Lab Members
We're all learning here.
Melissa A. Wilson, Ph.D., PI
We study sex chromosome evolution, sex-biased processes, and mutation rate variation. Primarily we use comparative genomics and bioinformatics to understand biological phenomenon.
Email: mwilsons[at]asu.edu
Office: 462 Life Sciences Building C (LSC)
Phone: (480) 727-6366
Twitter: @sexchrlab
Mario Apata, M.S.
Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. student. Jointly advised with Dr. Anne Stone. Studying evolution of arsenic metabolism and ancient DNA.
Email: mapata@asu.edu
Elizabeth Borden, B.S.
MD/PhD Candidate, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix. Elizabeth’s research focuses on evaluating the immune response to cancer, specifically through T cell recognition of tumor-specific proteins (neoantigens). This includes creating models to computationally predict which neoantigens will elicit an immune response and applying these models to evaluate how the neoantigen profile changes through tumorigenesis. Through this research, she hopes to provide insights that will enhance personalized cancer therapeutics. Jointly advised with Dr. Karen Hastings and Dr. Ken Buetow.
Email: eknodel@asu.edu
Joelle Denning, B.S.
Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. student. Joelle Denning is an NSF graduate research fellow and awardee of the ASU Graduate College Enrichment Fellowship. Joelle received her B.S. from ASU in 2024 and is interested in understanding the evolution of the placenta across mammals.
Email: jdelew@asu.edu
Brendan Pinto, Ph.D. (he/him)
Research Scientist. Brendan is originally from Sioux City, IA where he obtained his B.S. working on population genetics of North America’s native wild rice at Morningside University. He then obtained his PhD in Milwaukee, WI primarily studying sex chromosomes and speciation in Neotropical leaf-litter geckos. In pursuit of better understanding the role of sex chromosomes and sex determination in animals, Brendan now participates in exciting collaborations in diverse animal groups within and beyond squamate reptiles including: insects, bivalves, human and non-human primates, among others!
Email: brendan.pinto@asu.edu
Seema Plaisier, Ph.D.
Research Scientist. Seema is a multidisciplinary scientist trained in computer science, biology, and pharmacology. Her primary projects focus on sex differences in gene expression and sex chromosome biology in the human placenta from uncomplicated pregnancies versus pregnancy complications such as hypertension and preeclampsia. Seema takes pride in her ability to communicate science to students of all ages and backgrounds having presented in classrooms, camps, Girl Scout events, research labs, and most recently in a CURE (Computational Undergraduate Research Experience). Seema aims to use her computational skills and research experience in biomedical science to translate whole genome data into cellular mechanisms underlying health and disease.
Email: splaisie@asu.edu