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I am Madeleine Coffman (she/her/hers). I am from Kalamazoo Michigan and studied Biochemistry at Kalamazoo College. 

In the lab: I am interested in studying a variety of topics especially those related to disease pathways. 

Out of the lab: I have a cat named Squid, and I like to spend time outdoors. I love houseplants and am trying to grow my collection and take on more challenging to grow plants. 

Looking forward to: I am excited to make new friends, explore Fort Collins, and grow as a scientist. I am also looking forward to 300 sunny days. 

Hello! My name is Nandini Das (She/her/hers). I’m from India. After my high school, I did my Bachelor's in Zoology (Hons) from Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata followed by Master's in Biophysics and Molecular Biology from University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India.

In the lab: While I was at Bose Institute, I worked under the mentorship of Prof. Ajit Bikram Datta. Our study aimed to provide a structural and biochemical viewpoint on the ubiquitin conjugating enzyme Ube2T's ubiquitination activity. I became intrigued to research as I was interested in learning how proteins function dynamically and how their regulation and activation vary over time.

Out of the lab: In my leisure time, I enjoy doing workout, socializing with friends, listening to music, and honing my footwork to get better at dancing. Additionally, I enjoy cooking.

Looking forward to: Academically, I’m excited to join the BMB Graduate Program and meet everyone at CSU. Also, I have heard great things about Colorado. Therefore, I would love to explore the mountains, the culture, and most importantly the city FoCo.

My name is Justin Ellis, I am from Cape Coral, Fl. I served in the Marine Corps for 5 years and recently graduated from CSU with Bsc in Biochemistry and Biology.

In the lab: I have been working in Dr. Erin Nishimura’s lab to determine if each individual intestinal cell of the embryonic  C. elegans intestine has a distinct transcriptional profile and function. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and fluorescent microscopy techniques, I found evidence that individual cells do sub-functionalize and I have investigated some of those functions.

Out of the lab: I enjoy biking the Spring Creek trail here in Fort Collins and hiking! I also enjoy all forms of games and traveling.

Hi, I’m Becky Lafferty. I’m originally from San Diego, CA but moved to Colorado when I was in middle school. I got my undergraduate degree in Biological Science from CSU. 

In the lab: I am interested in studying genomics. I am interested in how chromatin compaction occurs in organisms and chromatin structure.

Out of the lab: I love hanging out with friends playing board games and going to breweries. I love going to concerts and always have the next concert that I’m going to lined up. I just had a baby in February. His name is Cassian and is named after a Star Wars character.

Looking forward to: I’m excited to get to know other people who are also passionate about science. I’m excited to learn and grow as a scientist.

I'm Abigail Proksch (she/they). I am from Lake Orion, Michigan, and I just graduated from Ferris State University with my bachelor's in Biotechnology.

In the lab: I would like to study the mechanisms that make cells work.

Out of the lab: I like to crochet and watch documentaries.

Looking forward to: I'm excited to meet new people and explore the area.

My name is Astrid Quintero and I am from Jacksonville, Florida. I graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and another in Behavioral Neurosciences. 

In the lab: My research interests include cellular molecular neuroscience with a concentration in movement disorders and regenerative therapies using stem cells. 

Out of the lab: I have a corgi named Frankie, who loves hiking and swimming with me. I also love gardening. Currently, I have 8 orchids, 2 bonsais, and a pomegranate tree. 

Looking forward to: I look forward to working with Dr. Soham Chanda finding novel insight to Neuroligins and their structure and function. I also look forward to making career-long connections with my fellow peers. 

I’m Shashmeera Shriganeshan (she/ her) from Sri Lanka. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of Colombo and worked as a demonstrator in the Department of Chemistry, UOC.

In the lab: In my undergraduate research, I studied the effects of CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene silencing in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, I’m passionate about understanding the cellular processes and biochemical pathways through genetic, epigenetic and molecular investigations.

Out of the lab: I enjoy music and singing, watching mystery movie recaps, reading blogs & books and travelling.

Looking forward to: I’m excited to explore Fort Collins, enjoy hiking and biking, make new friends, and gain good academic exposure and research experience!

My name is Colby Williams (he/him) and I’m from Kansas City, Missouri. I received my bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University of Missouri.

In the lab: My interests in science include gene regulation, structural biochemistry, and RNA biochemistry. My goal after grad school is to continue with my research while also working in education.

Out of the lab: I like to go hiking, biking, walking my dogs, and playing video games with friends.

Looking forward to: I’m looking forward to working in a new lab, meeting new people, and living in a state that’s not Missouri.