viruses, specifically by using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models to investigate the mechanisms of viral RNA persistence from different alphaviruses. The intersectionality between virology research and global public health has always been important to me, especially as I continue my lab projects while also pursuing a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in health equity!
Hobbies: You can find me inside (and outside) the lab sporting a Harry Styles sweatshirt and blasting Hamilton/Mamma Mia in the BSL2 Room. I also pride myself in rallying our fellow lab members to get a weekly sweet treat, or to enjoy a break in the day with some smoothie/tea time! My ideal NYC day is laying in Central Park all day with a book and a pint of ice cream from Caffe Panna. I am also always on a journey to find the best sandwich/burger/matcha spot in the city (ask me about my current frontrunners!).
Fun Fact: My most prized possession is my One Direction debut album I had signed by all members when they came to a meet and greet at my local mall in 2012 (I skipped a day of middle school for this!).
LAB MANAGER
Chenyang Wu, BSc
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Studies and Experience: In 2024, I received my BSc from Boston University in Biology with a specialization in ecology and conservation. During my time there, I studied ecosystem dynamics and marine ecology, immersing myself in years of lab work and working with my peers, cementing my interest in the world of research. Continuing down this path post-grad, I decided to branch out towards another field of biology that intrigued me— virology. Joining the Noval lab offered me the unique opportunity to research mechanisms of RNA arboviral persistence: how do RNA viruses, the majority of which are associated with acute phases of infection during disease progression, sometimes persist in hosts, with viral RNA levels remaining in their reservoir for up to months and even years? My project aims to establish the mechanisms of arboviral RNA persistence within hosts through studying an in vitro model, hoping to elucidate how alphaviruses such as chikungunyacan persist within their host for prolonged periods of time.
Hobbies: Outside of the lab, I enjoy traversing the cityscape of NYC, admiring the local wildlife and continuing my lifelong journey of finding the best Thai Tea. I also enjoy going on deep dives into documentaries on obscure happenings, unnerving unexplained mysteries, and historical intricacies!
Fun Fact: I've memorized all my lab members favorite and least favorite foods; ask me on the spot and I will recite them from memory!
LAB TECH
Maria Del Mar Villanueva Guzman, Msc
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Studies and Experience: I received my BSc from Loyola university Chicago where I studied Molecular Biology with an emphasis in Bio Ethics and Global International Studies. I went on to earn my MSc in Infectious Disease and Immunology from Stritch School of Medicine. And now I am a PhD student in Microbiology at the Icahn School of Medicine.
I once read that we are in the modern era of emerging zoonotic diseases. What an unfortunate, yet ideal time to immerse myself in the field of virology that exerts profound influence over global health. I am interested in studying emerging mosquito-borne virus transmission and pathogenesis. Specifically, identifying cellular and tissue reservoirs to uncover the fundamental mechanisms of persistent infections to inform the development of new therapies. There are many paths I could see myself embarking in the future, such as becoming a PI and starting my own lab, partake in field investigations at the heart of viral spillovers and outbreaks, becoming a voice in public health policy within institutions such as the world health organization. But, it takes a village to get there, and the Noval Lab is the place to be and grow!
Hobbies: Exploring different coffee shops in the city to feed my coffee addiction
Serenading my lab members and the mice in the TC room with hamilton/mamma mia/phantom of the opera
When the sun comes out you can find me photosynthesizing in central park or at the beach all day with a good book (or scientific papers, obviously!)
Fun Facts: I went to the beach and drank a mezcal with paul mescal and pedro pascal. And then I woke up.
I am from Spain, but I grew up moving around my whole life from Arizona, to Spain, to Belgium, to Connecticut, to California, to Chicago, and now NYC! (Next I would like to live in Hawaii or Australia)
PHD STUDENT
You?
The Noval Lab is looking for curious and motivated individuals who are excited to explore how viruses cause disease and to contribute to advancing strategies to combat them.