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 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.

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.