Administration
Corbin Dirkx
Operations Manager - Oakdale Site
In his role as Operations Manager, Corbin oversees massively high-throughput, PCR-based genomics services including Microbiome Sequencing and GBS. At the UMGC’s Oakdale site, Corbin has experience leveraging cutting-edge liquid handling instrumentation to automate workflows and improve efficiency. These enhancements aim at maximizing the UMGC’s capacity to provide clients with high-quality, affordable, and reliable services. Corbin has a passion for working directly with clients to understand their goals and help shepherd projects through the exciting world of genomics
Email: dirkx005@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2016
Education: B.S. in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development – University of Minnesota
Denise Thorne
Finance Lead
Dinesha Walek, M.Sc.
Operations Manager - Snyder and NHH Sites
As a Laboratory Operations Manager, Dinesha oversees services provided in Nils Hasselmo Hall including expression, genotyping, and 16S Next-generation Sequencing. Dinesha is also the service manager for Nucleic Acid Extraction Services.
Email: walek001@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 1990
Education: M.Sc. coursework in Biological Chemistry – University of Minnesota
Fernanda Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Operations Manager - CCRB Site
Fernanda has years of corporate and academic experience in animal and plant genetics research. Her expertise includes standard laboratory molecular techniques, experimental design and analysis of trait mapping, development of marker platforms, and management of high throughput genotyping core facilities. Throughout her career, she enjoyed working with a diversity of researchers, and she expects the richness of the UMN environment will improve on that experience.
Email: mfrodrig@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2019
Education: Ph.D. in Genetics - University of California, Davis, M.Sc. in Animal Genetics and B.V.Sc. - Veterinary College of UFMG, Brazil
Jerry Daniel
Operations Manager - Oakdale Site
Jerry has worked at UMGC in various roles and started in Illumina microarray and genotyping services. Currently, Jerry serves as the service manager for single-cell biology and CLIA services. He also assists with Next-generation Sequencing and expression services.
Email: danie786@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2011
Education: B.S. in Microbiology – The Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Karina Sartorio
General Operations Manager
With over 10 years of laboratory experience, Karina understands our workflows and process to develop rates. Since 2011, Karina has been the UMGC’s General Operations Manager where she monitors our finances and agreements.
Email: bunje001@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2001
Education: B.A. in Biology - University of Minnesota
Ray Watson
Research & Development Lead
As Research and Development Lead, Ray coordinates the development and implementation of new services and technologies at the UMGC as well as improving the quality and efficiency of existing services. Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ray’s work has focused on COVID-19 detection and variant identification, including clinical test development and wastewater monitoring. Prior to working at the UMGC, Ray’s research focused on genomic evolution during domestication, and he still maintains a passion for plant biology.
Email: watso812@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2019
Education: Visiting Scholar – University of California, Berkeley. M.Sc in Biology, Evolution and Ecology – University of Virginia. B.A in Biology, Swarthmore College
Shea Anderson
Communications Manager
Shea has a diverse professional background at the UMN, including genomics research at the UMGC and Vet Med, chemistry teaching labs, COVID lab support, and she now assists the UMGC in developing and executing communication and outreach plans. Shea works across the many UMGC services, as well as with other UMN cores and vendors, to coordinate content for newsletters, website, and email marketing, and she organizes user groups and client-facing events to build awareness of UMGC technologies and services.
Email: ande3650@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2015
Education: B.S. in Biochemistry – University of Minnesota
Informatics
John Garbe, Ph.D.
Informatics Lead
John completed a Ph.D. in Animal Science at the University of Minnesota with thesis work focused on annotation of the cow and pig genomes. After graduation he joined the newly established informatics group (RIS) at MSI, providing bioinformatics analysis services for UMN research groups and providing bioinformatics support for the Genomics Center. As the informatics needs of the Genomics Center continued to grow, he moved over to the Center in 2016 taking on the role of Informatics Lead.
Email: jgarbe@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2016
Education: Ph.D. in Animal Science – University of Minnesota, B.A. in Computer Science – Macalester College
Juan Abrahante, Ph.D.
UMII Genomics Analyst & Consultant
Juan is the University of Minnesota Informatics Institute Genomics Analyst and Consultant. Over the last 15 years, he has been involved in diverse genomics projects starting with the assembly and annotation of the apicomplexan C. parvum, bacterial genomes (P. multocida) comparative analyses, and somatic mutation analyses of match normal/tumor colorectal samples. He facilitates the analysis of NGS data to UMGC clients by developing and implementing streamlined pipelines for RNA and DNAseq data.
Email: abrah023@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2014
Education: Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics – University of Minnesota
Trina Kuriger-Laber, M.Sc.
Bioinformatic Analyst
Prior to joining UMGC, Trina was a graduate student in Dr. Chad Myers’ computational biology lab at the University of Minnesota. Before graduate school, she worked as the Lab Manager of Dr. Heather H. Nelson’s lab at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center. Outside of work, Trina enjoys traveling, hiking, spending time with family, gaming, and crafts.
Joined UMGC: 2017
Education: M.Sc. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology from the University of Minnesota, M.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, B. S. in Biochemistry from Mississippi State University
Innovation Lab
Daryl Gohl, Ph.D.
Group Leader, UMGC Innovation Lab
A common thread that has run throughout Daryl’s scientific work has been a strong interest in developing new tools and technologies for answering biological questions. He leads the UMGC Innovation Lab, which has been focused on improving the accuracy and expanding the scope, scale, and resolution of genomic measurements. Current areas of research include improving microbiome measurements, developing novel genomics methods, and long read and single cell sequencing applications.
Email: dmgohl@umn.edu, LinkedIn Profile
Joined UMGC: 2014
Education: Postdoctoral Scientist – Stanford University, Ph.D. in Molecular Biology - Princeton University, B.S. in Environmental Sciences - Northwestern University
Jorge Blanco Mendana, Ph.D.
Researcher, UMGC Innovation Lab
Jorge joined the Innovation Lab to work on implementing protocols for the transplantation of cells and nuclei into Drosophila embryos. The ultimate goal is to develop a method for the cryopreservation and reconstitution of Drosophila stocks. He is also involved in developing new genomic tools for the study of genetic diversity in Drosophila at different levels, from cells and tissues to individuals within populations. Previously, Jorge held lab positions where he participated in research projects dealing with different aspects of Drosophila genetics, cell biology, and developmental biology.
Joined UMGC: 2021Education: Postdoctoral Scientist – University of Basel, Ph.D. in Microbiology - University of Leon, B.S. in Biological Sciences - University of Leon
Lindsey Gengelbach
Researcher, UMGC Innovation Lab
As a member of the Innovation Lab, Lindsey works on a variety of projects to help develop novel tools and technologies for genomics research. Her current area of research includes genetic biocontrol, single-nuclei preparation and sequencing, and microbiome measurements. Prior to joining the Innovation Lab, Lindsey worked on the UMGC’s Custom NGS team where she enjoyed optimizing protocols to client’s research needs.
Joined UMGC: 2019
Education: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering - Purdue University, M.P.H in Population Health Management - University of Louisville
Margaret Donovan
Researcher, UMGC Innovation Lab
Margaret began working at the UMGC as a student in 2019. She joined the Innovation Lab full-time in the spring of 2021 and primarily worked on RNAi in zebra mussels. Currently, she works on host-microbe interactions, gut motility, and helps with miscellaneous tasks and experiments around Innovation Lab. Margaret enjoys working in the Innovation Lab because it allows her to collaborate closely with other researchers, explore numerous scientific topics, and employ her creativity in unique ways.
Joined UMGC: 2021
Education: B.S. Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development – University of Minnesota
Service Managers
Aaron Becker
Next-generation Sequencing Service Manager
He has worked at U of MN core labs in various roles since 1997. Aaron’s first role was working for Dr. Kevin Mayo as a peptide synthesis technician. He subsequently moved into DNA sequencing as a scientist in the Micro Chemical Facility and the AGAC under the direction of Dr. Vivek Kapur. Aaron moved to the Microarray Facility core in 2003. Aaron is now serving as the Next-generation Sequencing Services Manager and enjoys working with clients to design, manage and successfully complete large NGS projects.
Email: next-gen@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 1997
Education: B.S. in Microbiology – University of Minnesota
Brandon Vanderbush
Quality Control Service Manager
Brandon is the Quality Control Service Manager and oversees the coordination of thousands of samples for QC analysis as well as supervising student QC processing. In addition, Brandon is a processor for our library prep team, and he consistently delivers high-quality whole genome and transcriptome libraries for Illumina sequencing. By working at the UMGC, Brandon likes that he is able to work with a variety of sample sources - from environmental DNA to human RNA - that are submitted from across the University.
Email: umgc-qc@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2019
Education: B.S. Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development – University of Minnesota
Cody Hoffmann
Genotyping-by-sequencing Service Manager
Cody has been involved in many aspects of the core facility, ranging from high-throughput genotyping, next-generation sequencing, epigenetics, and quality control. He has become an expert in many technologies and platforms necessary for this work, which has allowed him to become a valuable resource to the university. On numerous occasions, he has been responsible for the development, optimization, and implementation of new workflows into the UMGC’s catalog, all while managing multiple services and projects.
Email: gbs@umn.edu, LinkedIn Profile
Joined UMGC: 2013
Education: B.A. in History – University of Minnesota
Corbin Dirkx
Microbiome Service Manager
In his role as Operations Manager, Corbin oversees massively high-throughput, PCR-based genomics services including Microbiome Sequencing and GBS. At the UMGC’s Oakdale site, Corbin has experience leveraging cutting-edge liquid handling instrumentation to automate workflows and improve efficiency. These enhancements aim at maximizing the UMGC’s capacity to provide clients with high-quality, affordable, and reliable services. Corbin has a passion for working directly with clients to understand their goals and help shepherd projects through the exciting world of genomics
Email: micbiom@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2016
Education: B.S. in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development – University of Minnesota
Darrell Johnson
Gene Expression Service Manager
Prior to joining the UMGC, Darrell worked in the Department of Surgery, Basic and Translational Research, and pharmaceuticals. Darrell has progressed from processing samples to managing Expression Services, which comprise a multitude of platforms from Q-RT-PCR to the nanoString nCounter and expression arrays. His personal interests include bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics, and personalized medicine.
Email: exprn@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2013
Education: M.Sc. in Biology – University of Minnesota, B.S. in Biochemistry and Genetics, Cell Biology, and Developmental Biology – University of Minnesota
Elyse Froehling
NGS Library Prep and Custom Service Manager
Since joining UMGC, Elyse has been providing Next-generation Sequencing Service (NGS). As one of our NGS Service Managers, she guides clients through projects and our growing workflows.
Email: next-gen@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2013
Education: M.Sc. in Forensic Science - Boston University School of Medicine, B.A. in Biology – College of Saint Benedict
Fernanda Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Spatialomics Service Manager
Fernanda has years of corporate and academic experience in animal and plant genetics research. Her expertise includes standard laboratory molecular techniques, experimental design and analysis of trait mapping, development of marker platforms, and management of high throughput genotyping core facilities. Throughout her career, she enjoyed working with a diversity of researchers, and she expects the richness of the UMN environment will improve on that experience.
Email: spatialomics@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2019
Education: Ph.D. in Genetics - University of California, Davis, M.Sc. in Animal Genetics and B.V.Sc. - Veterinary College of UFMG, Brazil
Nick Jones
Microarray Service Manager
Nick enjoys the limitless opportunities for learning while working at the UMGC, collaborating with clients across academia and industry to make sure that they obtain the best data possible for their microarray experiments, and helping newer scientists become proficient with benchwork. He has a passion for developing and implementing new pipelines for processing and analyzing data, as well as optimizing existing pipelines for maximum efficiency and throughput.
Email: genotype@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2016
Education: B.S. in Biological Science with a concentration in cellular biology and molecular genetics from Colorado State University
Pat Grady, Ph.D
Single Cell Service Manager
Over the course of his career Pat has applied a combination of classical genetics and modern sequence-based strategies to identify novel facets of epigenetic genome regulation, including undergraduate work on intron splicing kinetics in L. lactis and doctoral research elucidating roles for chromatin modification in the 3D organization and movement of transposable elements in S. pombe. His research interests include NGS protocol development, transcriptional regulation, subnuclear imaging, and microbial genome evolution.
Email: single-cell@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2019
Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics - Boston College; B.S. in Biology - Northwestern College
Veronica Tonnell
Extraction Service Manager
With her background in extractions for challenging tissue types, Veronica manages the isolation of over 45,000 DNA and RNA samples a year in our Extraction Service, where she is particularly skilled with dealing with polyphenols and polysaccharides that can be problematic with plant tissues. Given that each tissue type has unique characteristics, Veronica enjoys the challenges of testing and identifying the best method for new and tricky tissue types, especially if it is a veterinary-related project.
Email: extract@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2018
Education: B.S. in Animal Science – University of Minnesota
Technical Staff
Dylan Cole
Operations Specialist
Dylan worked for UMGC as a student for 2 years in NHH before joining the staff. As a staff member, Dylan’s focus is on Illumina microarrays, GBS, amplicon sequencing, qPCR, as well as some development work. Dylan’s future outlook is fixed on medical school, so he only hopes to be with us for a short while.
Joined UMGC: 2017
Education: B.S. in Biology from the University of Minnesota
Jiangming Deng, Ph.D
Operations Specialist
She worked with Sanger sequencing for many years and now performs nucleic acid extraction. After focusing in this area for more than 7 years, she obtains high quality of DNA/RNA from all kinds of human/animal/plant/fungi/bacteria materials.
Joined UMGC: 2001
Education: Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from South China Normal University
Jon Badalamenti, Ph.D.
Custom Project Scientist
Jon’s interest in genomics stems from his postdoctoral work in Daniel Bond’s lab in the UMN Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, where he leveraged PacBio sequencing to generate complete genomes of several Minnesota’s rock-dwelling subsurface microbes. He is keenly interested in harnessing the power of orthogonal sequencing technologies in order to survey and interrogate microbes and communities that are difficult or impossible to culture in the laboratory. When not exploring the latest in single-molecule, long-read sequencing technology, Jon enjoys keeping officemates well-fed with a steady diet of homemade bread and pies.
Email: next-gen@umn.edu
Joined UMGC: 2017
Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology – Arizona State University; B.S. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology – Pennsylvania State University
Mary Nieuwenhuis
Operations Specialist
Mary joined the UMGC in 2019 following four years of CLIA lab experience in the clinical DNA testing area. With her hands-on experience performing lab tests and procedures with expedience, Mary applies these skills to successfully manage and process thousands of samples submitted monthly for PicoGreen quantification, a key step that flows into our GBS, Microbiome, and Genotyping services. She is excited to be working at the interface of technology and biology to help researchers receive the highest quality data.
Joined UMGC: 2019
Education: B.S. in Applied Science – University of Wisconsin-Stout
Xia Li, M.Sc.
Operations Specialist
Xia has over 46 years of laboratory experience. Since 2007, she has been performing the QC for all of the samples using the PicoGreen/RiboGreen quality control method.
Joined UMGC: 1995
Education: M.Sc. in Natural Products of Organic Chemistry - Peking University