Briana Aboulache, graduate student
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Gilliam Fellow
I study the mechanism and regulation of chromatin remodeling proteins. In addition to bench work, I enjoy everything teaching related (check out the S.C.O.P.E. science outreach website). Outside of lab, I like playing with my three cats, traveling, and partaking in a relaxing yoga sesh.
Email: Briana.Aboulache@colorado.edu
Chelsea Toner, graduate student
“I am a graduate student in the Luger lab investigating the structure of nucleosomes in giant DNA viruses. When not in the lab, I enjoy hiking, teaching color guard and the company of any dog.”
Email: Chelsea.Toner@Colorado.EDU
Nathaniel Hamel, graduate student
I study how histone and histone like proteins from non-eukaryotic domains of life behave and interact with DNA. I use a combination of structural and biophysical techniques along with good “old-fashioned” biochemistry in the lab to to address the question of where histones may have come from. I am originally from Oregon so being in Colorado still allows me to enjoy skiing, biking, and being outside when I am not in the lab. I came to CU Boulder after doing my undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Southern Oregon University where I worked on potential anti-cancer natural products produced by the Oregon Grape.
Email: Nate.Hamel@colorado.e
Ryan Messer, graduate student
I am a new graduate student in the Luger lab. I am excited to study the biochemical mechanisms of chromatin-regulating proteins. When I take off my graduate student hat, I like to play all kinds of sports, go on hikes, explore new places, and cook.
Sashi Weerawarana, graduate student
I am investigating how mitochondrial DNA is organized into nucleoids using biophysical and structural methods. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing water polo, skiing and hiking.
Alexandria Fiorenza, graduate student
I received my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at East Carolina University where I investigated how modifications in N-glycosylation can alter the structure and function of neurons. Later, I joined a biotech start-up where we received IND/clinical trial approval for an investigational cellular therapy. Currently, I am focusing on the structural and mechanistic biology of proteins that regulate and remodel chromatin. Outside of the lab, I enjoy snowboarding, wake surfing, reading, and drawing. I am excited to dive into the realm of structural biology!