Human Lab Members

Alex Nechiporuk, PhD

I have been a PI at OHSU since 2008. Over the years, we have made a number of exciting discoveries related to the development and function of the peripheral nervous system. 

When I am not doing experiments, writing grants and papers, or talking to people in the lab, I cook, walk my crazy dog, and play pickle ball.

My favorite fish is whatever is fresh and in season at the sushi counter.

Lauren Miller

PhD Candidate

Hi! I’m a PhD candidate in the Nechiporuk lab. I use the zebrafish lateral line system to study mechanisms of neuron development. Recently, I have been focusing on regulation of Adenosine-to-Inosine post-transcriptional RNA exiting.

Outside of the lab, my favorite thing is hanging out with my golden retriever Teal and giant malamute Whammy.

Ben Woodruff

PhD Candidate

Ben is a 5th year in the Cell and Developmental Biology program. In lab, he studies pioneer neurons and is particularly interested in how they are molecularly and transcriptionally distinct from follower neurons.

Outside of lab, Ben loves to travel, try new restaurants, play board games and video games, and take care of his jungle of house plants at home.

Favorite fish: fluorescent in situ hybridization

Jackie McVay

PhD Student

Jackie McVay is a second-year graduate student in Neuroscience Graduate Program. In the lab, she studies the molecules that govern the specification of pioneer neurons and how these neurons migrate during the development of the zebrafish lateral line.

Outside of lab, Jackie enjoys traveling, running/biking/hiking the amazing trails in the Northwest, beachcombing for tidepool critters, and exploring Portland’s epic food scene.

Favorite fish: Jellies and the snack that smiles back

Lindsey Royer

Lab Manager/Research Assistant

Lindsey manages the lab and zebrafish facility around here. She enjoys reading, hiking, and forcing the other lab members to stop what they’re doing to give her attention. It’s a difficult task being the personality hire, but she also manages to fit some science in to her job, as well.

Lindsey’s favorite fish is the 39 cent comet goldfish she won at a ring toss in preschool. His name was Jesse, he lived for 7 years, and he was incredible.

Summer Shannon

Undergraduate Zebrafish Technician

Hi! I’m Summer. I’m a senior at Arizona State University studying Human Resources. In the lab, I help with the feeding and general maintenance for the fish. I am a huge fish fan and have been keeping hobby fish for 8 years. On my days off, I like cooking, fishing, and quilting.

My favorite fish is the oranda goldfish. I had a trio of them for 4 years.

Lab Alumni

  • Rory Morgan, PhD

    Senior Research Associate

    Cohen Lab, OHSU

  • Ry Dennis

    Senior Research Assistant

    Roberts Lab, OHSU

  • Mary Grace Mott

    Undergraduate Student

    Portland State University

  • Hannah Olson, PhD

    Research and Development Scientist

    Humanetics Corporation

  • Amanda Maxfield

    Medical Student

    Dartmouth Unversity

  • Adam Tuttle, PhD

    Senior Research Associate

    EnterX Biosciences

  • Katherine Delgado

    PhD Student

    Barnhart Lab, Columbia University

  • Austin Forbes

    Research Associate

    Monk Lab, OHSU

  • Zachary Lewis, PhD

    Scientist 3

    Allen Institute for Brain Science

  • Maya Deza Culbertson Scott

    Research Teaching Specialist

    Rutgers University

  • Matthew McCarroll, PhD

    Adjunct Assistant Professor

    University of California, San Francisco

  • Molly Harding-Marra, PhD

    Human Molecular Geneticist

    PreventionGenetics

  • Sarah Lusk, PhD

    Postdoctoral Researcher

    Pearson Lab, OHSU

  • Katie Drerup, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    University of Wisconsin

  • Hillary McGraw, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    University of Missoui - Kansas City

  • Emily Hunt

    Lab Manager, Research Assistant

    Eisen Lab, University of Oregon