Principal Investigator
Jennifer's interest in biomedical research was sparked by learning about molecular biology her senior year of high school. As a college student at Northwestern University, she studied the role of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins in endocytosis in yeast. As a graduate student at M.I.T, she discovered the fruit fly in the lab of Ilaria Rebay and never turned back. Her graduate work focused on transcriptional regulation of retinal determination in Drosophila. As a postdoc in Mark Van Doren's lab, she continued to work with fruit flies but shifted her interest to the signaling pathways that regulate the establishment of cell-cell interactions during gonad morphogenesis. In her own lab, she continues to explore the role of signaling and cell adhesion in the establishment and maintenance of cell-cell interactions during development and into adulthood, focusing on the reproductive and nervous systems. In her time outside of lab, she enjoys running, swimming, reading, and spending time with her husband and two sons.
Graduate Students
Undergraduates
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Grace is a Biochemistry major with a Spanish minor and joined the lab in the winter of 2022. She is researching the effects of mutating and overexpressing Ribbon on the female ovaries. She plans to attend medical school once she graduates. In her free time she loves to travel!
Grace is a Biochemistry major with a Spanish minor and joined the lab in the winter of 2022. She is researching the effects of mutating and overexpressing Ribbon on the female ovaries. She plans to attend medical school once she graduates. In her free time she loves to travel!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Madeline is a senior from Des Moines, Iowa. She is majoring in biology and will be completing a master’s degree in bioinformatics through Loyola’s dual-degree program. Her thesis project, which will be completed in the Mierisch Lab, will analyze ribbon (rib) overexpression in Drosophila testes with the ultimate goal of determining the transcriptional targets of Rib. In her free time, Madeline is an avid scuba diver and ballet dancer.
Madeline is a senior from Des Moines, Iowa. She is majoring in biology and will be completing a master’s degree in bioinformatics through Loyola’s dual-degree program. Her thesis project, which will be completed in the Mierisch Lab, will analyze ribbon (rib) overexpression in Drosophila testes with the ultimate goal of determining the transcriptional targets of Rib. In her free time, Madeline is an avid scuba diver and ballet dancer.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Julia is a junior from Geneva, IL double majoring in biochemistry and molecular/cellular neuroscience with a minor in French. She plans on attending medical school to pursue a career in clinical medicine and research. She joined the Mierisch Lab in January of 2022 and is currently working on the Genomics Project as well as evaluating the effect of ribbon knockout in Drosophila spermatogenesis. In her free time, she enjoys baking and traveling.
Julia is a junior from Geneva, IL double majoring in biochemistry and molecular/cellular neuroscience with a minor in French. She plans on attending medical school to pursue a career in clinical medicine and research. She joined the Mierisch Lab in January of 2022 and is currently working on the Genomics Project as well as evaluating the effect of ribbon knockout in Drosophila spermatogenesis. In her free time, she enjoys baking and traveling.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Daniel is from Miami, Florida majoring in biology and on the pre-med track. He joined the Mierisch Lab in March of 2020 and is currently researching the role of Trc within the Hippo signaling pathway in relation to glial development. In his free time, Daniel enjoys traveling and playing tennis.
Daniel is from Miami, Florida majoring in biology and on the pre-med track. He joined the Mierisch Lab in March of 2020 and is currently researching the role of Trc within the Hippo signaling pathway in relation to glial development. In his free time, Daniel enjoys traveling and playing tennis.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Topher is majoring in Biology with a Molecular Emphasis. He joined the Mierisch lab in the Fall of 2020, and has been working on gene annotations for the Widerborst gene of the insulin-signaling pathway across multiple species of Drosophila during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although he is now currently working on annotating the Cul1 gene in different Drosophila species, in the lab Topher has begun to delve into gonad development in Drosophila melanogaster.
Topher is majoring in Biology with a Molecular Emphasis. He joined the Mierisch lab in the Fall of 2020, and has been working on gene annotations for the Widerborst gene of the insulin-signaling pathway across multiple species of Drosophila during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although he is now currently working on annotating the Cul1 gene in different Drosophila species, in the lab Topher has begun to delve into gonad development in Drosophila melanogaster.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Christine is a sophomore from Woodbury, MN double-majoring in biology with a molecular emphasis and music (composition). They joined the Mierisch lab in Spring of 2020 and have been working on the Pathways project, with plans to begin researching the role of Notch in gametogenesis. Christine plans to continue doing research and pursue a Ph.D after graduation.
Christine is a sophomore from Woodbury, MN double-majoring in biology with a molecular emphasis and music (composition). They joined the Mierisch lab in Spring of 2020 and have been working on the Pathways project, with plans to begin researching the role of Notch in gametogenesis. Christine plans to continue doing research and pursue a Ph.D after graduation.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a senior from Oak Lawn, Illinois. I am majoring in biology and minoring in biostatistics and plan on going to graduate school in order to receive my masters in genetic counseling. I joined the Mierisch lab in fall of 2021 and am currently looking at the roles of the genes Notch and ribbon in spermatogenesis. In my free time, I enjoy reading and baking delicious treats.
I am a senior from Oak Lawn, Illinois. I am majoring in biology and minoring in biostatistics and plan on going to graduate school in order to receive my masters in genetic counseling. I joined the Mierisch lab in fall of 2021 and am currently looking at the roles of the genes Notch and ribbon in spermatogenesis. In my free time, I enjoy reading and baking delicious treats.
High School Students
Lab Alumni
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Maggie graduated from Loyola in May 2016 with a B.A. in Biology. She worked in the lab from January 2015 to May 2016. Maggie studied the role of Ribbon in the gonad. She graduated from Veterinary School at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2020.
Maggie graduated from Loyola in May 2016 with a B.A. in Biology. She worked in the lab from January 2015 to May 2016. Maggie studied the role of Ribbon in the gonad. She graduated from Veterinary School at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2020.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Eddie graduated from Loyola in May 2015 with a B.A. in Bioinformatics and Biology. Eddie worked in the lab from August 2013 to May 2015. He went on to work as a Research Assistant with Dr. Domb at Hinsdale Orthopaedics and the American Hip Institute. Eddie graduated from Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine in 2020.
Eddie graduated from Loyola in May 2015 with a B.A. in Bioinformatics and Biology. Eddie worked in the lab from August 2013 to May 2015. He went on to work as a Research Assistant with Dr. Domb at Hinsdale Orthopaedics and the American Hip Institute. Eddie graduated from Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine in 2020.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Claire Chaikin is a recent graduate (May 2021) of Loyola University Chicago, majoring in both Biochemistry and Vocal Performance. She joined the lab in January 2019 and since then has worked on multiple projects. Her most recent project is studying the role of CG4511 in gonad development in collaboration with the Kanzok lab. In the fall she will be starting her PhD in Life Sciences at Northwestern University's Driskill Graduate Program.
Claire Chaikin is a recent graduate (May 2021) of Loyola University Chicago, majoring in both Biochemistry and Vocal Performance. She joined the lab in January 2019 and since then has worked on multiple projects. Her most recent project is studying the role of CG4511 in gonad development in collaboration with the Kanzok lab. In the fall she will be starting her PhD in Life Sciences at Northwestern University's Driskill Graduate Program.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Fatma graduated from Loyola in May 2015 with a B.A. in Biology. She worked in the lab from January 2014 to May 2015. Fatma studied the molecular mechanisms that regulate gonad morphogenesis in the embryo. Fatma graduated from medical school at Rosalind Franklin University in 2020.
Fatma graduated from Loyola in May 2015 with a B.A. in Biology. She worked in the lab from January 2014 to May 2015. Fatma studied the molecular mechanisms that regulate gonad morphogenesis in the embryo. Fatma graduated from medical school at Rosalind Franklin University in 2020.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Ahmad graduated from Loyola in May 2016 with a B.A. in Biology. Ahmad worked in the lab from January 2014 through May 2016 studying the role of Ribbon in the adult gonad. He started in a D.P.M. program at Rosalind Franklin University in Fall 2016.
Ahmad graduated from Loyola in May 2016 with a B.A. in Biology. Ahmad worked in the lab from January 2014 through May 2016 studying the role of Ribbon in the adult gonad. He started in a D.P.M. program at Rosalind Franklin University in Fall 2016.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Matt graduated in May 2016 with a B.A. in Biochemistry. Matt studied development of the Drosophila central nervous system, investigating the role of the raw gene. Matt graduated from University of Minnesota's School of Medicine in 2020.
Matt graduated in May 2016 with a B.A. in Biochemistry. Matt studied development of the Drosophila central nervous system, investigating the role of the raw gene. Matt graduated from University of Minnesota's School of Medicine in 2020.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Lucy is a senior from Northern Kentucky majoring in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience. After graduating from Loyola, she plans to attend medical school and continue research. Since joining Mierisch lab in the Spring of 2020, she has worked on annotating genes in the D element of Drosophila ananassae and in the insulin-signaling pathways across multiple Drosophila species. She is now beginning to investigate the roles of Raw and Trc in glial development in the eye discs of Drosophila.
Lucy is a senior from Northern Kentucky majoring in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience. After graduating from Loyola, she plans to attend medical school and continue research. Since joining Mierisch lab in the Spring of 2020, she has worked on annotating genes in the D element of Drosophila ananassae and in the insulin-signaling pathways across multiple Drosophila species. She is now beginning to investigate the roles of Raw and Trc in glial development in the eye discs of Drosophila.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Andrew graduated from Loyola in May 2015 with a B.A. in Biology. Andrew worked in the lab from January 2013 through May 2015 studying the role of Ribbon in gonad morphogenesis. Andrew completed a Master's program at Central Michigan University in Spring 2017. He currently attends Ross University School of Medicine.
Andrew graduated from Loyola in May 2015 with a B.A. in Biology. Andrew worked in the lab from January 2013 through May 2015 studying the role of Ribbon in gonad morphogenesis. Andrew completed a Master's program at Central Michigan University in Spring 2017. He currently attends Ross University School of Medicine.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Safiya graduated from Loyola in May 2014 with a B.A. in Biology. Safiya worked in the lab from January 2013 to May 2014. She examined the changes in cell morphology that occur during gonad formation in the embryo. Safiya graduated from Midwestern University with a degree in Medicine.
Safiya graduated from Loyola in May 2014 with a B.A. in Biology. Safiya worked in the lab from January 2013 to May 2014. She examined the changes in cell morphology that occur during gonad formation in the embryo. Safiya graduated from Midwestern University with a degree in Medicine.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Christina worked in the lab from from 2015-2018, and gradauated with a degree in Biology in May 2018. Christina worked with Mary, studying the effects of different drugs on a Drosophila model of Parkinson's Disease. Christina organized the Society for Reproductive Justice on Loyola's campus, and is passionate about reproductive health. Christina will be starting Medical School in Fall 2018.
Christina worked in the lab from from 2015-2018, and gradauated with a degree in Biology in May 2018. Christina worked with Mary, studying the effects of different drugs on a Drosophila model of Parkinson's Disease. Christina organized the Society for Reproductive Justice on Loyola's campus, and is passionate about reproductive health. Christina will be starting Medical School in Fall 2018.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Anusha Gangani
Anusha Gangani
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Victoria is originally from St. Charles, a northwestern suburb of Chicago. She graduated as a Molecular Biology major in 2017 and is currently working as a Research Assistant at Lurie Children's Hospital with plans to attend medical school. Victoria worked on the Drosophila nervous system, studying how raw gene mutations effect glial and neuronal migration between the eye disc and the brain during development. She plans to start Medical School in Fall 2018.
Victoria is originally from St. Charles, a northwestern suburb of Chicago. She graduated as a Molecular Biology major in 2017 and is currently working as a Research Assistant at Lurie Children's Hospital with plans to attend medical school. Victoria worked on the Drosophila nervous system, studying how raw gene mutations effect glial and neuronal migration between the eye disc and the brain during development. She plans to start Medical School in Fall 2018.
High School Student
Christie Kang was a student at a suburban high school called Adlai E. Stevenson High School and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity of being an intern. She was born and raised in the Southern states (Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee), so snow still fascinates her as well as the sheer difference between the amount of the number of insects flying around in Illinois compared to the former states. However, her time in the Mierisch lab has made up for the absence of bugs in Chicago; the Mierisch lab allowed her to get up close and personal with the Drosophila melanogaster! In the future, Christie hopes to pursue the medical career pathway. Until then, in her spare time, she likes to occupy herself with myriad activities such as drawing, painting, reading, writing, playing different instruments, eating, traveling, and swimming. Christie is an undergraduate at University of Illinois at Chicago.
Christie Kang was a student at a suburban high school called Adlai E. Stevenson High School and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity of being an intern. She was born and raised in the Southern states (Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee), so snow still fascinates her as well as the sheer difference between the amount of the number of insects flying around in Illinois compared to the former states. However, her time in the Mierisch lab has made up for the absence of bugs in Chicago; the Mierisch lab allowed her to get up close and personal with the Drosophila melanogaster! In the future, Christie hopes to pursue the medical career pathway. Until then, in her spare time, she likes to occupy herself with myriad activities such as drawing, painting, reading, writing, playing different instruments, eating, traveling, and swimming. Christie is an undergraduate at University of Illinois at Chicago.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Andrea is recent Loyola graduate with degrees in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology with plans to attend medical school. Andrea has been a part of the lab since January of 2019 and worked on the neuro project investigating the role of Raw and Trc in glial development of the nervous system.
Andrea is recent Loyola graduate with degrees in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology with plans to attend medical school. Andrea has been a part of the lab since January of 2019 and worked on the neuro project investigating the role of Raw and Trc in glial development of the nervous system.
Undergraduate Research Assistant and Lab Technician
Chris graduated from Loyola in December 2015 with a B.A. in Biology. Chris worked in the lab from January 2013 to April 2015. Chris studied the role of the Lola protein in gonad morphogenesis. Chris graduated from medical school at Midwestern University in 2019.
Chris graduated from Loyola in December 2015 with a B.A. in Biology. Chris worked in the lab from January 2013 to April 2015. Chris studied the role of the Lola protein in gonad morphogenesis. Chris graduated from medical school at Midwestern University in 2019.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Usama studied the role of Ribbon in spermatogenesis and graduated from Loyola in May 2018. He is currently a medical student.
Usama studied the role of Ribbon in spermatogenesis and graduated from Loyola in May 2018. He is currently a medical student.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Diana graduated from Loyola in May 2017 with a B.A. in Biochemistry. She studied the role of Raw in the peripheral nervous system. Diana is currently a medical student.
Diana graduated from Loyola in May 2017 with a B.A. in Biochemistry. She studied the role of Raw in the peripheral nervous system. Diana is currently a medical student.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Mary was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, but decided to leave the desert to come live in a suburb of Chicago. She graduated in 2018 with a double major in Bioinformatics and Neuroscience, and has a strong interest in the intersection of technology and clinical research. Mary worked with Christina on the Parkinson's project, studying the effects of different drugs on a Drosophila model of Parkinson's Disease. She plans on continuing to pursue her love for research by eventually heading to medical school. In her free time, you can find her trying new foods, exploring the city, huddled up with tea and a good book, or spending time with her family. She is currently in the Post-Bac program at the NIH.
Mary was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, but decided to leave the desert to come live in a suburb of Chicago. She graduated in 2018 with a double major in Bioinformatics and Neuroscience, and has a strong interest in the intersection of technology and clinical research. Mary worked with Christina on the Parkinson's project, studying the effects of different drugs on a Drosophila model of Parkinson's Disease. She plans on continuing to pursue her love for research by eventually heading to medical school. In her free time, you can find her trying new foods, exploring the city, huddled up with tea and a good book, or spending time with her family. She is currently in the Post-Bac program at the NIH.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Shannon McDonnell
Shannon McDonnell
Lab Technician
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Anjali is from Crown Point, Indiana, and is majoring in biology. She joined the Mierisch lab in Fall 2020 and worked improving annotation of Insulin Signaling Pathway genes in different species of Drosophila through her graduation in May 2021. Anjali plans to attend medical school.
Anjali is from Crown Point, Indiana, and is majoring in biology. She joined the Mierisch lab in Fall 2020 and worked improving annotation of Insulin Signaling Pathway genes in different species of Drosophila through her graduation in May 2021. Anjali plans to attend medical school.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Asma was born and raised in Chicago. She graduated in 2017 with a major in Biochemistry with plans to attend to be a P.A. Asma worked on the Drosophila nervous system project with Victoria, focusing on how the mutations of the raw gene effect the glial-neuron interaction in the eye imaginal disc and the brain.
Asma was born and raised in Chicago. She graduated in 2017 with a major in Biochemistry with plans to attend to be a P.A. Asma worked on the Drosophila nervous system project with Victoria, focusing on how the mutations of the raw gene effect the glial-neuron interaction in the eye imaginal disc and the brain.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Mit studied the regulation of glial development by Raw if the Drosophila eye. He is currently attending medical school.
Mit studied the regulation of glial development by Raw if the Drosophila eye. He is currently attending medical school.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Trisha is currently a junior from Vernon Hills, IL majoring in Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience with plans to attend medical school. Trisha has a been a part of the Mierisch lab since August of 2019 and works on the nervous system project investigating the role of Trc in glial development of the nervous system. She is also currently working on the Genomics Annotation Project in the lab.
Trisha is currently a junior from Vernon Hills, IL majoring in Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience with plans to attend medical school. Trisha has a been a part of the Mierisch lab since August of 2019 and works on the nervous system project investigating the role of Trc in glial development of the nervous system. She is also currently working on the Genomics Annotation Project in the lab.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Luselena is currently a senior. She is majoring in Biology with a minor in Theology with plans to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. She has previously worked with Drosophila in a research experiment conducted in high school. Luselena is working on the role of Raw in the nervous system.
Luselena is currently a senior. She is majoring in Biology with a minor in Theology with plans to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. She has previously worked with Drosophila in a research experiment conducted in high school. Luselena is working on the role of Raw in the nervous system.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Savannah is from Lombard, IL and majored in biology. She joined the Mierisch lab in Spring 2020 and has worked on the Pathways project, as well as the investigation of the gene Ribbon on gonad development through her graduation in December 2021. She plans to purse a masters degree in genetic counseling, and hopes to continue doing research.
Savannah is from Lombard, IL and majored in biology. She joined the Mierisch lab in Spring 2020 and has worked on the Pathways project, as well as the investigation of the gene Ribbon on gonad development through her graduation in December 2021. She plans to purse a masters degree in genetic counseling, and hopes to continue doing research.
Karolina Senkow Undergraduate Research Assistant
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Monique graduated from Loyola in May 2014 with a B.A. in Biology. She worked in the lab from August 2013 to May 2014, mapping genes that regulate embryonic gonad morphogenesis. Monique plans to apply to medical school.
Monique graduated from Loyola in May 2014 with a B.A. in Biology. She worked in the lab from August 2013 to May 2014, mapping genes that regulate embryonic gonad morphogenesis. Monique plans to apply to medical school.
Graduate Student
Diane was a Master’s student who graduated from DePaul University in 2013 with a B.S. in Biology. Diane worked on the Drosophila embryonic gonad trying to determine if rib and lola, two genes identified to exhibit defects during gonad morphogenesis, interact genetically and physically through their BTB domains. Diane works at Tempus Labs.
Diane was a Master’s student who graduated from DePaul University in 2013 with a B.S. in Biology. Diane worked on the Drosophila embryonic gonad trying to determine if rib and lola, two genes identified to exhibit defects during gonad morphogenesis, interact genetically and physically through their BTB domains. Diane works at Tempus Labs.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Natalia is a junior from Milwaukee, WI double majoring in biology and music (violin). Her future plans are to become a medical doctor, and to continue doing research in the medical field. She is currently working on the Genomics Project in the lab. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Chicago and trying new food.
Natalia is a junior from Milwaukee, WI double majoring in biology and music (violin). Her future plans are to become a medical doctor, and to continue doing research in the medical field. She is currently working on the Genomics Project in the lab. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Chicago and trying new food.
Graduate Student
Adriana is currently a second year Master's student, originally from Houston, Texas. She received her B.S in Biology from Houston Baptist University, prior to making the move to Chicago. Adriana joined the Mierisch Lab in the fall of 2019, and her thesis deals with characterizing the role of Notch signaling in spermatogenesis. She hopes to continue working in biomedical research, and in her free time enjoys running along the lake and exploring the different neighborhoods of Chicago.
Adriana is currently a second year Master's student, originally from Houston, Texas. She received her B.S in Biology from Houston Baptist University, prior to making the move to Chicago. Adriana joined the Mierisch Lab in the fall of 2019, and her thesis deals with characterizing the role of Notch signaling in spermatogenesis. She hopes to continue working in biomedical research, and in her free time enjoys running along the lake and exploring the different neighborhoods of Chicago.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Danielle is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She studied the role of Ribbon in gonad development. Danielle is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Iowa.
Danielle is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She studied the role of Ribbon in gonad development. Danielle is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Iowa.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Emily graduated from Loyola in May 2016 with a B.A. in Biology. She graduated from medical school in 2020.
Emily graduated from Loyola in May 2016 with a B.A. in Biology. She graduated from medical school in 2020.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Taylor is from Waukesha, a suburb just outside of Milwaukee. She is a Psychology major with plans of attending graduate school. Taylor has a special interest in developmental neuroscience. Taylor likes to spend time with friends, enjoy the lake, and downhill skiing.
Taylor is from Waukesha, a suburb just outside of Milwaukee. She is a Psychology major with plans of attending graduate school. Taylor has a special interest in developmental neuroscience. Taylor likes to spend time with friends, enjoy the lake, and downhill skiing.