Asher Ferreira – Undergrad
I’m honored to work in the Luger Lab and contribute to archaeal histone structure research. I am interested in helping discover how the first eukaryotic nucleus evolved and fighting autoimmune diseases like Type 1 Diabetes. I am pursuing a major in biochemistry and intend on learning Quechua as well as mastering Spanish during my undergraduate years at CU. On weekdays you can find me teaching climbing classes at The Spot and on weekends hiking in the Front Range.
Thomas Stilley – Undergrad
I am a second year student studying biochemistry and molecular biology. In the future, I would like to attend graduate school for biochemistry. My work in the lab involves studying and developing assays for PARP inhibitors. In my free time, I love watching the Nuggets, working out, playing video games, and fly fishing
Minami Hamelitz-Urena – Undergrad
I am currently a student at Front Range Community College and will be transferring to CU Boulder next year to continue my biology degree. I enjoy learning new laboratory techniques and developing my skills as a researcher. In the Luger Lab, I am studying histone variants and nucleosome assembly. Outside of academics, I enjoy baking, watching movies, and exploring new music.
Iona Kelly – Undergrad
I am an undergraduate student transferring from Front Range Community College to CU Boulder in the fall to study Biochemistry and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. I particularly interested in epigenetics, chromatin organization, and expanding my repertoire of laboratory techniques. Currently, I am working with histones from the bacteria Leptospira biflexia, investigating their DNA binding mechanism and structure. In my free time I enjoy crochet, baking, and spending time outdoors.
Austin Doran – Undergrad
I am a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry. I’m grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the Luger Lab. Within the lab, I am currently studying methods of histone protein purification and modeling histone protein structures, specifically histone proteins from giant viruses. In the future, I want to apply my current studies to graduate school and further into my career. When I am not focusing on academics, I enjoy playing video games, sim racing, and watching movies.