Alumni
 | Jason Flint Jason is a second-year MCDB graduate student at the Leinwand Lab, where his research revolves around muscle protein dynamics in both cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues, utilizing mouse models and human iPSCs. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys swimming, indulges in anime and video games, and values spending time with family and friends. | ||
 | Nate Hamel (he/him) PhD candidate in the Luger Lab I study how histone and histone like proteins from non-eukaryotic domains of life behave and interact with DNA. I use a combination of structural and biophysical techniques along with good “old-fashioned” biochemistry in the lab to to address the question of where histones may have come from. I am originally from Oregon so being in Colorado still allows me to enjoy skiing, biking, and being outside when I am not in the lab. I came to 91PORN after doing my undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Southern Oregon University where I worked on potential anti-cancer natural products produced by the Oregon Grape. | Kristyn Hayashi Kristyn graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2012 with a B.S. in Molecular & Cellular Biology. Her undergraduate research in Dr. Blake Hill’s lab focused on mitochondrial fission proteins. Before joining the Biochemistry department at 91PORN, Kristyn worked at the biotech company AbbVie (formerly Stemcentrx) developing antibody drug conjugates for cancer therapy. As a third-year graduate student in the Ahn lab, Kristyn studies MAPK signaling thresholds using phosphoproteomics and mass spectrometry. Outside of the lab, she loves snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer. | |
Andrea Ordonez Andrea is an MCDB graduate student in Edward Chuong’s lab where she studies the evolution of immune signaling regulation. She works with unconventional species like bats and cows to see how they have evolved different regulatory networks in immune responses, compared to humans. She received her BA in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley and her MSc degree in human molecular genetics from Imperial College London. Andrea is an international student from Ecuador and enjoys scuba diving, traveling the world, and learning the Colorado lifestyle (hiking, biking, skiing, etc.). | Mika Nevo (MCDB) Brumbaugh Lab | ||
 | Stephen Uptonis a Biochemistry graduate student in Dr. Marcelo Sousa's Lab, studying outer membrane biogenesis in gram-negative bacteria. He graduated in 2016 with a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina. He then worked as a research associate in the Biopharmaceutical Development department at KBI Biopharma in Durham, North Carolina before coming to CU for graduate studies. Outside the lab he enjoys skiing too much, hiking and listening to music. | Julia Roberts (Biochemistry) Alex Whiteley Lab | |
 | Brianna Fernandez (Biochemistry) Brianna received her Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Washington in Seattle in 2019 where she worked as an undergraduate researcher in the lab of Dr. Jesse Zalatan engineering CRISPR-Cas9-mediated synthetic transcriptional regulation circuits. She joined the Spencer lab in Spring 2021 and now studies inflammation in single-cells during cell-cycle withdrawal. |  | Liza Brusman is a MCDB graduate student inZoe Donaldson's Lab, where she studies the transcriptional changes that underlie the formation of pair bonds in prairie voles. She graduated with her B.S. in Human Biology in 2016 and her M.S. in Biology in 2017 from UC San Diego. She then worked at The Scripps Research Institute before coming to CU. When she isn't hanging out withvoles, Liza enjoys spending time with her pet gecko and pet rats. |
 | Emily Kibby (she/her) Emilyis a fourth-year Biochemistry graduate student in Aaron Whiteley's Lab, where she studies bacterial innate immunity and how it can be used as a tool for learning about the human immune system. She graduated from Swarthmore College in 2019 with a B.A. in Biochemistry and Spanish. When not in the lab, she enjoys reading, hiking, and singing (which does sometimes happen in lab). |  | Benjamin Nebenfuehris an MCDB graduate student in Nausica Arnoult's Lab where he studies how human cells repair damaged DNA. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2016 with a B.S. in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology and minors in Chemistry and German. He was then a postbacc at the National Institutes of Health (NIDDK) for 2 years before coming to 91PORN. Outside of lab, he is always climbing, backpacking, or playing board games. |
 | Whitney Bergman is aBiochemistry graduate student in Dr. Marcelo Sousa’s Lab, where she studies the beta-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) complex’s role in outer membrane protein biogenesis in gram-negative bacteria. She graduated in 2019 from Washburn University with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Biology. Among many things, Whitney enjoys cycling, reading classics, and painting in her free time. |  | Briana Aboulache is aBiochemistry student in Karolin Luger's Lab, where she researches SMARCAD1, a chromatin remodeler that facilitates chromatin access by sliding and ejecting nucleosomes. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2017 with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. After graduating, Briana worked as an EMT, a substitute teacher, and a research associate in Dr. Vern Schramm’s Lab studying Clostridium difficile.When not pipetting, Briana enjoys listening to way too many podcasts, trying to get people to buy an Instant Pot because it’s amazing (you should too!), and sipping a quality cup of tea |
 | Mitchell Leihis aMCDB graduate student in Greg Odorizzi’s Lab, where he studies how mutations in the AP-3 complex can lead to the missorting of intracellular cargo. He graduated with his B.S. in Biology from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2017 and continued his professional development at Vanderbilt Medical Center from 2017-2019. When he can, he likes to get outside, backpack and go fishing. | Will Campodonicois a sixth-year Biochemistry graduate student in Dr. Alex Whiteley's lab, where he studies the evolutionary conflict between two retrovirus-like proteins. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2014 (sco Ducks) and worked as a tech for three years before coming to CU. When not in the lab, Will enjoys long, romantic walks through Costco, stereotypical Colorado activities, and sharing an electric blanket with his dog (who is way cooler than he is). | |
 | Alison Swearingenis a MCDB graduate student in Dr. Justin Brumbaugh's Lab. She graduated in 2018 with a degree in Biochemistry from Washington University in St. Louis and came to 91PORN right after. Alison studies the functions of histone modifications in stem cells and development. She spends her free time hiking, climbing, and playing complicated board games. |  | Stephen Archuletais a Biochemistry graduate student in the Goodrich/Kugel Lab, where he uses single molecule microscopy to study the transcriptional regulationof TFIIE. He graduated from Regis University in 2017 with a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Math. Outside the lab, Stephen enjoysall things Nintendo, playing metal guitar, and EDM production. He also loves cats. |
 | Humza Ashrafis a fourth-year Biochemistry graduate student in the lab of Dr. Sabrina Spencer. He received his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne in 2017. In the Spencer lab he studies the relationship between quiescence depth and irreversible cell-cycle arrest. He spends his free time listening to music and not playing board games. |  | Carmen Buttleris a MCDB graduate student in Dr. Ed Chuong's Lab. She receivedher B.S. in Molecular Biology from the University of Denver in 2016, and her M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology in 2018. Carmen studies the regulatory functions of retroviruses and endogenous retroviruses in host cell genomes. Outside of the lab, she enjoys travel, skiing, and dancing. |
 | Kevin Choiis a MCDB graduate student in Rui Yi’s lab, where he studies the role of intermediate EMT state cell populations in tumor formation. He received a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Connecticut and a M.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. Kevin enjoys cycling and hiking in his free time. |  | David Engelhardtis a fourth-year MCDB graduate student in the lab of Dr. Lee Niswander. He received his B.S. in Biochemistry from Texas State University in 2015 and worked in private industry for two years before coming to CU. In the Niswander lab he studies gene-environment interactions, specifically the role of folic acid in neural tube closure. He spends his free time playing with his two young children. |
| Ariel Eraso |  | Theodore Ewachiwis a fourth-year MCDB graduate student in Dr. Brad Olwins lab, where he is studying the formation and role of myo-granules in skeletal muscle. In 2013, he graduated from Towson University where he earned his B.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Bioinformatics. Following graduation, he worked as a tech for four years before deciding to attend graduate school. Outside of the lab, Theodore enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife, enjoying the mountains, and painting. | |
 | Megan Mitchellreceived her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of South Carolina in 2016. She is a fifth-year Biochemistry graduate student in the lab of Dr. Marcelo Sousa. Here, she studies the role of the beta-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) in gram-negative bacteria outer-membrane protein biogenesis using both single molecule andin vivotechniques. In her free time, Megan loves to run and explore the great outdoors. |  | Yao Rongis a fifth-year MCDB graduate student in the lab of Dr. Sabrina Spencer.Yao attended Jiangnan University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Engineering in Biological Engineering in 2013 andher M.S.with an emphasis in Glycobiology in 2016.In the Spencer lab,Yaois currently studying how the control of proliferation versus quiescence is regulated by nutrient signaling.Outside of the lab, she enjoys painting,calligraphy and listening to R&B songs. |
 | AlliSchierreceived her B.S.in Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2017. She is now a fourth-year Biochemistry graduate student in Dr. Dylan Taajes' lab.Alli studies the structure and function of key transcription machinery. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking so she can eat more food. | Erin Taylor | |
| Hannah Arthur recently graduated with an MS in biochemistry. Her research focused on structural biology and mitochondrial protein biochemistry. Her masters defense was on the structural and functional characterization of the mitochondrial membrane protein TMEM70. |  | Ashley Azadeh (she/her) is a MCDB graduate student in the Copley Lab where she studies the intracellular localization of proline biosynthesis enzymes in bacteria. In addition to science, she loves sports, video games, rap, and good food | |
 | Shamira Gonzalez is a biochemistry graduate student in the Goodrich/Kugel lab. Her project is on target identification of muscle specific miRNA (myomiRs) and determining the mechanistic function of myomiRs in myogenesis. She enjoys dancing, exploring nature, and I have 6 cats! |  | Olivia Joyner (she/her)is in Ed Chuong’s lab. She received her B.S. in Biotechnology from California State University, San Marcos. In the Chuong lab she studies how alternative splicing and coding variants contribute to immune dysregulation. In her spare time, she likes to run, dance, & paint. |
 | MirandaJuarros is a Biochemistry student in Leslie Leinwand's lab where she studies regression of cardiac hypertrophy. She graduated from the University of New Mexico with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Psychology. When she is not in the lab, she enjoy's hanging out with her dogs and going on outdoor adventures. |  | Autumn Matthewsis a Biochemistry graduate student in the Alex Whiteley Lab, where she studies the localization and nucleic acid binding properties of a virus-like protein. She graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Chemistry and minors in Biology and Mathematics. Outside of the lab, Autumn loves playing kickball, baking, playing board games, and going on hikes and picnics! |
 | Tanner Peltier(he/him) is in Greg Odorizzi’s lab. He received his B.Sc. in Biology at Northern State University and M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences at Iowa State University. In the Odorizzi lab, he studies endosomal sorting complex transporting (ESCRT-III) in S. Cerevisiae. He enjoys quiet nights, late nights out, and everything in between. |  | Ryan Sayegh (he/him) is a PhD student in MCDB. He joined the Aaron Whiteley research group in biochemistry and focuses on predatory bacteria and prey interactions. Outside of his PhD Ryan enjoys cooking and going on hikes. |
 | Jessica Song (she/her) is a biochemistry graduate student in the Kasinath and Cech labs. She studies the interactions of DNA methyltransferases with chromatin. Outside of lab, Jessica loves pasta, baking, skiing, and yoga. |  | Daniella Ugay (she/her) is a biochemistry graduate student in the Wuttke Lab. She studies transcription factors that bind RNA and the role of this interaction on transcriptional regulation. She enjoys traveling, good food, bubble tea, and not playing board games. |
Advanced SCR Trainees
 | Aly Barbouris a fourth-year Biochemistry graduate student in Dr. Deborah Wuttke's Lab. She graduated from Guilford College with a B.S. in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Her research focuses on a mammalian protein complex which is vital for telomere maintenance and DNA replication, recombination and repair. Outside the lab, Aly likes to ride her bike while listening to comedy podcasts, read psychological thrillers, and sit outside. | Dylan Iverson is a Biochemistry graduate student in the lab of Dr. Natalie Ahn. Dylan graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. In the Ahn lab, Dylan uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to understand the conformational exchange process associated with activation of protein kinase ERK2. Not only can he do NMR; Dylan can also speak French. | |
 | Thomas Rivas is a Biochemistry graduate student in the lab of Dr. James Goodrich and Dr. Jennifer Kugel. Tom received his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Delaware in 2015. He is currently studying how herpes simplex virus 1 infection controls host cell transcription.Tom is a puzzle expert, an avid concert-goer, and a connoisseur of bad movies. |  | Graycen Wheeler received her B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma in 2015. She is a Biochemistry graduate student in the lab of Dr. Xuedong Liu. She studies CLPTM1L, a protein that contributes to the survival and growth of tumor cells and is transcriptionally upregulated after treatment with many commonly-used oncology therapies. In her free time, Graycen enjoys listening to true crime podcasts, making a science podcast (), |
Alumni of the SCR Training Program
Trainee | Prior Degree, Institution | Mentor & Department | Training Period | Research Topic | Degree Received | Last reported position |
| Humza Ashraf | B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne | Spencer Biochemistry | The relationship between quiescence depth and irreversible cell-cycle arrest | PhD | Senior Bioinformatician at Mayo Clinic | |
| Tricia Nguyen | B.S., University of California, Irvine | Voeltz MCDB | Endoplasmic reticulum mediated mitochondrial fission and fusion inmammalian cells. | PhD (January 2023) | Senior Scientist at Viridian Therapeutics | |
| Megan Mitchell | B.S.,University of South Carolina | Sousa Biochemistry | Therole of the beta-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) in gram-negative bacteria outer-membrane protein biogenesis | PhD (January 2023) | Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)</ |