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.

Lindsey Royer

Lab Manager / Zebrafish Facility Manager / Senior Research Assistant

Lindsey manages the lab and zebrafish facility around here. She received dual bachelor’s degrees from Michigan State University in Human Biology & Neuroscience, and a Master’s degree in Bioethics from The Ohio State University. When she’s not busy forcing the other lab members to stop what they’re doing and give her attention, she also manages to fit some science in to her job. It’s a difficult task being the personality hire, but someone has to do it.

Outside of lab, Lindsey enjoys reading, hiking, and experimenting with arts & crafts. As both a Spartan and a Buckeye, hating the Wolverines is now a core character trait of hers.

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.

Email Lindsey

Rory Morgan

Senior Research Associate

Stay tuned!

Email Rory

Jackie McVay

PhD Candidate

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

Email Jackie

Riley Buese

Research Assistant II

Riley is a Research Assistant in the Nechiporuk lab. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Lewis & Clark College and has been enjoying expanding her knowledge of zebrafish and molecular biology by assisting with various research projects in the lab.

When she is not running a PCR or screening zebrafish embryos for fluorescent protein expression, Riley enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, and exploring the Portland food scene. She is also an avid runner, having ran both cross country and track in college, and now trains with a local running club.

Her favorite fish is Dory from Finding Nemo - name a more iconic movie character!

Email Riley

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.

Email Summer

Josh Hootman

Undergraduate Zebrafish Technician

Josh is a fish tech in the Nechiporuk lab. He studied Biology at Portland State University. In the lab, he helps with maintenance and feeding the fish. He also assists with some of the research going on in the lab and is excited to be learning more about zebrafish and neuroscience. Outside of the lab, Josh enjoys playing almost any sport and is a big fan of going out into nature to observe wildlife with a special interest in all things arachnids and in arthropods more generally.

His favorite fish is the mahi-mahi because it was the most fun to watch from the pier when going fishing growing up in Florida.

Email Josh

Nathan Lemkemeier

Undergraduate Zebrafish Technician

Hi I’m Nathan! I’m a junior at Lewis and Clark College studying Biology. I help out in the lab with fish husbandry and maintenance. In my free time I love hiking, watching movies, and playing card games.

My favorite fish is the coelacanth!

Email Nathan

Former Postdocs

Adam Tuttle, PhD

Senior Research Associate
EnterX Biosciences
Hillary McGraw, PhD

Assistant Professor
University of Missouri - Kansas City
Katie Drerup, PhD

Assistant Professor
University of Wisconsin

Former PhD Students

Ben Woodruff, PhD

Field Application Scientist
Precision Cell Systems
Lauren Miller

Former PhD Candidate
Hannah Olson, PhD

Research and Development Scientist
Humanetics Corporation
Zachary Lewis, PhD

Scientist 3
Allen Institute for Brain Science
Matthew McCarroll, PhD

Adjunct Assistant Professor
University of California, San Francisco
Molly Harding-Marra, PhD

Human Molecular Geneticist
PreventionGenetics