Biological Fidelity and Robustness
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Researchers
Molly Kirk
I am interested in the molecular mechanisms by which complex organisms, specifically the nervous system of complex organisms, survive extreme environmental challenges. To answer these questions, I use the extremely tolerant Tardigrade, a unique invertebrate clade renowned for its ability to survive, complete desiccation, hypoxia, the vacuum of space, and radiation 1000 times the dosage of other animals! I am currently pursuing three avenues of research in the lab.
Juwel Chandra Baray
My research is centered on understanding transdifferentiation, transorganogenesis, and the intriguing fields of aging and longevity in the nematode C. elegans. Furthermore, my objective is to bridge the gap between human biology and model organisms by applying these insights to the context of human cells.
Anna Jellema-Butler
I am interested in understanding the mechanisms controlling healthspan and lifespan, including the role of genetic and epigenetic factors, natural and artificial rejuvenation events, and dietary and behavioral interventions. I work with the premier aging model of C. elegans and focus on leveraging large-scale biological data through the use of statistics and bioinformatics.
Pranav Padture
I am interested in the molecular pathways governing the clearance of defective mitochondria and how the dysregulation of these pathways drives aging, neurodegeneration, and inherited metabolic disorders. Using C. elegans as a model, I investigate these pathways to uncover their systemic roles within a complex, living organism.
Jonathan Paules
My work focuses on elucidating the variety of mechanisms tardigrades incorporate to survive extreme conditions. My current projects include developing a novel feeding assay, studying stress response pathways, and increasing the tools we have to study these incredible animals.
Paige Shukwit
My focus is on understanding how tardigrades respond to extreme environments, specifically ranging pH levels.
Emma Abbate
I am working with Paige to study how tardigrades respond to extreme pHs. Specifically, I am studying the effect that extreme pHs have on the reproduction patterns of tardigrades as well as tardigrade pH preference.
Arava Cherbinsky
I work alongside PhD student Jonathan Paules on one of his many tardigrade projects. In particular, I assist with all molecular assays pertaining to studying the resilience of these amazing extremophiles. Molecular techniques I have specialized in include cDNA preparation and qRT-PCR.
Sydney Fetters
I am currently assisting in continuing the research of Dr. Ackley by studying the different mechanosensory pathway systems responsible to how C. Elegans exhibit negative gravitaxis behavior. As well as assisting Dr. Kirk as part of the Proofreading Team for studying tardigrade neuronal pathways and system development.
Emma Handling
I’m a third year MCDB major with an emphasis in pharmacology! I’m working with Jon Paules on his novel feeding assay using RNAi algae for single protein knock down in hypsibius exemplaris.
Carter Kaulback
I'm working with Dr. Kirk on tardigrade neuroanatomy, specifically connectomics, as well as on gait analysis during recovery from cryptobiotic states.
Amelia Leeman
I currently assist Jon with imaging tardigrades in various anoxic environments and assist with measuring action levels in tardigrades following fed knockdown. This project aims to enhance our understanding of tardigrades as model organisms in response to extreme environmental conditions.
Catherine Niculescu
I am working under Jon on his tardigrade stress and survival research. My project focuses on isolating tardigrades in varying molar concentrations of mannitol to investigate survival thresholds.
Katrina Ortman
I worked with Jonathan on his algae gene knockdown project and ran trials for the mannitol and glutathione survival curves. I'm about to start work on fluorescence imaging, and I plan to go to graduate school next year.
Kevin Sanchez
I am working with Pranav to study mitophagy’s role in clearing defective mitochondria and slowing the progression of Huntington’s Disease using C. elegans as a model organism. This includes creating transgenic strains, expressing mutant proteins, and knocking down genes with RNAi to study mitochondrial function in neurons.
Mark Vicente
I work with Jon testing single protein knockdown via RNAi injection, along with studying tardigrade survival under extreme environmental conditions.
