Technician
Myles Covington
Lab Manager mac502 [@] miami.edu |
Myles Covington
I graduated from Florida International University with my bachelors in biology, focusing on the disciplines of genetics, botany, and environmental conservation. My prior research experience was hosted by my previous university and Fairchild Tropical and Botanic Garden’s Million Orchid Project, where I investigated methods in preserving populations of Florida’s native and endangered orchids. I was drawn to UM and the research community here and am excited for the opportunity to diversify my research and be welcomed to the world of environmental toxicology. I was recently awarded an NIH NIEHS Fellowship to study the neural genetic mechanisms by which selenium mitigates the adverse effects of cadmium. My goal is to eventually attend a graduate PhD program for genetics and bioinformatics. My most active hobbies include tending to my plant collection and discovering new music. |
Graduate Students
MD Imran Noor
PhD Student mxn833 [@]miami.edu |
MD Imran "Noor"
I am a Biology Ph.D. student at the University of Miami. My concentration is environmental toxicology, particularly how heavy metals (cadmium) affect behavior, neural biology, and cellular biology in zebrafish. Previously I completed my master's in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. In my master's, I focused on pesticides' effects on goldfish. I am a huge fan of popular science educators like Sir David Attenborough, Carl Sagan, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and Brian Cox. My favorite leisure activity is watching movies and, playing interactive games with friends, spending time with my wife and family. |
Jessica Okutsu
Hello! My name is Jess and I am a PhD student in the EPIC lab. I graduated from UC Davis with a BS in International Agricultural Development. I worked for a private ecotoxicology testing and consulting laboratory for six years and spent the latter two years as a project manager. I then returned to academia to study the effects of microplastics on the feeding behavior of Daphnia magna. I am currently working on a project investigating the effects of stormwater pollutants from Miami’s historically redlined districts on the behavior and reproduction of Danio rerio. |
Undergraduate Researchers
Jalen Gordon
I am currently a junior biology major and am pursuing a health management minor at the University of Miami. My goal is to continue on to medical school and go into physical medicine and rehabilitation. I am studying strain differences in the optomotor response across development. My favorite part of the lab so far is analyzing different strains under the microscope. I am also a sprinter on the Men’s Track team. My favorite past times are playing video games with my friends and hanging out with my girlfriend. |
Ethan Bentley
I am currently a junior at the University of Miami majoring in microbiology and immunology. I am interested in public health and after I graduate, I plan to attend a graduate program so that I can pursue further research interests. Outside of the lab, I am involved on campus through my clubs and organizations including Scientifica, a student run magazine, Project Public Health and Scuba Diving club. As an Eagle Scout, the work at this lab is particularly meaningful because it connects environmental impacts with how the health of the community can better be served. Michael Niemirski I am a freshman at the University of Miami majoring in Microbiology and Immunology, with the hope of obtaining a dual degree in Public Health. I plan on attending graduate school and getting into larger scale research or becoming an epidemiologist for the health department. After working with zebrafish in one of my lab courses, I wanted to learn more about the effects toxic substances have on them and how that might translate to humans. Aside from the lab, I’m also a part of Club Swim, Student Government Supreme Court, and Get Out The Vote. In my free time, I enjoy writing short stories and exploring new places with my friends. Instagram: @michal.n29 Hui Qiu I am a senior at the University of Miami majoring in Biology. I am in EPIC lab currently working on the transgenerational effect of Cadmium on zebrafish’s behavior and physiology. I am planning to go to graduate school so I volunteered in EPIC lab. Research experience I am gaining will be very beneficial for me as I can learn experimental design, multiple lab techniques and research methods. My area of interests is ecology, animal behavior and marine biology (and maybe environmental toxicology?). My ultimate goal is to be a middle school teacher in international school back in China. In my spare time I love staying at home and playing online video games. I am also an amateur pianist. |
Jenna Robinson
I am a Senior at the University of Miami. I am majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology and Chemistry. After I graduate, I plan on attending Medical School and eventually becoming a psychiatrist. I am grateful to of been given the opportunity to work with EPIC where I will gain valuable research experience and be able to study how zebrafish respond in differing environmental situations. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends, going to the gym, reading, and traveling when possible. Zachary Butler
I am a Junior pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. My academic interests are in animal behavior, specifically primates. My goal is to one day become a primatologist. A little bit about me is that I enjoy kayaking, fishing, lifting and beekeeping. I am the kind of person who always spends their time outdoors. My current research role in the EPIC lab consists of analyzing the behavior of different strains of zebrafish. I am grateful for this opportunity to work so closely with such a fascinating species. Madison (Madi) Deperalto
I’m an undergraduate student currently studying Marine Biology and Ecology. I’ve been passionate about the ocean and its inhabitants since I was very young, and I chose the University of Miami because it’s one of the top colleges in the country for marine science (also RSMAS is right on the beach)! My future career path is currently undecided; I’m considering becoming a marine researcher or an aquatic veterinarian (maybe even both). I’m so excited for this opportunity to participate hands-on and learn more about what I love! Ola Umeh.
I am a freshman at the University of Miami. I am pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Data Science & AI, with a minor in Mathematics. My future career plans involve going to medical school to pursue a career in biotechnology. The goal is to fill the present gap between medicine and technology systems to maximize doctor/patient interaction and improve patient outcomes. Beyond lab research, I am involved in the African Student Union on campus. In my free time, I love to watch movies with my mom, go shopping, and go to the gym. |
Lab Alumni
Jackson Marriner
I am a senior at the University of Miami majoring in Marine Science and Biology. I am working in the EPIC lab on a project investigating how cadmium affects zebrafish behavior and physiology across generations. I also volunteer at the University of Miami experimental fish hatchery, working mainly with cobia. I joined the EPIC lab in order to apply what I’ve learned in my studies and from the hatchery to a meaningful study - and learn relevant lab techniques along the way. My interests lie in fish and fisheries and I aim to continue to graduate school within that realm. In my spare time, I enjoy fishing, hiking, and capturing wildlife on trail cameras Makeda Walker I am a Senior at the University of Miami, majoring in Biology and minoring in Mathematics. After graduating from UM, I plan on enrolling in a medical school and one day going into the surgical field. During my undergraduate career, I participated in research in New York City on the topic of air toxicology that participated in the petition for greenspaces near my college campus. Through that experience, I grew my appreciation for research and will now be researching the effects of cadmium on zebrafish via their optomotor response. Cadmium studies have shown negative effects on the body and behavior of organisms; my hope is through this research we can further analyze these effects and further sociological connections. Outside of research, on campus, you may find me either participating in the Caribbean Students Association or Women in STEM meetings. During my free time, I love going out with my friends and family, going to the gym, and watching movies. Beck Koop
I am a marine Biology and Ecology major and (trying to add a) Cultural Anthropology major. I love traveling and learning new things, especially languages. Currently learning Japanese and Spanish. In my free time I enjoy reading, studying, and swimming. Teilil Garcia
I am currently a sophomore at the University of Miami majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology. I am very passionate about wildlife conservation and hope to go to vet school after I graduate to pursue a career as a wildlife veterinarian! For now, I am interested in working in a lab setting conducting meaningful research as is done in the EPIC lab. I am very excited for the opportunity to gain this experience! Aside from the lab, I am also a part of UFuerza (the Latino dance team on campus) and am the Vice President of the Hurricane Wrestling Club. Thomas Green
I am currently a senior in high school at Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy. I plan on having a STEM major in the future, and biology in particular is very interesting to me. As such, by interning at the EPIC Lab this summer, I hope to not only learn about labs and gain experience in them, but also explore the different fields of science. Outside the lab I participate in various clubs in my school and have board positions in my school’s math and science honors societies. Also, I volunteer in my community and try to stay informed over local issues, especially when it concerns the environment. When I have free time, I like to run long distances, play video games, watch movies, and hang out with my friends Ana Balabuch Dal Bo
I am a senior in high school at the School for Advanced Studies. I am interning this summer in EPIC Lab. We are currently working on the transgenerational effect of Cadmium on zebrafish’s behavior and physiology. I plan on majoring in Biomedical Engineering, so I am taking full advantage of the opportunity to observe and take part in the inner workings of a lab. Aside for the lab, I volunteer in different school clubs, like Green Champions, who work to establish a more sustainable school environment. I am interested in medicine, marine science, and how global warming affects marine life. In my free time I play Water Polo, spend time with my friends, organize everything, and binge watch tv-shows Jenny Parral
I am a junior at Northeastern Illinois University studying biology and psychology. I have been doing research on zebrafish behavior and their visual system for the past four years. I have been a lab assistant in the psychology department since 2020. I have a passion for research and wish to pursue it in a graduate program focused on neurodegenerative disorders. Ultimately, I would love to go back and teach the next generation of scientists. Back home I help organize and run science events in and outside of school. I believe in being an advocate in STEM, and hope to continue working with kids and teens. Kennedy Smith I am a sophomore biology major, chemistry minor, and member of the sixth cohort of the Karsh STEM Scholar program at Howard University. Animal behavior, ecology, and wildlife biology are my main interests. Upon graduation, I plan on obtaining my PhD in animal science in hopes of pursuing a career in wildlife field biology. This summer, I am studying the impacts of chronic cadmium exposure on zebrafish by observing differences in activity levels between cadmium- exposed fish and control fish. In addition to academia, I enjoy scrapbooking, traveling, modeling, and trying new things. Claudia Flores Ruiz I am a rising junior at the Miami Dade Honors College Dual Language Program at the Eduardo J. Padron Campus. After graduating from the Honors College, I plan to pursue my career by transferring to a four-year institution to complete my bachelor's in biology and then apply to a prestigious medical school to become a successful neonatologist. By working at the EPIC Lab as a summer research program student, I plan on learning new laboratory skills and gaining knowledge through my first research experience. It is a fantastic experience to participate in the research on the transgenerational effects of cadmium on the fecundity of zebrafish. Aside from the laboratory, I serve as the President of the Pre-Health Society, a senator for the Student Government Association, and have volunteered for the Miami Cancer Institute. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, traveling, playing with my dog, and learning to play my electric guitar. Tatiana Mailli. I am currently a junior at the University of Miami studying Health Science on the pre-medical track. I have minors in dance and psychology. My dream job is to become an Obstetrician-Gynecologist! A little more about me, some of my favorite activities are going to the beach, dancing, and being with friends and family. My favorite animal is the red panda! I am interested in how the environment affects social behavior. As the NAACP Environmental Justice Chair at the University of Miami, exploring how the environment, from toxic substances to social relationships, affects your development within yourself and interactions with others. The smallest things, the naked eye cannot see, could alter a big portion of social behavior. Patrick Janssens.
I am a junior at UM majoring in Global Health Studies with a minor in Spanish. I am interested in understanding the impact of environmental features on human health particularly. |