Laurel R. Yohe, PhD

Assistant Professor
Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics
College of Computing and Informatics
University of North Carolina Charlotte

Email: lyohe1[at]charlotte[dot]edu

Paul is a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is pursuing a PhD in Bioinformatics. Paul received his Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Clemson University. While at Clemson, Paul participated in undergraduate research which sparked his interest in graduate level education. Under Dr. Yohe he hopes to contribute to a better understanding of gene duplication across phylogenies, which will in turn help characterize the evolution of different taxa. Paul specifically works with olfactory receptor gene families in the order Testudines. While not participating in school and research, Paul enjoys growing plants, playing video games, and grappling.

Lindsay Roberts

Lindsay Roberts is a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, pursuing a Master’s in Bioinformatics. She earned her B.S. in Zoology from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she initially aspired to become a veterinarian. During this time, she gained extensive experience in animal health, working as a Veterinary Assistant, Foster Coordinator, and Adoption Specialist at the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society. Originally set on becoming a veterinarian, she instead found herself captivated by the power of genomics to uncover how animals evolve and adapt to their environments. Now working in Dr. Yohe’s lab, Lindsay studies the evolution of olfactory receptor (OR) genes in turtles. Her research integrates phylogenetics, comparative genomics, and molecular techniques to explore how these genes contribute to sensory adaptation. She examines OR gene family expansions and contractions across turtle species, utilizing both computational and laboratory approaches, including immunofluorescent microscopy to visualize gene expression in different tissue types. Outside of the lab, she enjoys hunting down the best boba spots, discovering hidden gems around Charlotte, and attempting to pet every dog she meets.

Melina Palakal

Melina Palakal is a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is pursuing a Master's degree in Bioinformatics. She received her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Indiana University. Her work in the lab entails investigating the genetic basis of bat craniofacial diversity in the Phyllostomidae family through the analysis of Illumina sequencing data. In her free time, she enjoys watching TV shows, listening to music, and playing games on her switch.

Dan Moats

Dan is a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte pursuing a Master’s in Bioinformatics. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Bob Jones University. His work and the Greenwood Genetic Center introduced him to the field of Bioinformatics, leading him to take his talents to Charlotte to pursue further education. Under the guidance of Dr. Yohe, he hopes to provide a greater understanding of the genetic correlates of craniofacial features in Chiroptera with his research. Outside of his research, Dan enjoys frequenting the local chess club, spending time with friends, and knowing the song title and artist at music trivia.

Ian Binns

Ian is a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte pursuing a Master’s in Bioinformatics. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UNC Charlotte and chose to pursue a Master's to blend his passion for Biology and Computer Science. His role in the lab entails modeling bat turbinate structures to visualize morphological evolution amongst Phyllostomids through the use of embryonic CT scans. Outside of his research, Ian enjoys lifting, simracing, and spending time with friends.

Rishi Misra

Rishi Misra is a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte pursuing a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology, with a concentration in Integrated Physiology and Neurobiology and a minor in Biotechnology, from North Carolina State University. He now works in Dr. Yohe’s lab, where he studies the morphological differences in nasal turbinates between frugivorous and insectivorous bats. His research integrates high-resolution CT imaging, phylogenetic analysis, and statistical modeling to understand how ecological pressures shape anatomical adaptations and evolutionary trajectories in mammals. In his free time, he loves to go on hikes and runs, loves to go rock climbing, and if he doesn’t feel too particularly active, curling up by his computer to play some video games. You definitely want him for your team on trivia.

Pickett

Research interests include unending curiosity of anseriformes, herding ungulates, and acute reactions to Felidae.

Bella

Interests include dual chemosensory systems and is well known in her field for sampling Rodentia.

Horny

Interests include luring behaviors of actinopterygians and semi-amphibious life history traits.