Administration
Corbin Dirkx
Operations Manager
Email: [email protected]
Denise Thorson
Finance Lead
Email: [email protected]
Elyse Froehling
Operations Manager
Email: [email protected]
Jerry Daniel
Operations Manager
Email: [email protected]
Karina Sartorio
General Operations Manager
Email: [email protected]
Shea Anderson
Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Informatics
John Garbe, Ph.D.
Informatics Lead
Email: [email protected]
Noah Strom, Ph.D.
Bioinformatic Analyst
Trina Kuriger-Laber
Bioinformatic Analyst
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: [email protected], 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: 2021
Education: Postdoctoral Scientist – University of Basel, Ph.D. in Microbiology - University of Leon, B.S. in Biological Sciences - University of Leon
Lindsey Gengelbach O'Brien
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
Victor Hugo Hernandez Elizarraga, Ph.D.
Post-Doctoral Associate
Victor is interested in applying omics-based techniques for new research tools development. He is particularly interested in aquatic organisms and their intricate biological processes. In his previous research, Victor studied the survival mechanisms of fire corals (Millepora sp.) using proteomic and transcriptomic approaches. Currently, Victor is working as a researcher in the Innovation Lab, where he is exploring genetic biocontrol strategies for zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). Victor enjoys teamwork and collaboration, and one of his commitments is to pursue answers to scientific hypotheses.
Joined UMGC: 2023
Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Biological Sciences - Autonomous University of Queretaro; B.S. in Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Biology - Autonomous University of Queretaro
Service Managers
Aaron Becker
CoLab Manager
Email: [email protected]
Andrew Cross
NGS Instrument Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Annika Flees
Quality Control Service Manager (CCRB)
Email: [email protected]
Anthony Mazza
Array Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Corbin Dirkx
Genotyping-by-sequencing Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Dan Bade
NGS Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Darrell Johnson
Gene Expression Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Fernanda Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Spatialomics Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Jitu George, Ph.D.
Single Cell Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Mark Murphy
Custom Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Mary Nieuwenhuis
Quality Control Service Manager (4Front)
Ray Watson
Research & Development Lead
Email: [email protected]
Tim Heisel
Microbiome Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Veronica Tonnell
Extraction Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
Technical Staff
Abby Schmitt
Research Professional 2
Bram Rasmussen
Research Professional 1
Carter Murry
Research Professional 2
Devon Mares
Research Professional 2
Dylan Dittrich
Research Professional 1
Eve Henry
Research Professional 1
Jiangming Deng
Research Professional 2
Kira Poxon
Research Professional 1
Laura Kemp
Research Professional 3
Maria Vine
Research Professional 1
Michael Laidlaw
Research Professional 1
Nasia Mead
Research Professional 3
Nick Jones
Research Professional 3
Samantha Fredrickson
Research Professional 1
Shane Sontag
Research Professional 3
Yuhong Li
Research Professional 3