people

Joana L. Rocha, Principal Investigator (she/her)

I’m an Assistant Professor of Biology and Principal Investigator at NYU. I am broadly interested in all aspects surrounding biodiversity, genetics, and evolution. The integrative nature of my curiosity and research has led me to many exciting questions and discoveries on the origins of adaptive genetic variation, on the mechanisms shaping mammalian genetic diversity and genome structures, and on how different species respond to shifting selective pressures throughout different spatiotemporal scales.

When I am not doing science, I enjoy being in close contact with nature and sharing all the wonders our planet has to offer with the people I love.

Hannah M. Waterman, Postdoctoral Associate (she/they/him)

I am a postdoctoral associate in the Rocha Lab at NYU Biology, where I study life at the edge. I am especially interested in understanding how epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, and changes in the content and structure of genomes impact the evolution and ecology of organisms. When I am not in the lab (or buried in bioinformatics) you can find me communing with nature through hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing.

Kate LaVallee, PhD Student (she/her)

I am a PhD student at NYU Biology interested in evolutionary biology and population genetics. I have previously studied drought and desert adaptation in plants. When I’m not in the lab I like traveling, going to concerts, and doing nail art.

Alexander Graber, Visiting Undergraduate Researcher (he/him)

I am an undergraduate Biology major at Vassar College with minors in Statistics and Japanese. I am excited to gain hands-on evolutionary genetics research experience this summer. Outside of the lab, I enjoy a variety of water sports, including swimming, sailing, and diving.

Isabel Cantor, Undergraduate Researcher (she/her)

I am an undergraduate student at NYU Gallatin on a pre-med track with the goal of becoming a doctor. I joined the Rocha Lab in May 2026, and I am excited to be a part of the lab throughout my undergraduate career! My research interests include evolutionary biology, animal behavior, and understanding how species change and adapt over time. Outside of the lab, I love skiing, Pilates, traveling, house music, reality TV, frozen yogurt, and the beach.

You?

Ideal lab members will have strong background in at least one area of computational biology, field ecology, mammal organismic biology, evolutionary genetics and genome sciences. Applicants to postdoctoral roles will, in addition, be expected to have a publication record in relevant journals in genetics, ecology and evolution.

If you would like to join the lab, read about joining us.