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.

Elizabeth Fongheiser

Elizabeth is a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte pursuing a Masters in bioinformatics and genomics. Elizabeth has her undergraduate degree in biology from the College of Charleston and has a strong interest in microbiology. In the lab, she focuses on the Hi-C metagenomics of the intestinal microbiome of bats, aiming to help identify phage-host relationships. She also helps out with the biology side of the bat-gut bioimaging project. In her free time, she loves to travel, read, and play video games.

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.