Meet the 2023 Presidential Members (Part 1)

The Presidential Membership Initiative was launched in 2020 as a way for the Genetics Society of America to invite talented and creative individuals from diverse backgrounds into our community. We are pleased to introduce the next cohort of Presidential Members. Throughout 2023, they will network with one another and with other Society and Board members, participate in GSA Conferences, and be valued additions to our community. Welcome, Presidential Members!

We are introducing Presidential Members this week, so be sure to check back and meet your new colleagues.

Glynis Robert Aguilar
Graduate Student, Hobert Lab, Columbia University

I study how genes generate the diversity of cell types in the nervous system of C. elegans.

Oyundari Amartuvshin
Graduate Student, Hsu Lab, ICOB, Academia Sinica

I study fatty acid metabolism control of ovarian germline homeostasis and fertility.

Bassey Andong
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Uyo

I am interested in understanding and exploring the genetic bases of disease conditions for the purpose of drug discovery and development.

Daniel Bressan de Andrade
Postdoc, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

My research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms operating in the earliest stages of insect embryonic development. Currently, I’m investigating the role of the maternal Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) pathway signaling in Drosophila cleavage and axis patterning.

Nelson Castilho Coelho
Senior Research Specialist, Carvunis Lab, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

My research is focused on the mechanisms of de novo gene emergence, using yeast as model.

Badal Singh Chauhan
Graduate Student, Sandhya Koushika Lab, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India

I am interested in understanding the steps involved in the biogenesis of synaptic vesicle precursors.

Laetitia Chauve
Postdoc, Mc Lysaght Lab, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

I am interested in understanding how organisms adapt to challenging and stressful environments. To address this, I am using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system.

Jingxian Chen
Graduate Student, Baugh Lab, Duke University

I study how a proto-oncogene and tumor suppressor network regulates starvation resistance using genetics, biochemistry, and omics approaches in the model system C. elegans.

Hsueh-Ling Chen
Postdoc, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

My research focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms regulating dense core vesicle trafficking and neuropeptide release.

Marisa Connell
Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University, Shreveport

My research focuses on the mechanisms that regulate asymmetric cell division in Drosophila neuroblasts and how this contributes to proper brain development. Additionally, as many of these mechanisms go awry in diseases, including cancer, I hope to translate my findings in the brain to cancer models.