Group Leader

Contact: steven(dot)boeynaems(at)bcm(dot)edu (he/him)

About: Steven gets easily excited about a lot of things, but has a soft spot for biomolecular condensates, tandem repeats, the (aging) brain, cellular stress, and evolution. His main role is making sure the lab’s cookie jar is always stocked. When not in the lab, Steven is probably busy cooking, painting, buying too many shoes, dreaming of Belgian beer and chocolate, or visiting a museum.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Contact: olivia(dot)carmo(at)unimelb(dot)edu(dot)au (she/her)

About: Olivia is interested in biomolecular condensates and their contributions to adaptive responses in living cells. During her Ph.D., she studied protein trafficking in malaria-infected red blood cells under the supervision of Prof. Leann Tilley and Dr. Matthew Dixon at the University of Melbourne. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys visiting art museums, collecting local art, hiking, and comparing the local scenery and almond production unfavorably to that of her home state, California.

Co-mentor: Alex Holehouse

Postdoctoral Fellow

Contact: paulo(dot)onuchic(at)bcm(dot)edu (he/him)

About: Paulo is interested in the stimulus-responsive behavior of disordered proteins and biomolecular condensates. He did his undergraduate work at UC Berkeley and received his Ph.D. in Biophysics at The Scripps Research Institute. In his free time, Paulo enjoys reading Sci-Fi, watching sports, playing music and singing with his family

Grad student (CCB program)

Contact: sophie(dot)taylor(at)bcm(dot)edu (she/her)

About: Sovanny or “Sophie” is interested in the genetic principles that underlie neurodegenerative diseases, promote biophysical changes in condensate formation, and maintain condensate homeostasis in aging. She did her undergraduate work at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill under the supervision of Dr. Wayne Stallaert in Jeremy Purvis’ lab utilizing 4i (iterative, indirect, immunofluorescence imaging) to elucidate the molecular architecture of the cell cycle, with a focus on cellular senescence. She majored in Biology and Medical Anthropology with a minor in Music. Outside of the lab, Sophie enjoys writing and singing music, playing with her Cat, and attending as many live-music events as possible, especially sad music.

Grad student (CCB program)

Contact: pilar(dot)andrade(at)bcm(dot)edu (she/her)

About: Pilar is a graduate student in the Cancer and Cell Biology (CCB) program at Baylor College of Medicine. She is interested in understanding the molecular underpinnings that regulate microglial dynamics during neurodegenerative disease. Before joining the lab, Pilar focused her research on investigating the role of neuron-derived molecular cues on microglia activation during neural circuit development. Pilar earned her B.S in Biology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and her M.S. in Immunology from the University of Texas Health Science San Antonio. Outside of the lab, Pilar loves being out and about in the city (going to art shows, concerts, new bars/restaurants) and to spend time with her pets.

Grad student (Neuro program)

Contact: guo(dash)teng(dot)liang(at)bcm(dot)edu (he/him)

About: Guo-Teng is interested in applying synthetic biology approaches to answer how protein behavior is encoded in sequence, and further explore its translational potential in multiple aspects. His research interest is rooted in his undergraduate work at Westlake University, where he studied under the guidance of Dr. Kiryl Piatkevich in the field of protein engineering. His work centered on fluorescent protein and genetic-encoded indicator development. He holds a Bachelor in Applied Biology with Biotechnology with a minor in Fashion and Textiles from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and has a broad range of interests extending beyond science. When not immersed in the lab, Guo-Teng is an avid reader and art explorer, showcasing his dedication to a balanced life.

Lab technician

Contact: gabe(dot)hohensee(at)bcm(dot)edu (he/him)

About: Gabe is excited to be joining the lab and contributing as a research technician! He is interested in learning and developing new methods of probing condensates and in exploring the behavior of condensates across cell types, from keratinocytes to neurons. Previously, he worked with Dr. Amanda Kallen at Yale on RNA-mediated mechanisms of aging and cellular senescence in the ovary. In his free time, Gabe enjoys working out, exploring the natural spaces of Houston, cooking Cajun food from his home state of Louisiana, and listening to his favorite artist on repeat (Beyoncé).

Lab technician

Contact: caroline(dot)nwandu(at)bcm(dot)edu (she/her)

About: Caroline is fascinated by the body’s immune response system. She is particularly curious about the role of spatial organization and compartmentalization in immune cell functions and how disruptions in these condensates can lead to immune related diseases. Her hobbies include hiking, skydiving, taking long naps, walking with her puppy, roller skating, and painting (by number).

Undergrad student (Rice)

Contact: ahp5(at)rice(dot)edu (she/her)

About: Anya is excited to learn how biomolecular condensates play a role in the progression of human diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Her previous research includes studying novel anticancer drugs for lung and breast cancer at the University of Minnesota. She also studied the progression of aortic aneurysms in surgical patients at the University of California, San Francisco. In her free time, Anya loves doing aerial silks, playing basketball, and baking.

Undergrad student (Rice)

Contact: jwn3(at)rice(dot)edu (he/him)

About: Josh is currently a Junior studying Kinesiology and Biosciences at Rice University. He is especially interested in the biological mechanisms underlying neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia. During his free time, he loves to play basketball, guitar, and drums! You will also find him attempting to cook every now and then!

Co-mentor: Oguz Kanca

Undergrad student (HCU)

Contact: alavinainiz(at)hbu(dot)edu (she/her)

About: Zahra is interested in how various proteins within the cell phase separate and form condensates with unique microenvironments of their own. From proteins that cement a strand of hair together, to those that help viruses multiply, Zahra is setting out to help decipher the molecular patterns and differences that modify these proteins’ properties. In her previous research, Zahra has worked on data and image analysis, quantification, and interpretation in the context of appendiceal adenocarcinoma. She is a Junior at Houston Christian University majoring in Biochemistry-Molecular Biology. In her free time, Zahra enjoys spending time with her cat and puppy, skateboarding, and painting.

Come join us!

For application info: see below.

Medical student (BCM)

01/2023 - 12/2023

Next: Med school (BCM)

Undergrad student (Rice)

01/2023 - 05/2023

Next: Dental school (UCLA)

We are looking for creative postdocs that are eager to dive into basic or translational projects regarding the role of condensates in biology and human disease. We aim to form a truly multidisciplinary and supportive environment where mentees are encouraged to innovate and work on their specific career goals. Come join us!

We are looking for a person with great technical and organizational skills to help run the day-to-day things in the lab. Previous experience with mice or IPSCs is a plus but by no means required.

Are you a student that is exited about getting to the bottom of how protein behavior is linked to disease and function? Are you interested in working with a variety of models and synthetic biology tools? Come join us! Steven promises that the cookie jar will always be stocked.

Looking for a place to learn about an exciting new area of biology and get familiar with lab work? We are welcoming motivated undergrad researchers to join our lab and contribute to a range of projects on human disease.