Our Research Team
Pouneh K. Fazeli, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
Dr. Fazeli is a clinical/translational researcher with a primary interest in understanding the benefits and negative consequences of undernutrition. Her research program has focused primarily on studying women with anorexia nervosa and the hormonal adaptations that lead to profound bone loss in this population. She has performed clinical studies investigating therapies for the treatment of bone loss in women with anorexia nervosa and is currently investigating the effects of transdermal estrogen through an NIH-funded protocol. Dr. Fazeli’s research has also focused on understanding the pathophysiology of bone loss in chronic undernutrition and the potential role and function of bone marrow adipose tissue, a fat depot which is paradoxically increased in states of starvation. As Director of the Neuroendocrinology Unit, Dr. Fazeli has a strong interest in caring for patients with pituitary disease and optimizing the delivery of care to this patient population.
Education and Training:
Harvard University, AB, Anthropology
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, MD
Harvard School of Public Health, MPH
Intern, Resident, and Chief Resident, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center
Fellow in Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital
Sura Alqaisi, MD
Co-Investigator
Dr. Sura Alqaisi graduated from Al-Mustanisryah University College of Medicine in Baghdad, Iraq. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Cleveland Clinic before relocating to Pittsburgh to pursue an Endocrinology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, her primary interests lie in women’s health, endocrine in pregnancy, obesity, neuroendocrine disease, and metabolic bone disease. Dr. Alqaisi’s research centers on investigating the impact of estrogen deficiency on poor sleep quality, elevated cortisol secretion, and diminished bone density. She specifically focuses on conditions such as Turner syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency, comparing them with another state of estrogen deficiency in anorexia nervosa patients. Through her work, Dr. Alqaisi seeks to understand the connections between hormonal imbalances and these critical health factors, contributing valuable insights to the women’s health.
Tânia Amorim, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate
Dr. Amorim completed her PhD at the University of Porto (Portugal) and University of Wolverhampton (United Kingdom). Her PhD focused on osteoporosis in populations prone to developing osteoporosis at early stages of life due to caloric restriction. She joined the Fazeli Lab at the University of Pittsburgh in 2021 as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Her current research focuses on investigating the effects of fasting on bone metabolism and understanding the health consequences of caloric restriction with a focus on the role of both bone cells and bone marrow adipose tissue.
Anthony Crisafio, MD
Senior Research Coordinator
Anthony completed his MD at St George’s University (Grenada) and a master’s in public health research (focus on epidemiology & biostatistics) at the University of Manchester (UK). He joined the Fazeli Lab in 2024 after many years working in a variety of clinical & research settings in the US and the UK. He has personal clinical & research interests in psychosis, medical comorbidities in schizophrenia, and using EMR-data to answer research questions.
Natalie David, BS
Senior Research Coordinator
Natalie David graduated from Boston University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. She worked in clinical research on osteoporosis treatment trials at Massachusetts General Hospital prior to coming to the University of Pittsburgh. At Pitt, she works on studies related to aging, metabolism, inflammation, and pituitary disorders.
Verne De Guzman, MD
Endocrinology Fellow, PGY-5
Verne De Guzman, MD, is an Endocrinology Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Lincoln Medical Center in New York and recently achieved board certification. Dr. De Guzman earned her medical degree from the University of the East School of Medicine in the Philippines and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from De La Salle University – Manila, Philippines. Her research focuses on the metabolic effects of fasting, particularly comparing zero-calorie and low-calorie partial fasts. This interest reflects her dedication to understanding how different fasting protocols impact metabolomics and broader health outcomes beyond weight loss alone. Dr. De Guzman is also involved in research concerning the hypothalamic-pituitary and the hypogonadal axis, exploring how these hormonal systems influence various aspects of health and metabolism.
Stephanie Gambino, MD
Endocrinology Fellow, PGY-6
Stephanie Gambino is currently an endocrinology fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency and subsequent chief resident year at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Gambino earned her medical degree from Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and holds a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology from the University of Texas at Austin. Her current research focuses on pituitary adenomas, and she also has an interest in the relationship between thyroidal disease and infertility, as well as medical education.
Shria Moturi
Research Coordinator