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 interested in epigenetics and genome evolution. When I am not in the lab 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 and NIH QBIST trainee 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.

Abbie Patalinghug, Rotation Biology PhD Student (she/her)

I am a PhD student interested in adaptive evolution and multi-species interactions. I previously studied how the plant immune system co-evolves with its microbial community. Outside of the lab I enjoy cooking, hot yoga, hiking and live music.

Cynthia Valadon, Rotation Biology PhD Student (she/her)

I am a PhD student at NYU Biology interested in evolutionary and conservation genomics. I previously studied epigenetic mechanisms of adaptation in sea turtles. When I am not in the lab I like spending time with friends, going to parks and traveling.

Blair Guo, M.S. Student (she/her)

I’m a master’s student in Biology at NYU interested in species adaptation and evolutionary genomics. Previously, I studied the ecology and adaptation of phytoplankton in the Arabian Gulf. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, running, and traveling.

Lucia Kitsos, Visiting Undergraduate Research Intern (she/her)

I am a Biology major at Hamilton College interested in population ecology and evolution through a genetic lens. I am excited to continue to learn different techniques that help us answer research questions and create more questions to explore. When not in the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends, writing, ice skating and traveling.

Robert Sallash, Undergraduate Researcher (he/him)

I am an undergraduate Biology major at New York University, minoring in Computer Science. I’m interested in the fields of genetics and evolutionary biology. When I’m not in the lab I love travelling, hiking, kayaking, and skiing.

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.