The George Lab Research Team

Paul George, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurological Sciences

Paul grew up in Tennessee. He obtained his BSE from Tulane University and subsequent masters at Johns Hopkins in biomedical engineering.  He then joined the Health Sciences and Technology program where he obtained a PhD in Medical and Electrical Engineering in Dr. Robert Langer’s lab at MIT and his MD from Harvard.  After this, he journeyed out west to Stanford for his medical training and joined the Neurology faculty in 2016 as an Assistant Professor. His main focus is working with physicians, neuroscientists, and engineers to improve the care of stroke patients and neural recovery through his lab’s research as well as his clinical service.

Dingying Shan, PhD

Sepideh Kiani Shabestar, PhD

Sepideh received her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of California, Irvine. Her doctoral research was dedicated to understanding the role of microglia, the brain's innate immune cells, in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP). She employed innovative genetic mouse models to investigate the molecular mechanisms and related pathologies. In 2024, Sepideh joined the George Lab, where she is deeply committed to advancing the field of stroke recovery. Motivated by improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life, she brings a strong background in neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases to her current research, focusing on developing innovative therapeutic approaches. Outside the lab, Sepideh is an art enthusiast who enjoys painting and spending time with her family.

Matine Azadian
Neuroscience Graduate Student

Matine is a graduate student in the Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program at Stanford University. He received his BA with honors in Anthropology from the University of California at Irvine, where he was also a research student in the Neurocritical Care Lab. Under Dr. Yama Akbari, Matine worked to uncover the molecular mechanisms of neural recovery following cardiac arrest and was ultimately inspired to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. He joined the George Lab in 2020 and hopes to continue working towards this same goal in various stroke models. In particular, he is interested in the molecular mechanisms by which electrically stimulated stem cells confer functional improvements post-stroke. He also aims to develop a novel non-invasive approach to transcranial thrombolysis in attempt to advance mid-stroke treatment options. When not in lab nor asleep, Matine enjoys doing just about anything – in the ocean – in Hawaii. His ultimate career goal is to retire the first day after residency and return to Kauai to be a green tea farmer.

Kamila Thompson

Kamila is a PhD Candidate in electrical engineering from Columbus, Ohio. She earned her BS in electrical engineering from The Ohio State University working under Prof. Leonard Brillson to increase the power generation of piezoelectric biocompatible nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Kamila joined the George Lab in the summer of 2023 and works to determine how electrical stimulation improves stroke recovery through the use of computational, in vitro, and in vivo models. She is interested in investigating the role mitochondria play in rescuing stroked brain tissue after electrical stimulation therapy, and the further development of electrical stimulation systems to conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments. Outside of the lab, she enjoys volunteering, social dance, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Haya Bakdounes

Haya is an undergraduate student at Stanford University, pursuing a major in Biology on a Neurosciences track. For the longest time, she has been deeply fascinated by the brain and its intricacy. Paired with her personal interest in investigating stroke disease and neurological disorders, she finds great excitement and meaning in research at The George Lab. As an aspiring physician, she foresees her research experiences inspiring innovative approaches to patient care. Beyond her academic pursuits, Haya is actively involved in the Stanford Housing Equity Project, where she advocates for housing and health equity. In her free time, you may find her composing music, or playing karate!

Grace Jiang

Grace is an undergraduate student at Stanford University, pursuing a B.S. in Bioengineering and Minor in Psychology. She previously conducted research in the Supramolecular (Bio)materials Lab under the guidance of Dr. Eric Appel, where Grace optimized injectable hydrogels for long-lasting drug delivery. Her interest in neuropathology and translational medicine led her to join the George Lab in Spring 2023. She currently works on evaluating the therapeutic potential of biomaterial-encapsulated neural stem cells for functional post-stroke recovery. In the future, Grace hopes to pursue an engineering PhD and a research-focused career. Outside of lab, Grace serves as the Chapter President for Stanford Society of Women Engineers and is the Recruitment Chair for Stanford Cap & Gown. She is also passionate about science communication and broadening STEM outreach.

Nicholas Tolentino Macedo

Nicholas Macedo is an undergraduate pursuing a B.S. in Biology. Nicholas began conducting research in his sophomore year in High School, and has participated in work relating to oncolytic viruses, COVID-19, selective prediction, and more. Nicholas joined the lab in 2021 and studies the therapeutic potential of electrically stimulated stem cells in a rodent stroke model, with a special focus on animal handling. Nicholas plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician hopes to continue conducting research in his professional life. Outside of the lab, he also enjoys volunteering with the Cardinal Free Clinics and is a member of the dance community on campus.