UMGC Staff

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

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