The Presidential Membership Initiative was launched in 2020 as a way for the Genetics Society of America to invite talented and creative individuals from diverse backgrounds into our community. We are pleased to introduce the next cohort of Presidential Members. Throughout 2024, they will network with one another and with other Society and Board members, participate in GSA Conferences, and be valued additions to our community. Welcome, Presidential Members!

We are introducing Presidential Members this week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Kayla Ly

Undergraduate Student, University of California, Irvine
My research aims to discover novel genes contributing to transposable element-mediated heterochromatin formation in Drosophila melanogaster.

Kevin Sule

Postdoctoral Researcher, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
My research work aims to elucidate the mechanisms of nuclear envelope budding, which is an emerging nuclear export process for large macromolecular complexes. Using Drosophila as my model, I plan to uncover key players involved in the physical aspects of this pathway and its associated regulatory mechanisms.

Lexi Papamechail

Undergraduate Student, Bridgewater State University
I am investigating the interaction between the expression of Jasmonic acid in the mustard plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, and the infection of root knot nematodes. I also am investigating the impact of metal contamination and point in the growing season on the microbiome of Salicornia depressa.

Maksym Dankovskyy

Graduate Student, Arizona State University
Our lab focuses on tissue regeneration in Drosophila following necrotic wounding.

Miyauna Incarnato

Graduate Student, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
My research investigates how the interactions between climate change, predator-prey dynamics, and phenotypic evolution are vital for predicting the resilience of populations to shifting climatic variables and building models to also predict these shifts. By using Paramecium caudatum and their two nuclei, I am investigating these variables by testing for genetic variation in trait plasticity in response to temperature across genetically diverse lineages in the presence and absence of predators, assess whether genomic plasticity via changes in copy number of loci during macronuclear formation underlies adaptive trait plasticity, and evaluating if including trait plasticity improves our temperature predictive models of trait evolution to climate change.

Nikita Divekar

Postdoctoral Researcher, University of California, Berkeley
I aim to discover factors required for heritable epigenetic silencing in human cells through CRISPR Screens, and further expand on these studies to build novel epigenetic editors.

Stephan Baehr

Postdoctoral Researcher, Arizona State University
I study mutations of many flavors: DNA, RNA, and epigenetic. I seek to quantify their importance to things like the biology of aging and CRISPR genome editing.

Tamsen Dunn

Graduate Student, San Diego State University
I develop new computational methods for the study of polyploidy and evolution.

Toheed Olalekan Oyerinde

Graduate Student, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
I study gene-environment interactions in brain disorders and the role for metal neurotoxicity.

Trevor Mugoya

Graduate Student, San Diego State University
I study the development of reproducible Snakemake pipelines for the genomics of the domestication of hops.

Xinmi Zhang

Postdoctoral Researcher, Scripps College
I am working on understanding the mechanism of a selfish B chromosome called Paternal Sex Ratio (PSR), which can cause paternal genome elimination in the early embryo of the parasitoid wasp, Nasonia vitripennis, turning the diploid female into the haploid male. I did time series RNA-sequencing at different stage of wasp development to find the expression pattern of wasp normal genes and PSR genes.

Not pictured:

Camryn Schmelzer
Damilola Oloyede
Jasmine Xi
Jordan Hieronymus
Kenza Lahbabi
Nikita Divekar
Olayinka Asafa
Priyanshi Shah
Raya Esplin
Saul Landaverde
Seema Plaisier
Selamawit Asfaw

The Presidential Membership Initiative was launched in 2020 as a way for the Genetics Society of America to invite talented and creative individuals from diverse backgrounds into our community. We are pleased to introduce the next cohort of Presidential Members. Throughout 2024, they will network with one another and with other Society and Board members, participate in GSA Conferences, and be valued additions to our community. Welcome, Presidential Members!

We are introducing Presidential Members this week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Alexandra McElwee-Adame

Graduate Student, San Diego State University
I am exploring the evolutionary history and genomics of Humulus lupulus (hops) domestication and the effects of climate change on future production.

Anvita Kulshrestha

Graduate Student, Duke University
I am working on identifying genetic factors that predispose Sickle Cell Disease patients to develop specific end-organ complications and to experience more or less severe clinical courses.

Carolyn Damilola Ekpruke

Postdoctoral Researcher, Indiana University, Bloomington
I am investigating mediators of sex disparities in asthma.

Debraj Manna

Graduate Student, Indian Institute of Science
I study the intricate regulation of translation in mammalian cells, primarily focusing on exploring non-canonical protein translation. This involves investigating non-canonical translation initiation sites and mechanisms to contribute to understanding alternative protein isoforms and translational efficiency.

Derica Tavares

Postdoctoral Researcher, University of California, Berkeley
I study transcriptomic and histochemical analysis of plant-pathogen interactions with an emphasis on fungi.

Eve Kakudji

Graduate Student, University of California, Berkeley
My research focuses on understanding how mitochondrial metabolites contribute to changes in gene expression in the nuclear genome.

Faith Olusegun

Graduate Student, Federal University of Technology, Akure
Benchmarking is a crucial step in evaluating the effectiveness of sequence alignment algorithms and it involves comparing the results of different algorithms on the same dataset to determine their accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Benchmarking helps researchers like me to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different bioinformatics algorithms and to select the best one for a given application.

Faye Romero

Graduate Student, University of Rochester
I study the genetic causes and consequences of inbreeding in small populations, specifically in the threatened bird, the Florida Scrub-Jay.

Fiona Nelima Mumoki

Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Pretoria, South Africa
My research focuses on unpacking the communication signals of eusocial insects such as the honey bee Apis mellifera, with particular emphasis on reproductive conflicts. These conflicts often lead to the collapse or destruction of the insect colony, posing significant implications for apiculturists’ livelihoods and exerting repercussions on food security.

Flor-Anita Corredor

Graduate Student, Institutio Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Peru
My research centers on population studies and genetic improvement of livestock species in Peru, aiming to provide valuable insights for farmers, inform policymaking, and contribute substantively to the scientific community. The ultimate objective of my projects is to offer pertinent information that aids both agricultural practices and informed decision-making in the realms of farming policies.

Jennyfer Mora Mitchell

Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
I am studying the role of the Alx family of transcription factors during the patterning and development of the midface in zebrafish relating to the pathogenesis of frontonasal dysplasia.

Joseph Stewart

Graduate Student, Colorado State University
Our lab focuses on genome instability and genomic rearrangements. My work addresses systemic genomic instability in the context of mutation bursts.

Continue to 2024 Presidential Members (Part 2) »

We are introducing Presidential Members this week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Carolyn Remsburg

Graduate Student, Song Lab, University of Delaware

I am currently studying the role of microRNAs during development, but I am joining a lab as a postdoc and studying meiosis.

Isobel Ronai

Postdoc, Extavour Lab, Harvard University

Ticks are a major health threat in the United States, with half a million people suffering from Lyme disease every year. My research focuses on developing tick control strategies to prevent tick-borne diseases of medical and veterinary importance.

Padmina Shrestha

Graduate Student, Mills Lab, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

I am interested in understanding chromatin dynamics and gene regulatory networks assisting cell fate commitment during development. Currently, my project focuses on understanding the role of a chromatin remodeling protein Chd5 in neurogenesis.

Enzo Silva

Graduate Student, Ecotoxicology In Vitro Lab, Federal Univeristy of Parana

I work with the development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to assess toxicity based on non-coding RNAs as biomarkers.

Anand Singh

Ramalingaswami Fellow, Interdisciplinary School of Life Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India

Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay (NMD) is a translation-dependent RNA quality-control process that selectively degrades abnormal mRNAs in eukaryotic cells. We are investigating the role of NMD in fine-tuning of gene expression to maintain cellular homeostasis.

Celine St. Pierre

Graduate Student, Lawson and Wang Labs, Washington University in St. Louis

My research explores how genetic, epigenetic, and environmental signals simultaneously impact allele-specific gene regulation. My work combines genomics, systems biology, and quantitative genetics to unravel the functional consequences of gene expression imbalances on metabolic traits in mice.

Katherine Thompson-Peer

Assistant Professor, University of California, Irvine

My lab studies how neurons regenerate dendrites after acute injury. We use genetics and microscopy to determine why dendrite regeneration is both extremely robust but also quite disorganized.

Claudia Vasquez

Assistant Professor, University of Washington

I study molecular and physical mechanisms of organogenesis.

Dionne Williams

Graduate Student

My research studies the effects of rotenone-induced toxicity in adult Drosophila melanogaster and the neuroprotective effects of dacarbazine, a possible anti-Parkinson’s disease drug. We hypothesized that dacarbazine will confer both organismal and neuroprotection against rotenone-induced toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Not pictured:

Cameron Atighetcho

Arshad Ayyaz

Marco Antonio Carballo Ontiveros

Rajit Narayanan Cheramangalam

Jennifer Cooper

Alicia Donoghue

Arezoo Fani

Mercy Kitavi

Latrice Landry

Yi Lin

Victor Makata

Shreyasi Mukherjee

Raven Newton

Damilola Odumade

Annie Park

Edward Pietryk

Isaac Prah

Mofazzal Karim Sabbir

Ibrahim Saliu

Kuncha Shashidhar

Alyssa Solano

Caroline Solis

Surabhi Sudevan

Xianzun Tao

Liangyu Zhang

We are introducing Presidential Members this week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Paloma Martínez-Alesón García

Postdoc

My main research is developed with microorganisms. I have used different microorganisms like bacteria and microalgae (eukaryotic and cyanobacteria) to approach different questions in the fields of biotechnology, ecology and evolution. My goal for my next career steps is to find a postdoctoral position that allows me to continue developing different skills to answer different questions in population dynamics and learning new applications we can develop from microorganisms.

David McQuarrie

Graduate Student, Murray Lab, Harvard University

My research asks whether the proper temporal expression of cell cycle genes is required for the eukaryotic cell cycle or a fail-safe mechanism. Additionally, we’re interested in understanding the consequences of transcriptional dysregulation of cell cycle genes, a common phenomenon in cancer cells.

Pankaj Mehrotra

Biology and Health Science Instructor at the University of the People, California

My PhD research focussed on elucidating the role of cell signaling proteins of fungal cells (using genetic mutants of fungal cells) in recognition with innate immune cells. My master’s degree research focussed on genomics, transcriptomic, and proteomics in avian malaria parasites, fungi, and bacteria.

Rob Melde

Graduate Student, Sharp Lab, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Integrative Biology

My interests are in biological factors impacting the rates at which mutations occur, and in employing experimental evolution studies to investigate this topic.

Fiona Messer

Postdoc, White-Cooper Lab, Cardiff University, UK

My research focuses on sperm heteromorphism: the process of making multiple types of sperm within the same individual. This occurs in the Obscura species group of Drosophila, which produce sperm of multiple lengths. I use molecular and genetic techniques to understand the role of transcription factors in the development of the three sperm types.

Manuel Michaca

Graduate Student, Vasudevan Lab, University of Pittsburgh

I research ATF4-mediated homeostasis through regulation of steroid hormone activity and characterizing novel interactions of ATF4 with other bZip transcription factors using Drosophila melanogaster fat body.

Carolina Isabel Miño

Researcher (Adjunct)

Conservation geneticist interested in applying theoretical framework and methodological tools from population genetics to the conservation of biodiversity, with emphasis in the Neotropical region.

Melissa Mychalczuk

Undergraduate Student, Vasudevan Lab, University of Pittsburgh

Our lab studies the Integrated Stress Response pathway modeled in Drosophila melanogaster. My current project focuses on understanding sex differences in stress response and tolerance through development and in the adult fly.

Oluwatimileyin Olawale

Graduate Student, CPT Laboratory, University of Ilorin

My research is based on the genetic modification of cucurbits to fungal infections, especially Fusarium.

Alexa Pérez Torres

Graduate Student, Murray Lab, Harvard University

My research asks whether the proper temporal expression of cell cycle genes is required for the eukaryotic cell cycle or a fail-safe mechanism. Additionally, we’re interested in understanding the consequences of transcriptional dysregulation of cell cycle genes, a common phenomenon in cancer cells.

We are introducing Presidential Members this week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Oluwafemi Falade
Graduate Student

I focus my research on the production of single-sex offspring using biotechnological approaches.

Mika Gallati
Graduate Student, Hart Lab, Brown University

I study the familial ALS gene sod-1 using C. elegans as the model for neuron degeneration. I am researching candidate mutations that cause suppression of the neurodegenerative phenotype.

Nabeel Ganem
Postdoc

I am exploring the underlying non-genetic differences that generate stable variation in behavior among individuals.

Yi Gao
Junior Specialist, Lee Lab, University of California, Irvine

I study the epigenetics effects induced by transposable elements in fruit flies. Specifically, the epigenetics silencing effects at heterozygous transposable elements insertion sites.

Geovana Garcia
Graduate Student, Oliveira Lab, Sao Paulo State University (Jaboticabal campus), Brazil

We use Drosophila melanogaster as model organism to study mitochondria. I’ve been analyzing biochemical/metabolic effects of the alternative oxidase xenotopically expressed in larvae.

Natalie Gonzale
Graduate Student, University of Georgia

I am investigating the genetic basis of hybrid seed lethality. For my research I work with closely related species of Mimulus (Monkey flowers).

Dana Jackson
Graduate Student, White-Cooper Lab, Cardiff University, UK

My PhD project focuses on elucidating the fundamental biological and regulatory driving forces that underpin asymmetrical, subcellular localisation of mRNAs in Drosophila sperm development.

Kreeti Kajal
Graduate Student, Hsu Lab, Academia Sinica

Regulation of intestinal stem cells

Eduardo Kessi
Young Researcher, Centro de Estudios en Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (CECTA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH)

In our group, we are interested in all aspects of yeast genetics, from basic research in cell biology (e.g., finding genes involved in TORC1 activation) to biotechnological applications (e.g., genetic improvement of wine yeast strains).

Anna Lassota
Graduate Student, Soller Lab, University of Birmingham, UK

I am a PhD student working on the regulation of genes at the RNA level using Drosophila melanogaster and Apis mellifera as model organisms. My research concentrates on alternative splicing regulation with the main focus on Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam) gene being the record holder in alternative splicing diversity.

The Presidential Membership Initiative was launched in 2020 as a way for the Genetics Society of America to invite talented and creative individuals from diverse backgrounds into our community. We are pleased to introduce the next cohort of Presidential Members. Throughout 2023, they will network with one another and with other Society and Board members, participate in GSA Conferences, and be valued additions to our community. Welcome, Presidential Members!

We are introducing Presidential Members this week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Glynis Robert Aguilar
Graduate Student, Hobert Lab, Columbia University

I study how genes generate the diversity of cell types in the nervous system of C. elegans.

Oyundari Amartuvshin
Graduate Student, Hsu Lab, ICOB, Academia Sinica

I study fatty acid metabolism control of ovarian germline homeostasis and fertility.

Bassey Andong
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Uyo

I am interested in understanding and exploring the genetic bases of disease conditions for the purpose of drug discovery and development.

Daniel Bressan de Andrade
Postdoc, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

My research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms operating in the earliest stages of insect embryonic development. Currently, I’m investigating the role of the maternal Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) pathway signaling in Drosophila cleavage and axis patterning.

Nelson Castilho Coelho
Senior Research Specialist, Carvunis Lab, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

My research is focused on the mechanisms of de novo gene emergence, using yeast as model.

Badal Singh Chauhan
Graduate Student, Sandhya Koushika Lab, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India

I am interested in understanding the steps involved in the biogenesis of synaptic vesicle precursors.

Laetitia Chauve
Postdoc, Mc Lysaght Lab, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

I am interested in understanding how organisms adapt to challenging and stressful environments. To address this, I am using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system.

Jingxian Chen
Graduate Student, Baugh Lab, Duke University

I study how a proto-oncogene and tumor suppressor network regulates starvation resistance using genetics, biochemistry, and omics approaches in the model system C. elegans.

Hsueh-Ling Chen
Postdoc, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

My research focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms regulating dense core vesicle trafficking and neuropeptide release.

Marisa Connell
Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University, Shreveport

My research focuses on the mechanisms that regulate asymmetric cell division in Drosophila neuroblasts and how this contributes to proper brain development. Additionally, as many of these mechanisms go awry in diseases, including cancer, I hope to translate my findings in the brain to cancer models.

We are introducing Presidential Members all week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Shahinur Islam
Postdoc, Dr. Daniel Heath Lab, University of Windsor, Canada

I study the genomic basis of physiological adaptation of 46 fish species to climate change.

Maiko Kitaoka
Graduate student, Heald Lab, University of California, Berkeley

I currently use different frog species to understand molecular conflicts that arise in cell division to understand how evolution ensures that species remain distinct. I will soon transition to a new position where I hope to figure out how organisms make the best possible gametes to further their next generations.

Xinping Li
Postdoc

My research leverages genetic tools to study how neural circuits integrate sensory information to guide complex behaviors.

Chiara Masnovo
PhD Candidate, Mirkin Laboratory, Tufts University

In my research, I investigate the relationship between the replisome and GAA trinucleotide repeats in S. cerevisiae.

Isabel Mejia Natividad
Research Technician, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

I investigate the evolution and function of sperm nuclear basic proteins (Protamines) that reside in the chromatin of Drosophila using molecular biology, cell biology, and genetic approaches to uncover novel roles for these proteins in sperm development.

Julio Molina Pineda
PhD Candidate, Jeff Lewis Lab, University of Arkansas

My research interests focus on using model organisms to genetically dissect complex traits related to human disease. My main project right now consists of using yeast to elucidate the genetic basis of natural variation in resistance and susceptibility to the Parkinson’s Disease related protein alpha-synuclein.

Seun Oladipupo
PhD Candidate

Broadly, my research interest is the use of novel tools such as natural products and endosymbionts to manage intractable insect pest species.

Jocelyn Olivera-Martinez
Undergraduate, Tootle Lab, University of Iowa

My research focuses on previous work that my lab has done in which they have shown that PLIN2, a lipid droplet protein, regulates actin. I am interested in whether PLIN2 regulates border cell migration.

Julianne Pelaez
PhD Candidate, Whiteman Lab, University of California, Berkeley

My research interests focus on understanding how new behaviors evolve in animals at the genetic and neural level to enable them to adapt to new diets and ecological niches.

Cristina Quesada Candela
Postdoc at the University of Pittsburgh

My project is focused on studying the proteasome and understanding its role during pairing and synapsis in C. elegans and how it is impacted by maternal age.

Joel A. Rojas
Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo

I’m working describing freshwater turtles hybrids (Trachemys), morphologically and their genetics

Kirsten Isabel Verster
PhD Candidate, Whiteman Lab, University of California, Berkeley

I study how horizontal gene transfer has contributed to the evolution of a new immune arsenal in flies.

Edward A. Waddell
Assistant Professor of Biology, Holy Family University

My research focuses on characterizing the affective component of pain in Drosophila to serve as a model for assessing whether invertebrates can experience the full spectrum of pain and suffering. It is my hope to provide experimental evidence to support improving animal welfare protections for invertebrates used in research or agricultural purposes.

Maya Woolfolk
PhD Student, Hoekstra Lab, Harvard University

Broadly, I am most interested in understanding processes by which genetic variation arises, how that can lead to phenotypic variation, and how those changes can have effects on fitness. My research focuses on the genetic, morphological, and behavioral basis of variation in infant deer mouse vocalizations.

Alyssa Paparella
PhD Candidate, Baylor College of Medicine

Through a co-mentorship, my project allows me to investigate how oncohistones shape epigenetic landscapes through both biology and chemistry.

Not pictured:

Eric Anderson
Manali Dey
Siyuan Feng
Rohini Janivara
Chien-Der Lee
Raj Rajeshwar Malinda
Kenneth Chukwudi Onyegbula
Giovanni Sabatino
Filza Shareen
Samantha Sierra-Martinez
Matheus Vernet Machado Bressan Wilke

We are introducing Presidential Members this week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Brent Allman
Graduate Student, Koelle and Weissman Labs, Emory University

I am a computational evolutionary biologist, and I seek to better understand the evolution of RNA viruses through simulation and modeling. The life cycles of viruses can challenge the notion of what constitutes an individual, and my work addresses the consequences of evolutionary forces acting on viruses in groups.

Triana Amen
HFSP Fellow, Global Health Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)

In order to meet metabolic challenges, each eukaryotic cell deploys hundreds of peroxisomes—distinct membrane compartments involved in both catabolic and anabolic functions. I seek to understand the molecular mechanisms of peroxisome formation and identify the factors that regulate peroxisome biogenesis.

Joanna Baker
Volunteer, Chinnaiyan Lab, University of Michigan

I am interested in pursuing regenerative medicine and finding ways to reverse the damaging effects of disease.

Michael Busche
Postdoc, Brunkard Lab, University of Wisconsin, Madison

I use functional genomics to study development in maize. I am particularly interested in how the TOR signaling network regulates the initiation of lateral organs.

Jadson C. Santos
Graduate Student, Molecular Immunogenetics Lab, University of São Paulo

I integrate experimental and computational methodologies in collaborative projects to understand the impact of pathogenic mutations on protein 3D structure.

Gillian Chu
Master’s at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

My research interests are at the intersection of computer science, statistics, and biology. I am interested in building efficient algorithms and tools that help people interpret genetic data.

Olayinka David
Doctoral Student, DeGennaro Lab, Florida International University

I use RNA-Seq analysis and the CRISPR gene-editing tool to identify and modify genes that regulate mosquito embryo development. My goal is to find candidate molecular targets for the biological control of this deadly vector of human diseases.

Tina Del Carpio
PhD Candidate, Lohmueller Lab, UCLA

I am estimating recombination rates in North American gray wolf populations and breed dogs to investigate how domestication has influenced the evolution of recombination rates. I am also studying the impact of UCLA’s doctoral bridge program for students from underrepresented minority (URM) backgrounds.

Gonca Erdemci-Tandogan
Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto

My main research goals focus on understanding the fundamental physical mechanisms underlying complex biological processes, from cells and tissue to biopolymers, using theoretical/computational approaches.

Cassie Ettinger
Postdoc, Stajich lab, University of California, Riverside

I am currently working on a variety of genomic, metagenomic and phylogenomic projects at the interface of both host (insect, amphibian, seaweed and seagrass) and microbe (bacteria, fungi, virus) interactions. I did my doctoral research with Dr. Jonathan Eisen at the University of California, Davis, where I investigated the taxonomic diversity of seagrass-associated bacteria and fungi. My current research interests range from sea to summit and encompass questions related to host-microbiome interactions, host-microbiome coevolution and marine fungi.

Maya Evanitsky
PhD Candidate, Di Talia Lab, Duke University

I use live imaging to investigate the mechanisms regulating zebrafish scale development. I’m specifically studying how molecular signals from the overlying skin surrounding skin coordinate and pattern scale formation.

Daniel Gironda
Graduate Student, Lance Miller Lab, Wake Forest School of Medicine

Our current research uses genomic approaches to identify the genetic and cellular properties of solid tumors. Through our work, we hope to explain systems-level differences in cancer aggressiveness and identify novel therapeutic targets in chemo-resistant tumors.

Ximena Gutiérrez-Ramos
Postdoc, Pick Lab, University of Maryland

My research aims to understand the role of cis-regulatory elements in the transcriptional regulation in segmentation genes and the evolutionary trajectories of these mechanisms.

Gabrielle Hartley
PhD Candidate, Rachel O’Neill Lab, University of Connecticut

My research focuses on exploring chromosome and centromere evolution in gibbons, a group of endangered small apes with extensive karyotype variation. My work investigates how repetitive regions contribute to genome stability, both in gibbons and in the new, complete human genome, T2T-CHM13.

Ujani Hazra
Graduate Student, Lachance Lab, Georgia Institute of Technology

I use bioinformatics techniques to study population genetics and the transferability of disease risk prediction across populations.

Luis Hernandez-Nunez
Postdoc, Harvard University

Very little is known about the circuit-level neural computations underlying cardiac function. I use whole heart and brain functional imaging with cellular resolution, genetics, pharmacology, and mathematical modeling to study the neural circuits and computations underlying cardiac homeostatic control in zebrafish.

Katharine Hubert
Graduate Student, Wellik Lab, University of Wisconsin-Madison

My research works to understand the function of Hox genes in the adult skeleton during repair and regeneration. Using a murine fracture model, I am working to dissect the roles of Hox genes in fracture repair and connect this to the molecular mechanisms Hox genes use to coordinate the repair process.

Join us for the PMI Expressions series, where we will get to know the 2021 cohort of GSA Presidential Members.

Xin Jin

Assistant Professor

Department of Neuroscience

The Scripps Research Institute

What is your current research?

My longstanding interest is to understand how brain development is shaped by genes and environment, and how these factors affect specific cell types to alter brain networks and function. My recent work focused on building technologies for scalable genetic screening to study the functions of risk genes in psychiatric disorders. This approach, termed in vivo Perturb-seq, helped identify diverse disease-associated mutations affecting convergent cell types and molecular pathways in autism and developmental delay.

In my own lab (starting Fall 2021), I will continue to invent genomic technologies for biological discoveries in brain development. Specifically, I will focus on studying the confluence of genes and sex-differential hormones during “critical periods” in early life. The combination of genes and hormonal physiology can mediate irreversible changes in brain development, which is not only an important basic scientific goal but also has broad translational potential for sex-biased psychiatric disorders such as autism. I am very excited about these new directions and want to shout out that if they sound interesting to you, please reach out as we will be hiring soon for all levels of scientists to join us!

What is your past research experience (if any)? 

I was trained as a chemist, building chemical biology tools to allow live-cell fluorescent imaging and in vivo metabolic profiling. Aspiring to solve biological problems, I studied neuroscience in my PhD and established a behavioral paradigm to ask how early-life learning gives rise to life-long memory. I am grateful that these training experiences in both tool development and mechanistic neuroscience give me new angles and perspectives and inspire me to design and develop quantitative tools and approaches to study the brain.

How did you become interested in science?

I spent much of my childhood playing in a botany garden at the research institute where my grandpa worked. Encouraged by my grandpa, who is a taxonomist, I drew pictures of tropical plants and learned how to distinguish two species with slight differences. I could never forget the moment when I told grandpa with pride that I wanted to be just like Carl Linnaeus—to understand lives through taxonomy. Twenty years later I have clearly failed my dream to become a plant biologist. But many of these concepts remain central in my current research, to catalog and classify brain cells based on their transcriptomic similarities and hopefully to use these approaches to understand brain function as well as dysfunction.

What do you think is one major change that is needed to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the scientific enterprise? How do you plan to use your career to help make this change? 

Presence is not inclusion; I think it is crucial to promote not only the presence of diversity in the communities but also make sure the underprivileged minorities have the same quality of experience to learn and to grow. As a soon-to-be lab head, I will be committed to mentoring qualified students and scholars from underprivileged and underrepresented backgrounds. I will reach out to them and offer to discuss their experiences for both academic and personal growth. By managing a friendly classroom and work environment, I will welcome students from diverse backgrounds, encourage them to speak in the discussions, and make proper changes to adapt the curriculum to serve the needs of all students to ensure everyone’s scientific and career success.

Publications

1. Jin X^, Simmons S, Guo A, Shetty AS, Ko M, Nguyen L, Robinson E, Oyler P, Curry N, Deangeli G, Lodato S, Levin JZ, Regev A^, Zhang F^, Arlotta P^. In vivo Perturb-Seq reveals neuronal and glial abnormalities associated with Autism risk genes. bioRxiv:791525 (2019) Science 2020.

2.  Choi S, Zhang B, Ma S, Gonzalez-Celeiro M, Stein D, Jin X, Kim S, Kang Y-L, Besnard A, Rezza A, Grisanti L, Buenrostro J, Rendl M, Nahrendorf M, Sahay A, Hsu Y-C. Stress hormone corticosterone governs hair follicle stem cell quiescence by suppressing a dermal niche activator Gas6. Nature, in press.

3. Allen WE*, Altae-Tran H*, Briggs J*, Jin X*, McGee G*, Tedijanto C*, Raghavan R, Shi A, Kamariza M, Nova N, How We Feel Project, Zhang F, Lin X. Real-time, population-scale mapping of health, behavior, and sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nat Hum Behav 2020 4, 972-982.

4. Petchsung M, Jantarug K, Pattama A, Aphicho K, Suraritdechachai S, … Jin X, Gootenberg J, Abudayyeh O, Zhang F, Horthongkham N, Uttamapinant C. Sensitive and specific detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in clinical COVID-19 samples with CRISPR diagnostics. Nat Biomed Eng 2020.

5. Qiu M*, Glass Z*, Chen J, Haas M, Jin X, Zhao X, Rui X, Ye Z, Li Y, Zhang F, Xu Q. Lipid nanoparticle-mediated delivery of Cas9 mRNA achieves organ-specific in vivo genome editing of Angptl3. PNAS, in press.

6. Liu H, Yang W, Wu T, Duan F, Soucy E, Jin X, Zhang Y. Cholinergic sensorimotor integration regulates olfactory steering. Neuron 2018, 97(2), 390-405. PMCID: PMC5773357.

7. Dennis EJ, Dobosiewicz M, Jin X, Duvall LB, Hartman PS, Bargmann CI, Vosshall LB. A natural variant and engineered mutation in a GPCR promote DEET resistance in C. elegans. Nature 2018; 562:119-23. PMID: 30258230.

8. Jin X, Pokala N, Bargmann CI. Distinct Circuits for the Formation and Retrieval of an Imprinted Olfactory Memory. Cell 2016; 164(4):632-43. PMID: 26871629.

9.  Abrahamsson S, Ilic R, Wisniewski J, Mehl B, Yu L, Chen L, Davanco M, Oudjedi L, Fiche J.B., Hajj B, Jin X, Pulupa J, Cho C, Mir M, El Beheiry M, Darzacq X, Nollmann M, Dahan M, Wu C, Lionnet T, Liddle JA, Bargmann CI. Multifocus microscopy with precise color multi-phase diffractive optics applied in functional neuronal imaging. Biomedical optics express 2016; 7(3):855-69. PMCID: PMC4866461.

10. Jin X*, Uttamapinant C*, Ting AY. Synthesis of 7-aminocoumarin by Buchwald-Hartwig cross coupling for specific protein labeling in living cells. Chembiochem 2011; 12(1):65-70. PMCID: PMC4857190.

11. Long JZ, LaCava M, Jin X, Cravatt BF. An anatomical and temporal portrait of physiological substrates for fatty acid amide hydrolase. Journal of Lipid Research 2011; 52(2):337-44. PMCID: PMC3023554.

12. Long JZ, Jin X, Adibekian A, Li W, Cravatt BF. Characterization of tunable piperidine and piperazine carbamates as inhibitors of endocannabinoid hydrolases. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 2010; 53(4):1830-42. PMCID: PMC2828288.

13. Long JZ, Nomura DK, Vann RE, Walentiny DM, Booker L, Jin X, Burston JJ, Sim-Selley LJ, Lichtman AH, Wiley JL, Cravatt BF. Dual blockade of FAAH and MAGL identifies behavioral processes regulated by endocannabinoid crosstalk in vivo. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA 2009; 106(48):20270-5. PMCID: PMC2787168.

We will be introducing Presidential Members all week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Roderick Brathwaite
Graduate Student, Ridky Lab, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

My research is focused on assessing the role of GPCRs that drive disparities in cancer and modulating signaling pathways to reduce them.

Valeria Velasquez-Zapata
Graduate Student, Wise Lab, Iowa State University

My research is focused on developing mathematical models for understanding plant-pathogen interactions. I am interested in the study of pathogenic organisms through the combination of mathematical modeling and experimental approaches, analyzing high-throughput data (like Y2H-Seq and RNA-Seq) to build plant-pathogen interaction networks. This knowledge contributes to understanding what factors underlie disease emergence, host susceptibility, and pathogenic mechanisms. 

Cong Wang
PhD student, Vanderbilt University

My research interest is in genetic epidemiology with a focus on cancer. I’m also interested in gene-environment interaction in cancer development. 

Tate Yawitz
Undergraduate, Kohl Lab, University of Pittsburgh

I’m broadly interested in animal behavior and how it is shaped by ecological and evolutionary processes. Most of my undergraduate work aims to understand how the environment influences digestive morphology and physiology across different rodent species. 

Irina Yushenova
Research Scientist, Arkhipova Lab, Marine Biological Laboratory

I am a molecular biologist seeking to understand molecular mechanisms allowing eukaryotic cells to cope with the invasion of foreign genetic material such as transposable elements and horizontally transferred genes of various origins. I am particularly interested in enzymatic activities and novel functions that proteins encoded by such genes can acquire after domestication. 

Not pictured:

Denver Jn. Baptiste 

Eric Butoto 

Swapnil Dey 

Isabela Fuentes 

Churchill Ihentuge 

Md. Mirazul Islam 

Parul Suri