Our Team

Leigh Goedeke, PhD

Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator

Dr. Leigh Goedeke is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology and Endocrinology) and is a member of the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) and Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute (DOMI) at ISMMS. She received her B.S. in Biology from Gettysburg College in 2005 and Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from NYU School of Medicine in 2009. Under the mentorship of Dr. Carlos Fernández-Hernando, her graduate work focused on identifying and characterizing novel miRNAs and genes involved in the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis. In 2016, Dr. Goedeke joined the lab of Dr. Gerald Shulman at Yale School of Medicine, where she applied stable isotope tracer methodology to understand how alterations in substrate utilization contribute to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and diabetes. She used similar approaches to determine the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial uncoupling agents to reverse metabolic syndrome in rodents and non-human primates, and now consults on their use for the treatment of cardiometabolic disease.

Dr. Goedeke joined the CVRI in April 2022. Her research focuses on understanding how altered mitochondrial metabolism contributes to residual cardiovascular disease risk. Using a combination of in vivo physiology, molecular biology, stable isotope tracer methodology and integrative multi-omics, her laboratory investigates the fundamental mechanisms by which metabolic changes influence gene expression, cell function, and disease outcomes.

Current Lab Members

Niki Brisnovali | Graduate Student

Niki is originally from Queens, New York. She obtained a B.S. in Biochemistry from The City College of New York in 2021 and M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine from Imperial College London in 2022. Under the mentorship of Dr. Elina Akalestou at Imperial College, she investigated potential underlying mechanisms driving T2D remission post-bariatric surgery via a kidney-adipose tissue axis. Using human kidney cells, she investigated the effect of adipokines on renal glucose reabsorption. Niki joined the Goedeke Lab within the CVRI at Mount Sinai as a Research Associate in 2022 and later, as a graduate student in 2024. She is interested in using her background in molecular biology and in vivo experience to investigate novel metabolic hubs and their potential role in the development of atherosclerosis. In her free time, she enjoys long-distance cycling and traveling.
Connor Haney | Volunteer Research Assistant

Connor received his B.A. in Biology, with minors in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Psychology, and Philosophy, from the University of Miami in 2023. Previously, under the mentorship of Dr. Amy Kontorovich at the CVRI at Mount Sinai, Connor performed basic laboratory assays for molecular cardiovascular genetics research on myocarditis. During his undergraduate studies, he developed an interest in studying metabolism, mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics, and oxidative stress—particularly, the role of mitochondria in pathways underlying chronic disease. Connor joined the Goedeke Lab in June 2023 as a research volunteer to develop an understanding of the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiometabolic disorders. Outside the lab, Connor enjoys reading and long-distance running.
Anastasia Brisnovali | Volunteer Research Assistant

Anastasia is originally from Queens, New York. She is currently pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences at Hunter College. Eager to deepen her understanding of animal physiology, she joined the Goedeke Lab in 2024 to gain hands-on research experience and expand her knowledge in the field. During her free time, she enjoys volunteering at animal shelters and traveling.
Myles Coven | Volunteer Research Assistant

Myles is from Manhattan, New York and currently attends the Bronx High School of Science. He is most interested in cardiovascular disease with a particular interest in atherosclerosis. Myles developed an interest in atherosclerosis after seeing a coronary angiogram in the catheterization laboratory and wondering why this disease could not be reversed or prevented. Myles joined the lab in January of 2023. His favorite activities include playing the piano, playing tennis, and learning Latin.