People

Daryl Gohl, Ph.D., Group Leader

A common thread that has run throughout Daryl’s scientific work has been a strong interest in developing new tools and technologies for answering biological questions. He leads the UMGC Innovation Lab, which is focused on improving the accuracy and expanding the scope, scale, and resolution of genomic measurements.

Education: Postdoctoral Scientist – Stanford University, Ph.D. in Molecular Biology - Princeton University; B.A. in Environmental Sciences - Northwestern University

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Victor Hernandez Elizarraga, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher

In his previous research, Victor studied the survival mechanisms of fire corals (Millepora sp.) using proteomic and transcriptomic approaches. Currently, Victor is exploring genetic biocontrol strategies for zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha).

Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Biological Sciences - Autonomous University of Queretaro; B.S. in Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Biology - Autonomous University of Queretaro

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Julie Badger, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher

Julie is currently working toward the genetic manipulation of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), which includes identifying dietary microbes in wild-caught veligers, selecting and testing regulatory elements to drive expression of reporter genes in adult mussels, and identifying sex-determining elements in the genome. In her previous research, Julie took steps toward the development of genetic biocontrol strategies in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics - University of Minnesota; B.S. in Biochemistry and B.A. in Chemistry - University of Minnesota Duluth 

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Lindsey O’Brien, M.P.H., Researcher

Lindsey works on a variety of projects to help develop novel tools and technologies for genomics research. Her current area of research includes genetic biocontrol, single-nuclei preparation and sequencing, and microbiome measurements. Prior to joining the Innovation Lab, Lindsey worked on the UMGC’s Custom NGS team where she enjoyed optimizing protocols to client’s research needs.

Education: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering - Purdue University, M.P.H in Population Health Management - University of Louisville

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Margaret Donovan, Researcher

Margaret began working at the UMGC as a student in 2019. She joined the Innovation Lab full-time in the spring of 2021, where she assisted with Drosophila research, gut motility assays, and day-to-day tasks. Since 2024, she has been aiding in internal UMGC R&D through experimental design, assay execution, workflow development, and data analysis. Margaret enjoys working in the Innovation Lab because she gets to collaborate with researchers from disparate fields, explore broad scientific topics, work in a close-knit environment, and use her creativity in unique ways.

Education: B.S. in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development – University of Minnesota; M.B.S. in Bioinformatics & Genomics – University of Minnesota

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Michael McCartney, Ph.D., Researcher

Michael came to Minnesota in 2013 to work on invasion biology, ecology, and management of zebra mussels, including control. He partnered with UMGC to sequence the zebra mussel genome and currently focuses on population genomic studies to infer the sources and routes of spread in Minnesota and the Great Lakes region. 

Education: Postdoctoral Scientist – Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution –Stony Brook University, M.S in Environmental Health Sciences – Case Western Reserve University, B.S. in Biological Sciences – Florida State University

Scott Ballantyne, Ph.D., Researcher

Scott is an emeritus professor in the biology department at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. He has studied RNA regulation for over thirty years and became interested in zebra mussel research when they were discovered in his favorite lake. He began work on RNAi-based methods for controlling zebra mussels with his students and continues this work as a member of the UMGC Innovation Lab.
 
Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry – University of Wisconsin, Madison;  M.S. in Biology – University of California, San Diego; B.S. in Biology and Chemistry – University of Wisconsin, Parkside

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