Graham likes studying repetitive DNA, synthesizing molecules to target repetitive DNA, and bringing people together to talk about repetitive DNA. He organizes the Structural Variants and DNA Repeats (SVAR) Conference every year. Outside of the lab, he recently instituted a no-repeats policy to his athletic endeavors, and now runs, bikes, and swims on different days. He also explores generative AI and teaches evidence-based breathwork and meditation courses.

Lucas is a recent graduate deeply interested in the insights offered by next-generation sequencing. While Lucas’s background might not be in biology, he possesses a strong affinity for solving intricate problems, particularly those involving our body—an area he finds profoundly intriguing. Beyond the lab, Lucas enjoys engaging in new sports and hobbies, with current passions including Muay Thai, baking, and cooking. His pursuit of diverse interests highlights a versatile approach to both scientific exploration and personal growth.

Layne is interested in repeat expansion disorders. She completed her PhD at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center where she studied genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in Friedreich ataxia. Outside of the lab, you will find her playing frisbee with her dog, Henry, or exploring Houston’s restaurant scene.

Lauren is a graduate student in the Cancer & Cell Biology program here at Baylor Medicine. In the lab she is working on cancer genetics and understanding the mechanisms of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA). She graduated with a B.S. from The Ohio State University in Molecular Genetics and has research experience in epigenetics and SARS-CoV-2 sequencing. In her free time she enjoys working out, reading, traveling, and exploring Houston.

Ananya completed her undergraduate work at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), studying Biology with minors in Chemistry, Sociology, and Public Health. Her previous research experiences included studying dendritic cells in immune-related diseases at CWRU and studying tandem repeats at Stanford University. She’s excited to continue working on uncovering the molecular functions of tandem repeats to ultimately develop targeted therapeutics for tandem repeat-mediated diseases. In her free time, Ananya loves to write, dance, and go on long walks.

Cera is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette pursuing degrees in Biology with a concentration in Microbiology and in Chemistry. They have research experience with transcription factor interactomes and genetic adaptation in plants, and their current research interests include cancer genomics and genetic regulation. In their free time, Cera loves to play a variety of tabletop and video games, and they enjoy learning new recipes to cook and bake.

Nathan is an undergraduate student at Rice University studying BioSciences and Neuroscience. His past research experience involves IDH1/IDH2 mutations in glioblastoma as well as light-driven optic gliomagenesis. In the lab, he is investigating the role and mechanism of tandem repeats in Friedrich Ataxia. Outside of the lab, Nathan enjoys weightlifting, swimming, cooking, and drawing!

Abi is a student at Rice University studying Biosciences with a concentration in cellular biology and genetics. In the lab, she is currently investigating the tissue specificity of repeat expansions and gene expression in Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), and her long-term goal is to pursue a career researching the mechanisms behind eye diseases and visual impairment with the hope that one day her research will have clinical applications. She is also part of the Rice Women’s Swim Team, so outside of the lab you will probably find her at the pool. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and live music.

Maha Razzaq is a rising sophomore at Rice University studying (maybe) Computer Science and Economics! She has diverse interests ranging from Environmental Policy to Epidemiology to Genetics. In the lab, Maha hopes to implement data analysis techniques to learn more about short tandem repeat (STR) expansions and their relation to genetic disorders and cancer. Maha is also practically a Houston native, having been here for nearly 10 years! In her free time, she enjoys baking, running, and learning about random things!

Stella is an undergraduate student at Rice University studying Biosciences with a Major Concentration in Cell Biology and Genetics with a minor in Medical Humanities. She previously worked in an immunology lab that focused on the application of dendritic cells in immunotherapies against cancer. She’s excited to conduct research on tandem repeat diseases, such as Fragile X Syndrome, and work towards finding potential treatments. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, and trying out new restaurants.

Kaitlyn is a student at Indiana University Bloomington, studying Molecular Life Sciences, Chemistry, and East Asian Languages & Cultures. With research experience in the #FlowerLab@IU on the development of nectaries in flowers, she is currently investigating tandem repeats in breast cancer in the Erwin Lab. Kaitlyn’s long-term goal is to pursue a career in research, striving to see firsthand how scientific discoveries translate into tangible benefits for human health. Outside of the lab, Kaitlyn is a running enthusiast, an avid reader, a violinist, and finds joy in learning new things.