Postdoctoral Faculty

Hearing and balance depend on specialized sensory “hair” cells in the inner ear. Mechano-electrical transduction in hair cells occurs in actin-rich apical stereocilia assembled into an asymmetric hair bundle that responds to deflection in a directional manner. To this end, stereocilia placement and their graded elongation must be tightly regulated during development. Recently, we and others established that inhibitory G protein alpha (G⍺i) signaling is essential for polarized hair bundle morphogenesis.The regulation of the G⍺i signaling during and after the development of hair cells remain largely unknown. I am focusing mainly on finding the regulators of G⍺i pathway by using genetics, organ and cell culture, biochemistry and hearing tests.

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My long-term goal is to obtain the necessary skills to develop an independent research program focused on studying the effects of genetic and environmental variation on cell-fate decisions using a multi-disciplinary approach that combines wet-lab experiments with mathematical modeling. Towards this goal, I have sought interdisciplinary training in molecular biology, computational and systems biology, and quantitative genetics. As a postdoc in Munger lab, I aim to complement and enhance these skills by training in mouse genetics and developmental biology. As a graduate student working with Drs. Nick Buchler and Paul Magwene, I characterized the effects of natural genetic variation in budding yeast on growth dynamics in response to hyper-osmotic stress. I showed that this phenotype was highly variable in our genetically diverse collection of yeast strains, and then applied bulk segregant analysis to identify genetic variants that mediated this variable response. In my postdoctoral research, I have started exploring GxE interactions in a higher model organism (mouse) within embryonic stem cells. In addition to research, I am actively involved in teaching, mentoring and scientific outreach efforts at JAX. Outside of lab I enjoy the outdoors by hiking, snowshoeing and gardening!

Visit Selcan Aydin on ORCID

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I graduated with a B.S. at the University of New England followed by a M.Sc. at Brandeis University, both degrees in neuroscience. I completed my Ph.D. through the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Rochester in Dr. Patricia White's lab. I studied genetic mechanisms within the cochlea that promote noise-induced hearing loss in a FOXO3 loss-of-function mouse model.

Holly Beaulac on ORCID

There is a substantial gap in our knowledge of how allelic variants and their combinations influence the mechanisms regulating oocyte development in both humans and mice. The Ovarian Reserve (OR), a major determinant of female fertility and reproductive lifespan, is thought to be influenced by genetic factors. Both the size of the OR and onset of menopause vary among genetically heterogenous women; in such populations, each individual carries a unique set of allelic variants. Difficulties in investigating human ovarian tissue and using a single inbred mouse strain, typically C57BL/6J (B6), for analysis of knockout phenotypes has limited our understanding of how allelic variants regulate the establishment of the OR. To understand the genetic regulation of the OR establishment, we designed a study using genetically diverse mice to better recapitulate genetic variation in the human population. We utilized classical laboratory and wild-derived strains (known as the founder strains) and Collaborative Cross (CC), which are multiparent recombinant inbred lines generated from the founder strains. Together, these strains cover ~90% of variation found in the mouse genome and provide us the power to understand the genetic influence during oocyte development. My study will contribute knowledge to what alleles and mechanisms regulate female egg numbers and quality.

I utilize mouse models and genome editing to better understand structural birth defects, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernias. By using novel genome editing techniques I am modeling patient specific variants in mice to increase our understanding about how single variants, or a combination of multiple variants, lead to these debilitating and often lethal defects. I am also using these studies to determine what genes and genetic pathways are critical in the development of birth defects.

Eric Bogenschutz on ORCID

My work is focused on implementing in vitro models in order to explore the molecular/cellular mechanisms of the immune system against respiratory virus. To this end, we are using organoids to expand lung progenitor cells from primary lung tissues to subsequently derive air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures. ALI cultures are then infected with influenza or SARS-CoV-2 in the presence or absence of immune cells. Responses to infection of both epithelial cells and immune cells are analyzed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and RNA-Seq. Those approaches will enable us to determine molecular mechanisms underlying alterations in the innate immune cells at epithelial barriers.

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I did my undergraduate studies at Case Western Reserve University where my first research project was studying the crosstalk between Notch Signaling and HIF1a in angiogenesis in the laboratory of Dr. Diana Ramírez-Bergeron. Additionally I worked in the laboratory of Dr. Aaron Proweller studying Notch signaling as it related to vascular smooth muscle cell biology. I then attended the NYU Grossman School of Medicine to complete my PhD in the laboratory of Dr. Gregory David where my dissertation focused on the role of the chromatin-regulator Sin3B to coordinate differentiation and cell cycle in the hematopoietic system. I am interested in cell cycle regulation and progression as it relates to other fundamental biological processes and am currently focused on the role of quiescence in modulating therapy resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Alexander Calderon on Orcid

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Rodrigo graduated from Georgia State University with a doctoral degree in mathematics, focusing in deep learning research. As a postdoctoral associate in the Tewhey lab, Rodrigo works on generative deep-learning models for cis-regulatory elements and deriving new synthetic elements for desired regulatory functions. In his spare time, Rodrigo enjoys practicing music, biking, and learning about new AI advances.

I am focusing on illustrating the 3D organization of chromatin by utilizing novel approaches.

After doing my Ms. Sc. studying ischemia and reperfusion in the liver and how adenosine receptors can modulate metabolic pathways during this insult; I decided to move toward stem cell and neuroscience field during my Ph. D. training. I was interested in the transgenic expression of Glial-cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in stem cells and neuronal derivatives. GDNF-secreting embryonic stem cell differentiation to motor neurons goes through a phase of increased number of cycling motor neuron precursors, enhancing terminal differentiated motor neuron yield and electrical maturation, even without any other trophic or cellular support. My ongoing work at JAX tries to unveil the genetic basis of individual differences in the response of the central nervous system to injury using pluripotent stem cells and transgenic mice as models.

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I mostly work on selection and extraction on biological and morphological features that are indicative of outcomes such as response to treatment, risk of relapse, etc. I am also interested on integrating such features across data types for reliable prediction.

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Most of the eye diseases result from underlying genetic defects. While working at the Nishina lab, my current research interests include identifying gene functions and genetic interactions, leading to eye diseases. Such an information can provide insight to the underlying pathways which are important for normal eye development and whose disruptions/alterations lead to eye disease phenotype. I intend to apply both traditional and modern approaches for such studies.

Navdeep Gongna on ORCID

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I have been working across multiple disciplines including immunology, microbiology, and bioinformatics. My research efforts during my Ph. D has built towards the application of multi-omics approaches to understanding microbe-host interaction. Thrilled by the recent development of metabolomics, I committed my efforts to develop metabolomic tools and analysis pipelines to decipher metabolic phenotypes in immune-related disorders and other diseases.

My current research includes developing metabolomic tools to the reconstruction of biochemical networks. The milestone towards this will be developing tools to upgrade genome scale metabolic models by using mass spectrometry data, via a combination of computational, genetic, cellular and isotope tracing techniques.

         Minghao Gong on ORCID          

Minghao Gong on Google Scholar

I graduated from Florida State University with a PhD in Neuroscience in May of 2017 and joined the O’Connell lab shortly thereafter as postdoctoral associate. I am studying the neural circuits involved in the control of food intake in the context of obesity. In general, obesity occurs when homeostatic mechanisms that regulate food intake and energy expenditure become dysregulated due to excessive caloric intake and decreased activity. Glial cells are critical to the development, function and maintenance of neuronal circuits involved in food intake. In particular, astrocytes – the most abundantly expressed glial cells in the brain – are well-established in their role of providing crucial metabolic support to neurons. I am interested in delineating the mechanisms by which diet-induced obesity modulates astrocyte-dependent changes in neuronal activity and feeding behavior. To do this, I use in vivo Ca2+ imaging and chemogenetic techniques to simultaneously modulate and measure neuronal and astrocyte activity while the mice are performing food-seeking behaviors. Ultimately, these studies should provide crucial insights into the progression of obesity as well as changes that may occur in astrocyte activity in response to high-fat diet.

I seek to understand how aging impacts communication between the brain and bladder, as well as the bladder and kidneys. Using mouse models, we are able to identify genes and proteins that may be associated with functional declines in these systems. The overarching goal of this work is to identify novel targets of study, and hopefully pave the way for more effective treatments for older adults who suffer from kidney and bladder dysfunction. My areas of expertise include tissue physiology, urinary tract (bladder) function, and the impact of aging and neurodegeneration on brain-bladder communication. Former Training: BS in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology -- Otterbein University ('16); PhD in Biomedical Sciences -- University of Connecticut ('22)

Cara Hardy on ORCID

After obtaining my B.S. and B.A. in Psychology at Appalachian State University, I did my Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina in Dr. Deanna Smith's lab. In her lab, I studied mechanisms regulating dynein-dependent axonal transport with a particular interest in how impairment of these pathways can lead to neurodegeneration.

Timothy Hines on ORCID

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After a thesis in development focused on the primordial germ cells in the testis at Université Paris Orsay, I started a post doctoral fellowship in the Tarchini Lab. Working on the development of hair cells in the inner ear, I study the upstream cues of the Galphai, which are central to the proper development of the cochlea.

I have studied platelets in different Hematological disorders like Asymptomatic Constitutional Macrothrombocytopenia, Thalassemia and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia as a part of my PhD studies. I have used proteomics and MALDI mass spectrometry tool to accomplish my research work. To continue my research interest in the field of hematology I have worked with Musashi RNA binding protein2 in my Postdoctoral research work that is highly expressed in hematological malignancies like CML. I have used techniques polysome profiling and biochemical methods to identify the functional translational targets of MSI2 . In order to pursue my research interest in the field of hematology my current research interest is to look into the underlying pathways of clonal hematopoiesis and cancer in aging in mice and human using scRNA and ATAC.

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Shilpita Karmakar on ORCID

I introduce myself as a computational biologist studying evolution using genomics approaches. Before joining JAX, I have been studying evolution of mammalian including human and livestock animals using population genomics approach.

        Kwondo Kim on Orcid         

Kwondo Kim on Research Gate

I did my PhD in opioid modulation of motivated behaviour in zebra finches from National Brain Research Centre, India under the guidance of Prof. Soumya Iyengar. My plan in the Kumar lab is to explore the neural circuit of addiction focusing on how specific genes can affect this circuit in different brain regions and specific cells of the reward circuit such as NAc, VTA, and others. As a future researcher in this field, I see myself integrating neurophysiology, behaviour and genomics with computational approaches and collaborative work to seek answers. With excellent infrastructure, resources, and support at the Jackson Laboratory, I am determined to contribute something in the field of drug addiction during my tenure as a postdoc. Outside lab, I am nature and adventure loving person; like cooking, gardening, craft, and many other hobbies, I cannot do justice in terms time. My favorite time in lab, other than work, is lunch and coffee breaks with lab mates and the Kumar lab hikes in summer.

Trained as a population and evolutionary geneticist, I have extensive experience as a bioinformatician developing research hypotheses and computational pipelines to address the origin and the influence of genetic mutation on an observed trait. The output of my research has broader implications for biomedical advancement and biodiversity.

Currently, I work with different sequencing technologies including long and short reads to develop computational pipelines or maintain existing tools for wider JAX communities. Involved in data mining and exploration to detect a pattern providing new biological insights. Provide scientific services including data quality control, platform evaluation, and troubleshooting.

  View Raman Lawal on Research Gate 

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               Raman Lawal on Orcid               

My primary research interest is mapping the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease with the goal of identifying therapeutic targets. My doctoral work with Dr. Richard Libby at the University of Rochester focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in glaucoma. I investigated the retinal ganglion cell (RGC)-intrinsic apoptotic mechanisms that lead to neuronal death—specifically, I tested the role of DDIT3, JUN, MKK4, and MKK7 in driving RGC degeneration. I also studied the importance of endothelin signaling as an extrinsic vasoactive driver of glaucoma-relevant RGC death. My postdoctoral work with Dr. Gareth Howell focuses on the mechanisms driving both glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. I am leveraging a genetically diverse wild-derived mouse strain (WSB) to identify novel alleles driving cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Furthermore, I am testing the potential of therapeutically strengthening the blood-brain barrier to ameliorate CAA and AD using genetic and pharmacological strategies. Ultimately, I aim to identify and test therapeutic targets to treat CAA and AD.

Olivia Marola on ORCID

My primary area of research is the identification of cancer specific proteins and the development of novel anti-cancer immunotherapies for solid tumors, such as osteosarcoma. Utilizing high performance computing, we combine RNA sequencing and protein analysis in a proteogenomics workflow. The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic performs both long-read sequencing (Pacific Biosciences platform) and short-read sequencing (Illumina platform) on oncology patient samples. Our hybrid sequencing approach allows for generating a highly accurate cancer transcriptome upon which we can explore multiple biological mechanisms, such as RNA splicing and chromosomal rearrangements, leading to cancer specific mRNA isoforms. Mass spectrometry identification of isoform specific peptides aids in selecting candidates for validation in the laboratory. A central goal of my research is to expand current cancer treatment options and provide novel therapeutic agents with improved tumor specificity.

Francis O'Neil on ORCID

Raghav received his B.S. (Biotechnology, 2010) from Indiana University (Bloomington IN), followed by M.S. (Physiology, 2012) from Indiana State University (Terre Haute IN) where he studied angiogenesis in zebrafish doing cancer research. He received his Ph.D. from University of Cincinnati College of Medicine(Cell Biology, 2017) working on cardiovascular regenerative medicine. His thesis involved looking at microRNAs, stem cells, human-iPS derived cardiomyocytes, and other therapeutics that can be used for cardiac regeneration post ischemic injury.

I completed my PhD in Neuroscience from University of Lethbridge in 2021, where using in vivo mesoscale imaging of the cortex and local field potential (LFP) recording from the hippocampus, I investigated cortico-cortical and hippocampal-cortical interactions in mouse models of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

My work is focused on dissecting gene by environment interactions in mouse pluripotent stem cells with the use of the Diversity Outbred population. Using systems genetics, I aim to understand how genetic variants interact with environmental cues to drive phenotypic variation.

The purpose of my research at the Ching Lau Lab is to examine genomic and epigenomic data from pediatric cancers in order to discover molecular phenotypes, prognostic biomarkers, and candidate therapeutic targets. My work includes method and pipeline development for integration of multi-omic data in the analysis of pediatric brain and bone tumors to develop a better molecular understanding of these often-lethal cancers. Currently, my research focuses on osteosarcoma, ependymoma, and intracranial germ cell tumors.

With the assistance of our Student & Postdoctoral Affairs Program Administrators, Dr. Theeman coordinates training program across campuses, including our NIH-supported T32 training grants, which support our Postbaccalaureate Fellows, Postbaccalaureate Researchers, Cooperative PhD Program students, and Postdoctoral Associates.

Day-to-day, Dr. Theeman is responsible for implementation of training initiatives, including the NIGMS-funded The Whole Scientist course and professional development workshops; trainee and program evaluation; budget and expenditures; and program marketing and recruitment. As a member of the JAX DEI Council and co-chair of JAX GE’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group, Meredith seeks to provide leadership and creative approaches to the complex socio-cultural challenges and opportunities associated education and training. Meredith is the JAX Title IX Coordinator and the Tufts University Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) Liaison at JAX.

Outside of JAX, Meredith is walking in the woods, (slowly) learning to garden, and honing her home renovation skills. She volunteers as an Adviser for the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute.

The broad goal of my research is to understand causes of infertility. Currently, I am studying meiotic recombination rate. Too few recombination events leads to infertility, therefore proper recombination is essential for gamete production and thus species survival. It is well established that recombination rate varies widely across species, individuals, and even within an individual's gamete pool. However, the exact loci and mechanisms controlling these variations are largely unknown. I am working to identify the loci responsible for recombination rate variation, as well as working to understand the exact relationship between recombination rate and fertility.

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Lidya Wooldridge on ORCID

I have 13 years of cardiovascular and translational research experience with my primary projects being centered around cardiovascular genetic disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure. Currently, I use advanced proteomic techniques to investigate mechanisms of heart failure and explore novel gene therapy solutions. As a graduate student I studied pathogenic variants that caused severe arrhythmia syndromes in infants and children. I used commercial and patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and novel mouse models to investigate the cellular mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis. I also explored potential pharmacological interventions to reduce the risk of arrhythmic events. Additionally, I co-authored a paper addressing autonomic nervous system remodeling as an arrhythmogenic substrate in atrial fibrillation. Other previous work contributions include investigating various factors affecting voltage-gated potassium channel stability and investigating the effect of TGFβ signaling on cardiac gene expression in dystrophic mice with developing cardiomyopathy. Outside of research I am an active firefighter, emergency medical technician serving my community. Other previous community experiences include serving as multicultural affairs ambassador for the American Heart Association and a research advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Duties included building relationships with community leaders and educating community members on major health topics.

LISA WREN ON ORCID

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