Current Members

Joel Atallah , PhD

Assistant professor, University of New Orleans

In my research I seek to understand how changes at the cellular and molecular levels have led to the origin and diversification of complex traits. I use tools such as RNA-Seq, genome sequence analysis and 4D confocal imaging to study the evolution of novelty. I am particularly interested in cases of closely related species that are similar in most respects but have diverged markedly in specific characters.

Graduate Students

Raquel Nin

I am a Biological Science Master’s student in Dr. Atallah’s lab as of fall 2021. I graduated with a 4.0 GPA from UNO as a biology major. My graduate studies involve exploring gene annotation and transcriptomics analysis in Hawaiian fly species. Outside of my studies and teaching, I enjoy cozying up on the couch to watch movies with my family.

Jacy Haynes

I am a graduate of Southern University at New Orleans where I double majored in Forensic Science and Biology. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student in Dr. Atallah’s lab, and I am working on using the Python coding language to assemble and annotate genomes sequenced using Oxford Nanopore technology. Some of my interests include genomics, parasitology, virology, and entomology. In my free time I enjoy going to concerts, reading, practicing my marksmanship, and playing video games.

Undergraduate Students

Same'r Lane

I am a freshman majoring in Earth & Environmental Science. I am interested in becoming an HSE manager. I joined Dr. Atallah’s lab in Spring 2022. Outside the lab I like to watch basketball and play video games with my friends. Dr. Atallah’s lab will be a great help to my college success.

Danielle Newsome

I am a senior biology undergraduate student who joined the Atallah lab in spring 2022. The transcriptomic/genomic work that the lab prioritizes is of interest to me due to the diverse ways in the data generated can be analysed and applied. The increasingly interdisciplinary nature of biology is something I am excited to prepare for by learning computational biology alongside wet lab work. My extracurricular hobbies include cooking, watching anime, enjoying live music, and bike riding.

An Vu

I am currently a sophomore undergraduate double majoring in Chemistry and Biology. I also have a concentration in pre-med, in hopes to have a career in the medical field. I joined the Atallah Lab in Summer 2022. I joined this lab to gain on-hand experience and learn from Dr. Atallah himself and the other lab members. More about me, I love traveling and going to concerts. I am also an avid reader and music lover.