I am a staff scientist at Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI), where I explore the evolution and physiological impact of the retrogenome, including LINE-1s (Long INterspersed Element-1s), endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), and retrocopied genes. My research delves into how these retroelements contribute to genome innovation and function, and their implications for human health and disease. Beyond my passion for studying the retrogenome, my favorite part of being a scientist is mentoring and collaborating with younger scientists, guiding them towards success. Before joining PNRI, I was a postdoctoral fellow at Pennsylvania State University, focusing on the evolution and emergence of ERVs. I completed my Ph.D. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of Idaho, where I investigated the evolution and extinction of LINE-1 retrotransposons.

📖 The Chinese spelling for my name is: 杨磊.

🏂 I was born and raised in Mudanjiang, China - a nice, beautiful and cold city.

🩷 I have lots of lovely relatives back at home. 

🌵I have an indoor garden of orchids and an outdoor garden of cacti.

🪈I taught my self how to play flute during the COVID pandemic.

Rick McLaughlin, Ph.D., is my mentor and my collaborator. His guidance has shaped both my scientific career and personal growth. As a leading expert on transposable elements (TEs) and the genetic conflict between TEs and host genomes, Rick's research explores how genomes defend against TEs, how TEs evolve to thrive, and how genomes have repurposed TEs to innovate immune defense mechanisms. His work provides invaluable insights into genetic evolution and variation. Beyond his groundbreaking research, Rick’s kindness and commitment to mentorship have profoundly influenced the way I support and guide younger scientists.

https://pnri.org/mclaughlin-lab/

Miriam Rosenberg, Ph.D., is a remarkable scientist and an inspiring collaborator at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, as well as an affiliate of PNRI. Together, we are investigating how transposable elements are involved in the etiology of OMAS, an autoimmune disease that is triggered by cancer but also has the potential to improve cancer outcomes. Miriam’s deep expertise in immunology and cancer opened new avenues for me to study the influence of transposable elements on human diseases.

Amanda was a student at Edmonds Community College before transferring to the University of Washington. She is passionate about helping other community college students advance their scientific careers and plans to attend a pharm program in the future. Amanda is researching the dominant negative effect of retrocopied A3Gs. 

Tenu is a senior student in University of Washington majoring in biochemistry. He plans to join a M.D. - Ph.D. program in biomedical research when he graduates. He works on the CRISPR enrichment and cloning of full-length young LINE-1s from single genomes.