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.

The GSA Equity and Inclusion (E&I) Committee has been engaged in a number of projects designed to meet the goals outlined in our framework for making progress toward an equitable, anti-racist future. Here, we discuss the past two years of work; in early 2023, we will share plans and ideas for our next activities.

Bringing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Scholarship to GSA Conferences

Since 2020, GSA-sponsored conferences have adopted a model, proposed by the E&I committee, that acknowledges the importance of DEI discussions accessible to all meeting attendees, highlighting the value that GSA sees in DEI scholarship. All GSA-sponsored conferences now include sessions that focus on promoting DEI scholarship and sharing expertise on DEI-related initiatives. These sessions are scheduled within the main program and, importantly, without competing parallel sessions. This approach increases engagement because attendees don’t have to choose between DEI and research talks; it also underscores the message that DEI is a critical component of the scientific enterprise.

Vision for Inclusive Conferences

After helping conference organizers to program DEI sessions for 2020 and 2021 meetings, the E&I committee began work on a document meant to provide guidance and a common starting point for all future organizers. Led by Andy Arsham and Sarah Bay with contributions from Anna Allen, Matthew Hahn, Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi, and Aimee Jaramillo-Lambert, our Vision for Inclusive Conferences is now part of the onboarding process for all scientist volunteers who organize a GSA-sponsored conference. The Vision takes a holistic view of conference programming and suggests ways that inclusion can (and should) be centered at all stages of the planning process. It provides guidelines for selecting an organizing committee, inviting speakers and session chairs, and other actions needed to build inclusion into all aspects of the meeting. 

We’re excited to share the Vision for Inclusive Conferences with anyone (including individuals and organizations beyond GSA) who might find it a useful resource: https://genetics-gsa.org/vision-for-inclusive-conferences/ 

Presidential Membership Initiative
The Presidential Membership Initiative (PMI), now starting its third year, continues to grow. PMI cohorts participate in activities aimed at integrating them into GSA and connecting them with senior members to function as mentors and supporters through their careers. Presidential Members (PM) receive no-cost, one-year memberships to GSA and a waived conference abstract fee. Twenty-seven PMs have attended five GSA conferences in 2021-2022, and 32% renewed their membership past their initial year. The GSA community benefits greatly from participation of this diverse (Figure 1), engaged, and enthusiastic group in workshops, conferences, events, and research efforts. Applications for the 2023 PMI cohort are live now and close December 16, 2022. Look out for PMI meet-ups at upcoming conferences in 2023.

The Neighborhood Program

In early 2021, the E&I committee started work on a new project now called The Neighborhood Program. This program, which will begin rolling out in 2023, is an innovative way to develop tight-knit, collaborative groups of colleagues who are intentional in their efforts to improve the understanding of science in the public, specifically within systemically minoritized populations. These “neighborhoods,” led by early career scientists, will be united by a common interest in a science-in-society problem. The program will engage scientists from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and career stages, and the resulting neighborhoods will have the potential to address critically urgent research needs of minoritized communities and will enable powerful conversations at the intersection of culture, society and environment, and shared scientific goals. Examples of science-in-society problems include health inequities, mitigating effects of climate change or environmental toxins, understanding developmental impacts of stress or isolation, or leveraging adaptation of animal species to hazardous environments to reduce risk in affected communities. 

Why The Neighborhood Program? Many enter science with a personal drive to improve the lives of the people who matter most to them. Often, this mission is redirected, with traditional training approaches encouraging assimilation, foregoing an opportunity to strengthen community connections, and dimming trainees’ cultural interests. The Neighborhood Program flips the model by building high-impact science on a foundation of cultural and community knowledge. The approach maintains the core mission of community-focused scientists while providing connection to experts with shared interests.

We piloted this program in June 2022, where four talented Presidential Members served as “Block Captains” and led the first two Neighborhoods in efforts to address health disparities in diabetes and in women’s health. We plan to expand the effort in the coming years, including via a workshop at Dros23; if you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, please email equityinclusion@genetics-gsa.org.  

In July 2022, we submitted a grant for funding to support development and expansion of this program. The proposal effort was led by Sarah Bay, Alana O’Reilly, and Tracey DePellegrin, and supported by GSA’s Mary Adams (Controller), contractors Jacquelyn Roberts and Becky Carroll, the GSA E&I committee, the Society for Developmental Biology’s Anita Quintana and Ida Chow (Executive Director), and the American Cancer Society’s Tawana Thomas-Johnson (Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer) and William Dahut (Chief Scientific Officer). The funding opportunity we pursued was recently launched by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate of Biology and is called Leading Culture Change through Professional Societies of Biology (BIO-LEAPS). The NSF’s goal is to fund scientific societies to develop innovative programming that will “enact culture change that results in welcoming climates for diverse individuals.” The premise is that scientific societies have the power to influence and implement change via education and mentoring, conferences, awards, and publishing. We recently received reviews on our proposal and plan to revise and resubmit in 2023.

Partnering with Experts to Learn and Grow

Alongside the activities of the E&I Committee, GSA is excited to announce that it has invested in a partnership with Shari Dunn of ITBOM Consulting to offer innovative online training focused on equity and inclusion to staff, committee members, and leadership beginning in late November 2022. Shari Dunn is an expert in nonprofit business management, and her approach is rooted in history. ITBOM’s learning platform contains a 16-course suite of modules that cover a range of topics including unconscious bias, communication across differences, lessons from experts on disability inclusion and LGBTQ+ inclusion, and more.

By engaging with the material developed by ITBOM, GSA staff and scientist volunteers will reach a common level of understanding on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Working from the same foundation will facilitate progress in these areas across the Society and its activities. We’re excited to build a shared knowledge base to support growth towards an equitable future.

Sustaining Action Into the Future

As part of our long-term vision for promoting actionable changes in equity and inclusion in GSA, we have formalized protocols to ensure that the membership of the Equity and Inclusion Committee reflects our goals to this end through the following mechanisms:

• Membership: Members of the committee serve two-year terms to maximize the diversity of our committee and provide frequent opportunities for prospective members to apply to serve. Applications for prospective members will open each year in October, with reviews and selections to be conducted by the end of the year. New members will be onboarded in January of the next year.
• Leadership: For better transparency and improved leadership continuity, we have formalized our leadership succession planning. In future, members will serve first as junior co-chair for one year and then become senior co-chair in the following year; in some cases, members may serve a third year as senior co-chair. Chairs will turn over in January of each year.

Previous Updates from the E&I Committee

• GSA’s commitment to dismantling racism in science: building a plan for sustained action
• Equity and Inclusion Update: The Presidential Membership Initiative
• Understanding who we are

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.

GSA collects demographic data to measure changes in representation.

Science benefits from diversity: people from different cultures and socioeconomic groups contribute different perspectives that broaden the reach, impact, and innovation of science (McKinsey 2015, Phillips 2017, Powell 2018). The STEM community has been busy building structural changes to attract, support, and retain a more diverse workforce. At the Genetics Society of America, we are continuing our push toward an inclusive and equitable future through programs like the Presidential Membership Initiative, implementing a framework for inclusive conferences, and much more.

“What gets measured gets done.”

Although we have worked to develop programs aimed at increasing the diversity of GSA membership, we need to understand who we are now so that we can watch how we grow and change. We can measure the current and future composition of our community by collecting demographic data. Demographics tell us how we compare to the general population; can inform our recruitment and retention efforts of scientists from underrepresented, historically excluded, and minoritized populations (Burnett et al., 2022); and give us a way to measure the effects of these ongoing and future efforts.

In its recent consensus study on Measuring Sex, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine underscore the rationale for asking these questions: “People deserve to count and be counted…Regardless of how data are collected, they reflect the identities and experiences of people and communities that deserve to be heard and respected. Everyone should be able to see themselves, and their identities, represented in surveys and other data collection instruments.” In essence: representation matters. GSA joins a growing number of organizations expanding their demographic surveys in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts (Else and Perkel, 2022, Rushworth et al., 2021). 

Historically, GSA collected basic race/ethnicity and binary gender data on our membership. In the fall of 2021, we significantly expanded our demographic survey to better capture diversity along a number of axes. We now ask for information on race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), disability status, and disadvantaged background status.

Security and sensitivity

We understand that asking for information on your identity is asking you to trust us. We have worked hard to put together an inclusive membership form with data security at the forefront: 1) Identity data will only ever be reported in the aggregate. We will never post, publish, or share individual information, and we will group small categories where necessary to avoid revealing individual identities. 2) Your identity information will not be displayed alongside your name and contact information on the membership profile available to GSA staff. It will be displayed to you when you access your membership profile, but it will not be visible to any other members. 3) Your data is stored on a secure cloud-based system. GSA uses Salesforce to manage membership data; access is restricted to staff members based on data-level permission settings, and staff identities are verified through multi-factor authentication at login.

Demographic data is most powerful when we have high response rates, which is why these fields are required in our membership form. However, we understand that you may be hesitant to share this information with us, and we respect that point of view. You will never be required to provide information you’re uncomfortable sharing; you may choose “Prefer not to answer” for any demographic question. Choosing “Prefer not to answer” will not reflect negatively on you in any way. You are also free at any time to change your answers.

Additionally, we recognize that the wording of demographic questions and this kind of data collection are never perfect because you are humans, not data. We have carefully considered the fields we have included and the choices available within each field, but it’s likely these will evolve over time as our understanding of the nuances of various identities evolves.

From diversity to equity

With all of this in mind, we encourage you to provide demographics so that we can make data-driven assessments and ensure that we are moving the Society forward in terms of representation. This data will let us ask specific questions such as, “Does this panel represent the diversity of GSA?” and, “Are we improving representation of Black Americans in GSA?”

We hope you’ll take a moment to visit your membership profile and update your demographic information. Thank you for helping us build toward the goal of an equitable and inclusive future.