Meet the 2025 Presidential Members (Part 1)

The Presidential Membership Initiative was launched in 2020 as a way for the Genetics Society of America to invite talented and creative individuals with varied life experiences into our community. We are pleased to introduce the next cohort of Presidential Members. Throughout 2025, they will network with one another and with other Society and Board members, participate in GSA Conferences, and be valued additions to our community. Welcome, Presidential Members!

We are introducing Presidential Members this week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Ridwan Ahmed

Graduate student, University of Maryland College Park

I use omics approaches to improve fillet yield and quality traits in rainbow trout

Saqib Ahmed

Graduate student, Eotvos lorand university (D/o Genetics)

My research explores the fascinating role of HSF-1, a master regulator of cellular stress responses, in maintaining proteostasis and its unexpected behaviors under stress. While HSF-1 typically protects against aging, neurodegeneration, and cancer, I discovered that its deficiency in young Caenorhabditis elegans surprisingly enhances thermotolerance. This resilience stems from the activation of alternative stress pathways, such as the unfolded protein response, SKN-1/Nrf2 oxidative stress response, and innate immunity. Intriguingly, HSF-1 also links the cytoplasmic heat shock response to ER stress pathways, highlighting an intricate network of stress regulation. These insights open new avenues for tackling age-related diseases and proteotoxicity.

Sumedha Agashe

Postdoc, Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine

Somatic mutations in DNMT3A (DNA (cytosine-5-methyltransferase 3A) and TET2 (Tet Methylcytosine Dioxygenase 2) are the most common variants in age-related clonal hematopoiesis. Mutations in TET2 are found in approximately 30% myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) cases and about 10% acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. However, the mechanistic link between TET2 mutations and diseases is not completely understood. Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer and could be the driving factor for TET2 mutated patients to MDS or AML. In my postdoctoral work, I am therefore investigating role of TET2 in maintaining genomic stability and mitigating replication stress to reduce risk of AML.

Oluwaremilekun Ajakaye

Early career faculty, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko

My research program investigates centers on molecular parasitology, public health surveillance, risk mapping, and epidemiology of prevalent neglected tropical diseases, specializing in helminths (Schistosoma spp. and other soil transmitted helminths) and protozoan parasites (Giardia spp., Entamoeba spp., Cryptosporidia spp.).

Adam Aldahir

Undergraduate student, Tulane University

I am studying the metabolic effects of cancer genetics on lipid metabolism and storage using the Drosophila melanogaster model. Regularly using laboratory techniques of antibody staining, confocal microscopy, and microscopic dissections.

Victor Anadu

Graduate student, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria

My research investigates gene-environment interactions between loss-of-function in the autism-risk gene, NRXN, and developmental neurotoxicity of nickel and manganese exposure in C. elegans. Specifically, I examine changes in development, behavioral phenotypes, biochemical parameters, and neuronal morphology in these worms at the young adult stage. We hypothesize that loss-of-function mutations in the nrx-1 gene exacerbate behavioral, neuromorphological, and molecular alterations caused by developmental metal exposures. So far, our findings have demonstrated that the worms’ nrx-1 gene loss-of-function mutation increased their sensitivity to metal exposures, resulted in dose-dependent developmental delays, and disrupted their ethanol and NaCl chemosensory abilities.

Racheal Asaolu

Graduate student, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

My research investigates the link between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on how environmental toxins especially particulate matter (PM) contribute to diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Through a combination of molecular biology and cellular studies, I aim to uncover critical pathways by which pollutants trigger cellular damage and identify potential therapeutic interventions. My work bridges public health and neuroscience, addressing a pressing global issue and contributing to our understanding of environmental risk factors for brain health.

Faith Ayoade

Graduate student, Bowen University, Nigeria

My research focuses on the genomic characterization of Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) genes in African catfishes, specifically within the Clariidae family, to enhance aquaculture resilience and productivity. By analyzing the structure, expression, and functional roles of HSP70, I aim to understand its contribution to stress response and environmental adaptation in fish. This work integrates advanced genetic and bioinformatic approaches to identify molecular markers associated with thermal tolerance and disease resistance. My findings will support selective breeding programs for robust catfish strains, contributing to sustainable aquaculture development and food security.

Sumantra Chatterjee

Early career faculty, NYU Grossman School of Medicine

My lab focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders affecting the central and autonomic nervous systems. Using genome sequencing combined with functional screens in cellular and animal models, we aim to study genetic disorders such as Hirschsprung disease, Mowat Wilson Syndrome, and Familial Dysautonomia. To investigate underlying cellular defects, we utilize targeted mouse models and patient-derived enteric nervous system cells. Additionally, we employ CRISPR-based approaches to correct patient-specific mutations in iPSCs, aiming to improve phenotypic outcomes.

Iryna Goraichuk

Bioinformatician Contractor at CDC, ASRT Inc.

My research focuses on the development and application of advanced molecular diagnostic techniques and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies to enhance pathogen surveillance and outbreak response. Currently, I employ bioinformatics to analyze SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, RSV, and Mpox in wastewater as part of a CDC initiative. Wastewater-based epidemiology is a powerful tool for detecting and tracking infectious diseases, including asymptomatic cases, providing real-time insights into viral circulation and serving as an early warning system for public health decision-making.

Rory Greenhalgh

Graduate student, University of Wisconsin—Madison

The Target of Rapamycin (TOR) is a broadly conserved serine-threonine kinase that integrates information on intracellular nutrient levels and uses this to regulate growth and development in all eukaryotes, including in plants. It is known that amino acids can activate TOR; the genetics and mechanisms underlying this activation, however, remain to be elucidated. I work in the model system Arabidopsis thaliana, and my research focuses on illuminating the key proteins that help TOR gauge amino acid abundance and how these sensors operate inside plant cells.

Piyush Gupta

Graduate student, University of Freiburg

My research focuses on understanding stress response mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans by examining key signaling pathways such as mTOR and insulin/IGF signaling. These pathways are critical in regulating stress responses, longevity, and metabolism. I investigate how these pathways interact, or “cross-talk,” to influence the organism’s ability to respond to environmental and physiological stressors. By studying these molecular mechanisms in C. elegans, a model organism with conserved pathways, my work aims to uncover fundamental insights into stress response. This research has implications for understanding aging, disease resistance, and potential therapeutic strategies for stress-related human disorders.

Snigdha Gupta

Postdoc, National Heart Lung Blood Institute/NIH

Temperature is key abiotic factor affecting ecology, evolution and maintenance of species. The ability to tolerate cold stress is a determining factor in survival and distribution in ectotherms. Mitochondrial metabolism affects cellular bioenergetics and redox balance making these organelles an important determinant of organismal performances such as growth, locomotion, or development. Shifts in temperature can alter metabolic rates elevating the relative cost of the mitochondrial maintenance consequently affecting the organismal fitness. In ectotherms like Drosophila the role of mitochondria in thermoregulation/adaptation is largely unknown. My study aims to investigate the role of seemingly non-essential mitochondrial genes in thermoregulation/adaptation in ectotherms.

Yi Han Huang

Graduate student, Johns Hopkins University

My current research focuses on understanding the genetic mechanisms shaping variation in human gene expression and splicing. Which includes generating and leveraging data from diverse global populations to better understand genetic variation in human populations.

Yi-Wen Hsiao

Postdoc, Department of Computational Biomedicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

My research focuses on enhancing the PREDICTv3 breast cancer prognostication tool using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) to address prediction biases, particularly in non-Hispanic Asian and Black populations. By integrating socioeconomic status (SES) indicators with clinical data, the improved model aims to provide equitable survival predictions and treatment recommendations. This study leverages large-scale datasets to refine performance and calibration across diverse racial, ethnic, and SES subgroups. The approach seeks to overcome limitations in traditional tools, promoting personalized and inclusive breast cancer care while reducing disparities in outcomes among underserved populations.

Michael Kimmich

Graduate student, SUNY Upstate Medical University

My current research is investigating the complexities of the cytoskeleton in muscle sarcomeres using the model organism C. elegans. We have found one protein in particular, the formin FHOD-1, contributes to muscle growth and overall structural stability of sarcomere Z-lines. Formins can interact with actin and an actin-binding protein, profilin, to nucleate and elongate actin filaments as well as bundle actin filaments. Our recent work suggests the actin elongation to be a critical component to its role in muscle and we plan to explore this further using worms as a genetic model.

Christine Lalonde

Early career faculty, NOSM University and Nipissing University

My research focuses on early life exposures to stress (radiation, toxicity, or impoverished) and the physiological and psychological phenotypes produced through epigenetic mechanisms.

KINKPE Lionel

Graduate student, North West Agriculture and Forestry University, China

My research direction is to explore the genomic and physiological mechanisms underlying the diversity, adaptation, and meat quality of duck breeds. By leveraging advanced genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic approaches, this study aims to uncover the evolutionary processes shaping traits critical to the economic and ecological value of ducks. Through a detailed analysis of both Anas and Muscovy duck lineages, we seek to identify genetic adaptations that influence meat quality, reproductive efficiency, and environmental resilience. The insights gained from this research will lay a strong foundation for sustainable breeding programs, conservation initiatives, and improved productivity to meet the growing global demand for poultry products.

San Luc

Graduate student, University of California, San Diego

MicroRNAs are a class of short non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene through translational repression or degradation. Many miRNAs have been discovered across phyla, exhibiting a wide range of biological functions and processes, as well as association with diseases when disrupted. The miR-238/ 239ab microRNA family in C. elegans is one interesting family that has been shown to influence aging and stress responses. My research focuses on their roles in the context of aging, which allows us to have more insight into the regulatory mechanism for miRNAs, and potentially discovering new potential pathways that influence longevity in C. elegans.

Tim MacKenzie

Postdoc, Stanford University

The molecular factors controlling gene expression are the central link between genotype and phenotype. In my postdoc I have used genetically targeted proximity labeling with dCas9-APEX2 and mass spectrometry to identify the promoter-proximal proteome of the single copy locus FOXP2. Deep proteome coverage enabled by TMT-based quantitative mass spectrometry revealed enrichment of spliceosome components and classic sequence-specific transcription factors, which we cross-validated with orthogonal techniques. In particular, we utilized the ENCODE ChIP-Seq database to identify true positive chromatin interactors.

Amira Mahoney

Graduate student, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

I study the role of KDM5 in the development and function of Drosophila mushroom body neurons, focusing on its impact on learning, memory, and seizure-like behaviors. KDM5 is part of a family of transcriptional regulators that modulate gene expression, primarily through its lysine demethylase activity, removing the trimethyl mark on lysine-4 of histone H3. My research aims to understand how the loss of KDM5 in these neurons influences behavioral phenotypes and cell-specific transcriptional programming. By investigating the effects of KDM5 deficiency, I hope to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental processes and their links to cognitive and behavioral outcomes.

Kenneth McKenna

Early career faculty, High Point University

Our lab at HPU aims to understand how the structure of developmental processes contributes to the direction of phenotypic and genetic evolution. Specific research projects focus on the developmental genetics of wing shape in butterflies and Drosophila melanogaster. In butterflies we look to address 1) if/how wing shape diversity has evolved via changes in the anterior-posterior and proximodistal patterning mechanisms and 2) how shapes such as tails form from regional control of cell proliferation. Taking a systems biology approach, we utilize the Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel to test concepts such as gene variational bias and facilitated variation.

Jung-Wan Mok

Postdoc, Baylor College of Medicine / Texas Children’s Hospital

I study rare and undiagnosed diseases using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. In collaboration with dedicated clinicians, I strive to assist patients and their families in completing their diagnostic journey while uncovering novel biological mechanisms. My research encompasses a wide range of topics, including transcription factors, the spliceosome, the proteasome, and key signaling pathways such as BMP signaling.