Dr. Zhuang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas. She completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Chicago after receiving her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As an evolutionary geneticist, she is interested in understanding the genetic basis of novel trait evolution and complex trait variation, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms and the driving evolutionary forces.

Dr. Bajpai joined the lab in December 2022, with research interests that blend empirical and computational techniques in the fields of comparative genomics and population genetics. His primary focus is on understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying adaptive evolution among fish species thriving in diverse climatic environments. Additionally, he explores the realm of population genomics, exploring the genetic diversity and structure within fish populations.

Yuyan joined the lab in Fall 2021 as a PhD student in the Program of Cell and Molecular Biology. She completed her B.S. Degree in Biological Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her current research project is to use Drosophila models to explore genetic variation for complex traits associated with human diabetes.

Vinita joined the lab in Fall 2022 as a PhD student in Biological Sciences Program. She completed her master’s degree in Bioinformatics from Panjab University. She is interested in learning about genetic diversity and adaptive evolution using a broad range of bioinformatics approaches. Currently she is investigating molecular signatures to understand the roles of new gene formation and gene loss in adaptive evolution in polar fishes. She loves hiking, trekking and cooking!

Nathan, an undergraduate student majoring in Biology and Statistics, became part of the Zhuang Lab in the summer of 2021. He secured a SURF grant to investigate convergent and new gene evolution through antifreeze proteins in polar fish. Nathan was granted a Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship (DDF) to pursue his research further as a PhD student in our lab.

Ethan, an undergraduate student majoring in Biology and Computer Science, joined the lab in the Spring of 2023. He received a SURF grant to investigate genomic convergence for adaptations to freezing environments across multiple polar fish lineages. Ethan was granted a Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship (DDF) to continue his research as a PhD student in our lab.

Sumaira joined the lab in the summer of 2024. Her research focuses on genetics, evolution, and molecular biology, with Drosophila as her primary model organism. She is particularly interested in understanding how genetic changes drive phenotypic variation. Prior to joining the lab, she worked in the Long Lab at the University of Chicago, where she gained valuable experience with CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Outside the lab, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family.