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.

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.

Agastya Pulapaka, B.S.

Email: u1571737 [@] utah.edu

Research Technician

I'm a computational biology and bioinformatics researcher with an MS in Applied and Computational Mathematics from the University of Washington, where I focused on mathematical and computational modelling of biological systems. I currently work on projects in both academia and industry, focusing on pipeline development and genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data analysis. I'm particularly interested in uncovering the genetic basis of complex diseases, and working on methods to analyze biological datasets. I also plan on pursuing a PhD in the near future, specializing in computational biology and bioinformatics. 

Mia Krause (she/her)

Email: u1401925 [at] umail.utah.edu

Undergraduate researcher

I am a 3rd year undergraduate student at the University of Utah pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Pediatric Clinical Research. I plan to attend Medical School with aspirations of becoming a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician in the future. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, traveling, 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. 

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. 

Christopher Nguyen

Email: nguyenchr7 [at] outlook.com

Undergraduate researcher

I am a third-year student at the University of Utah pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics alongside a growing focus on bioinformatics and computational biology. I plan to eventually get my PhD in the distant future as well. In my free time I enjoy playing video games as well as volleyball.

Xinyue Chang

Rotation Student, Molecular Biology PhD program, 2025

Current position: Molecular Biology PhD candidate, University of Utah

Edward Wang

Undergraduate researcher, 2024