Lab members

Saya Barbera, B.S.

Email: saya.barbera [@] genetics.utah.edu

Research Technician

I earned my B.S. in Zoology with a minor in Botany at Weber State University, where I studied post-fire impacts on mycorrhizal communities in mixed alpine forests. After graduating, I worked as a botany community educator. In the future, I plan to attend graduate school to earn a Ph.D. My favorite weekends are those that involve trail running, hiking, or camping.

Aaron Colley, B.S.

Email: aaron.colley [@] utah.edu

Rotation Student, Molecular Biology PhD Program

I am a first year graduate student in the Molecular Biology program. I received my BS in Cell/Molecular biology from Appalachian State University, where I used Drosophila as a model to study neural transmission and chronic pain. Following my undergrad, I moved to the​ University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to work as a research technician. In this position, I studied how metabolism influences aging and lifespan (again using Drosophila). When not thinking about science, I enjoy spending time outdoors, being with friends and family, reading, and playing piano in my free time.

Maylee Cushing

Email: u1490067 [@] utah.edu

Undergraduate researcher

I am a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Utah, majoring in Biology and minoring in Spanish. My future aspiration is to attend medical school and work in the field of neurology. Outside of academics, I love all things outdoors, including hiking, running, and snowboarding, as well as dancing and spending time with friends.

Ben Echarry, B.S.

Email: ben.echarry.medina [@] genetics.utah.edu

Research Technician

I attended Brigham Young University, where I earned degrees in Bioinformatics and Computer Science with an emphasis in Data Science, with a minor in Statistics. During my undergraduate studies, I focused on developing computational methods for omics data analysis. In the future, I plan to pursue graduate school and earn a PhD. Outside of the lab, I enjoy storytelling in all its forms, from film to journalism, as well as good food.

Izzy Grayson

Email: u1566181 [@] utah.edu

Undergraduate researcher

I am a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Utah majoring in Honors Biology with an emphasis in Cellular and Molecular Biology. After my undergrad, I plan to pursue a PhD in Molecular Biology. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and camping. 

Babs Jetton, B.S.

Email: babs.jetton [@] utah.edu 

PhD candidate, Molecular Biology PhD Program

I earned my B.S. in bioinformatics with a minor in computer science from Utah Valley University. While in my undergrad, I researched chromosomal evolution in Diptera and developed computational tools to assist in phylogenetic analyses. I entered the Bosch lab in 2026 as a PhD student, and I am excited to bridge computational and experimental approaches to explore novel inter-organ factors. While not in the lab, I enjoy playing video games with my husband, reading, and crocheting.

https://barbarashelleyjetton.github.io/

Jenna Larsen

Email: u1447114 [@] utah.edu

Undergraduate researcher

I am a third year undergraduate student at the University of Utah pursuing a B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology. I plan to attend dental school with the goal of becoming a dentist. In my free time, I enjoy running, weightlifting, fishing, playing video games, and spending time with my friends and family. 

Sofia Moretti (she/her)

Email: u1474035 [at] utah.edu

Undergraduate researcher

I am a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Utah, majoring in Honors Biology with an emphasis on Human Health and Anatomy, along with minors in chemistry and modern dance. After college, I plan to attend medical school, with the goal of eventually becoming a physician. When I am not at school or in the lab, I really enjoy hiking, rock climbing, reading, dancing, and barre classes. 

Richard Thompson, B.S.

Email: u6053314 [@] utah.edu

PhD candidate, Molecular Biology PhD Program

I earned a B.S. In Biology at Utah State University, where I did undergraduate research with the French lab, examining the effect of urban sprawl on the western side-blotched lizard. After graduating, I became a technician in the Elde lab at the University of Utah where I helped investigate the host-pathogen interactions between Zebrafish, Zebrafish Picornavirus and the ciliate Tetrahymena. I entered the Bosch lab as a PhD student in 2026, drawn to the lab by its investigation of novel inter-organ communication, and a newfound fascination with fruit fly genetics. When not in the lab, I enjoy running, climbing, and skiing throughout Utah with my wife. 

Giulia Tintorri, B.S.

Email: giulia.tintorri [@] genetics.utah.edu

Research Technician

I was born and raised in Italy, before moving to the US in 2022. I earned my B.S. in Biology from Westminster University, where my undergraduate research focused on ovarian fibrosis and potential mechanistic links to ovarian cancer. In the future, I plan to attend graduate school to earn a PhD. Outside of the lab, I enjoy skiing, playing tennis and hiking with friends.

Edward Wang

Undergraduate researcher, 2024