Meet Our Awesome Team
Dr. Sungjin ParkScientist IDr. Sungjin Park started his first midbody research at Seoul National University, getting his PhD degree in 2015. His curiosity and thirst led him to Skop lab to discover the great things within the midbodies. He believes the incredible plans of the Lord who led his journey into midbody life, the passion of lab members and visible achievement make him excited every moment. The midbody studies underway will be a huge achievement in saving people. Research Publications
Dr. Sungjin Park LinkedIn |
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Liily ZhuResearch InternLiily Zhu is currently a senior at UW-Madison pursuing degrees in Genetics and in Art History. She was born in China and lived in Hangzhou for 15 years until she moved to Alabama. Growing up with a very large family in China, she realized how many of the diseases her relatives had were transmitted with a pattern. Ever since then, she has been fascinated by the field of genetics. She plans to go to graduate school in the hopes of diving deeper into her field. In her free time, she likes to work on her maker projects, paint with watercolor, and play video games.
Liily Zhu LinkedIn |
Nadiya MuzykaUndergrad Work StudyMy name is Nadiya, and I am currently a junior at UW-Madison majoring in Biology with a certificate in Global Health. I was born in Ukraine and lived in Ternopil for 10 years before I moved to Wisconsin. In school, I always loved science classes and found myself fascinated by the field of genetics because genetics explains what makes all of us so unique as well as explains the causes of many diseases. I am planning on applying to medical school in the future because I want to apply my scientific knowledge to help people live healthier and better lives. In addition to school, I volunteer at hospitals to further expose myself to the medical field. I enjoy traveling, painting, working out, and spending time with friends and family in my free time.
Nadiya Muzyka LinkedIn |
Sophie LustyResearch InternSophie Lusty has a B.S. in Biology with a Certificate in Environmental Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her time at UW-Madison, Sophie did undergraduate research investigating neuropeptide targets for gene silencing using RNA interference in the Colorado Potato Beetle. It was during this experience that Sophie was sure that scientific research was her calling. Sophie is particularly interested in cellular biology, molecular biology, and human pathology, which led her to find the Skop Lab. Outside of the lab, Sophie enjoys sailing, rock climbing, yoga, and cooking vegan food.
Sophie Lusty LinkedIn |
Alina Marie McIntyreUndergrad Research AssistantIf you asked me what my favorite class was in K-12 school, I would’ve told you it was science. My fascination for science grew when I became interested in the effects of medicine and discovered a passion to help people. I’ve always found genes and the effects of altering genes extremely interesting, so when it came time to choose a major, Genetics in addition to a Health and Humanities Certificate includes both of my passions of medicine and genetics. Outside of the lab, I’m a member of the Aspiring Physician Assistant Association. I’ve worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for four years and currently work at Mayo Clinic Health System’s Hospitals in Northwest Wisconsin. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, doing anything outside, working out, and figure skating.
Alina McIntyre LinkedIn |
Citizen MiltonUndergrad Work StudyI am currently a sophomore at UW-Madison majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. I grew up in Brooklyn and moved to Chicago when I was 8, where I developed a love of the natural world through dinosaurs. Though I no longer wish to be a paleontologist, my fascination with biology did not falter. After taking classes about biology in the modern world, I came to find a deeper interest in molecular biology. After I graduate, I would like to continue my studies in grad school and perform research. In my free time I enjoy going on runs, taking care of plants, and playing video games.
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Jacqueline CanoUndergrad Work StudyJacqueline is currently a freshman pursuing a B.S. in Biology at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. She grew up in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin with her two siblings, her parents, and is now a first generation student. She became interested in biology ever since she was a little girl germinating beans in second grade. Ever since, she’s been diving into different science categories and has recently discovered her fascination for the human body. She is working on her bachelors in order to hopefully move on to medical school and be a physician. In her free time she enjoys traveling and watching lots of Grey’s Anatomy.
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Ada KrasinskyUndergraduate ResearcherAda is currently a sophomore at UW-Madison majoring in Chemistry. At the end of her undergraduate studies, she plans on applying to medical school. She grew up in Oak Park IL, right outside of Chicago, and she graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School. She became interested in Genetics while participating in the 2021 Johns Hopkins Global health conference. She was inspired when she got the pleasure to listen to Dr. Ahna Skop present to her first semester chemistry class, and she is now eager to study cell midbodies in Dr. Skop’s lab. Outside of academia, Ada loves to swim, do yoga, and be outdoors.
Ada Krasinsky LinkedIn |
Courtney YoungchildUndergraduate ResearcherCourtney Youngchild is a Junior majoring in Genetics and Genomics with a certificate in Global Health. Courtney is from Manitowoc, a small town in Wisconsin. Growing up, she spent most of my time doing gymnastics, and did competitive gymnastics for 10 years. Her interest in genetics began when she was in high school. My high school offered a genetics course, and this was the first time she gained a basic understanding of how genetic illnesses affect my own family. Ever since then, she have been fascinated about how much more there is to learn in the field of genetics. In my future, she hopes to attend graduate or medical school to pursue a career in the medial field. During her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, going up to my cabin, hiking, fishing, and crafts!
Courtney Youngchild LInkedIn |
Hareem RaufLife sciences communication internHareem is currently a sophomore at UW-Madison majoring in Economics with certificates in public policy, science communication, and data science. She started off college with a keen interest in biological science, which is how she became involved with Ahna’s Lab Culture outreach project. However, despite her switch in college pursuits, she still finds this experience meaningful as she learns about all the components of book publishing. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, and sketching.
Hareem Rauf LindedIn |
Kate ForerArt Graduate studentKate Forer is a sculptor and fiber artist. She received an undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and is currently pursuing an MFA at University Of Wisconsin-Madison. Her work takes inspiration from simple multicellular organisms and a biomorphic perspective on geometry, heavily influenced by her microbiologist mother. She is interested in incorporating research into her work, and collaborating with scientists to create public fiber artworks that can educate and engage the public in novel ways. Accessibility in both art and science are important to her practice, and tactility is essential to the work she creates. In her free time, she likes to knit vibrant sweaters and other wearables for herself and friends. WEBSITE
Kate Forer LinkedIn |
TBDTBD |
Past Skop Lab Members
Postdocs/Scientists
Dr. Randall Dahn (2017-2021), Former Co-Investigator
Dr. Sungjin Park (2018-2020), postdoc
Dr. Eva Uhlemann (2014-15)-research scientist
Dr. Yuji Nakayama (2006-2009)-Professor, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Sciences
Graduate Students
Dr. Megan Gnazzo, Ph.D., (2011-17) student in Genetics: Thesis title: 'The role of ATX-2 in cell division in C. elegans"
Current position: Associate Director, Translational Oncology and Clinical Reporting at Foundation Medicine, Skop Lab Publications: 4
Jennifer Gilbert, Ph.D.(2016-17) student in Genetics, Midbody transcriptomics project
Kathryn VandenHeuvel, M.S.(2015-16) student in Genetics, Midbody transcriptomics project, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Angela Johnson, MFA (2014-16) art student in the lab , MA show title: "Translation" Installed on 2nd floor of UW-Madison Genetics Dept., Current position: scientific artist and Waltrous Gallery Art shows: 2
Dr. Kelly Pittman, Ph.D.(2009-11) student in CMB: The role of PAR proteins in cell division
Current position: Scientific Project Manager at Ramona, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Dr. Mary Kate Bonner, Ph.D.(2006-13) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The metaphase spindle proteome"
Current position: scientist at the USDA, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Dr. Jessica Shivas, Ph.D.(2006-12) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The role of dynamin in cell polarity in C. elegans"
Current position: Director of Imaging & Cytometery Facilties UNC-Charlotte, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Dr. Erkang Ai, Ph.D.(2004-10) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The role of RACK-1 in cytokinesis in C. elegans"
Current position: Senior Associate Global Regulatory Attorney at Hogan Lovells in Philadelphia, PA; Medical Device Law/Biotech Regulatory Law, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Arun Kumaran, M.S. (2005) Masters in Biotechnology, Project Assistant: "Midbody proteomic database"
Leonard George, M.S.(2004-05) Masters in Biotechnology, Project Assistant: "Midbody proteome analysis"
Current position: CueMed Inc., Co-Founder
Dr. Justin Schleede, Ph.D.(2004-06) received his Ph.D. in Genetics from the lab of Seth Blair, worked on the dynamin in cell polarity
Current position: ClinGen, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Research Interns:
Liily Dantong Zhu (2023-24)
Smit Patel (2021-23): currently getting his Masters in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Chicago.
Undergrad Research Assistants
Courtney Youngchild
Ada Krasinsky
Jackson Severson
Alina McIntyre
Ashley-Grace Dureke: currently planning on going to graduate school
Gabrielle Whisler
Elif Kurt, Medical School at UW-Madison
Caitlin Marks
Kai Fowlkes
Andrew Geng
Isabella Sorci
Dr. Alex Villarreal- Ph.D. University of Minnesota
Kemi Olukoga-Analysts II at Smiths Medical
Anna-Lisa Doebley (M.D./Ph.D. student, University of Washington)
Dr. Yunsik Kang-Undergraduate (Ph.D.student, UW-Madison-Bashirulla Lab)
Dr. Amanda Amodeo-Assistant Professor of Biology at Dartmouth College. (Ph.D. Stanford, 2014). Faculty, Princeton University
Christie Maier
Megan Missaggia-Resident Physician in Family Medicine at Deaconess Health System
Theo Sanford
Thomas Dietz: Molecular Diagnostics Scientist
Dr. Melissa Wanling Li-Scientific Program Analyst at NCI SBIR Development Center
Yamini Karandikar
Mikayla Simons
Jen Kulkowski
Bo Hwa Han-Dental
Summer Undergraduate Students (NSF-REU)
Amy Thurber-Summer Undergrad from Kenyon College (2005) (at Tufts, PhD)
Kristin Waukau-Summer Undergraduate from Menominee Tribal College (2009)
Clayton Gorman-Summer REU student from NMSU (2010)
Eddie Dominquez-Summer REU from NMSU (2011)-(PhD Program at UW-Madison)
Florencia Visconti-Summer REU from NMSU (2012)
Prenicia Gant-Summer REU from Grambling Univ (2014)
Elisa Sanchez-Summer REU from NMSU (2014): Ph.D. Student in Morgan Huse's Lab (Sloan Kettering)
Amanda Dlugi-Summer REU from Alverno College (2015)
Idanis Z Garcia Sanchez-Summer REU from the University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (2016)
Work Study Students
Darius Lassiter
Ashley-Grace Dureke
Andrew Geng
Izaiah Clinton
Kemi Olukoga Analysts II at Smiths Medical
Amy Ochola Occupational Therapist
Alex Villarreal Doctoral Candidate at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Megan Missaggia
Bo Hwa Han
Curtis Bartocz Reliability Engineer
A.J. Becker
Ryan Ruf Green Bay Papermaking Quality & Initiatives Leader at Procter & Gamble
Chris Hutson
Farinoosh Dadrass Resident Physician at University of Illinois Chicago
Josh Bartelt Manager Cheese Process Engineering at Leprino Foods
Art Students
Jonas Angelet: Cultural & Artistic Event Producer
Chanel Matsunami Govreau-Freelance Graphic Designer, Photographer and Teaching Artist
Angela Johnson-Art Grad Student collaborator (2014-2016)
Celia Glime-undergrad genetics and art student (2017)
Gabby Whistler-art student collaborative project with Jan Huisken, Water Resource Management Specialist
High School Students
Randi Schumann-Summer (PEOPLE program, 2009)-Lac du Flambeau Tribe
Amanda Savaigian-Summer High School Student from Milwaukee
Jasmine Staples-Summer High School Student from Philadelphia, PA
Anna Granerioo-Summer High School Student from Madison, WI
Teachers
Troy Dassler-K-12 science teacher on sabbatical in lab
Lab Managers/Research Specialists
Maggie Forrestal
Dan Poole
Lan Qin
Amanda Hulfachor
Eva Uhlemann
Elif Kurt
Edwin Suarez-Zayas
Dr. Randall Dahn (2017-2021), Former Co-Investigator
Dr. Sungjin Park (2018-2020), postdoc
Dr. Eva Uhlemann (2014-15)-research scientist
Dr. Yuji Nakayama (2006-2009)-Professor, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Sciences
Graduate Students
Dr. Megan Gnazzo, Ph.D., (2011-17) student in Genetics: Thesis title: 'The role of ATX-2 in cell division in C. elegans"
Current position: Associate Director, Translational Oncology and Clinical Reporting at Foundation Medicine, Skop Lab Publications: 4
Jennifer Gilbert, Ph.D.(2016-17) student in Genetics, Midbody transcriptomics project
Kathryn VandenHeuvel, M.S.(2015-16) student in Genetics, Midbody transcriptomics project, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Angela Johnson, MFA (2014-16) art student in the lab , MA show title: "Translation" Installed on 2nd floor of UW-Madison Genetics Dept., Current position: scientific artist and Waltrous Gallery Art shows: 2
Dr. Kelly Pittman, Ph.D.(2009-11) student in CMB: The role of PAR proteins in cell division
Current position: Scientific Project Manager at Ramona, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Dr. Mary Kate Bonner, Ph.D.(2006-13) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The metaphase spindle proteome"
Current position: scientist at the USDA, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Dr. Jessica Shivas, Ph.D.(2006-12) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The role of dynamin in cell polarity in C. elegans"
Current position: Director of Imaging & Cytometery Facilties UNC-Charlotte, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Dr. Erkang Ai, Ph.D.(2004-10) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The role of RACK-1 in cytokinesis in C. elegans"
Current position: Senior Associate Global Regulatory Attorney at Hogan Lovells in Philadelphia, PA; Medical Device Law/Biotech Regulatory Law, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Arun Kumaran, M.S. (2005) Masters in Biotechnology, Project Assistant: "Midbody proteomic database"
Leonard George, M.S.(2004-05) Masters in Biotechnology, Project Assistant: "Midbody proteome analysis"
Current position: CueMed Inc., Co-Founder
Dr. Justin Schleede, Ph.D.(2004-06) received his Ph.D. in Genetics from the lab of Seth Blair, worked on the dynamin in cell polarity
Current position: ClinGen, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Research Interns:
Liily Dantong Zhu (2023-24)
Smit Patel (2021-23): currently getting his Masters in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Chicago.
Undergrad Research Assistants
Courtney Youngchild
Ada Krasinsky
Jackson Severson
Alina McIntyre
Ashley-Grace Dureke: currently planning on going to graduate school
Gabrielle Whisler
Elif Kurt, Medical School at UW-Madison
Caitlin Marks
Kai Fowlkes
Andrew Geng
Isabella Sorci
Dr. Alex Villarreal- Ph.D. University of Minnesota
Kemi Olukoga-Analysts II at Smiths Medical
Anna-Lisa Doebley (M.D./Ph.D. student, University of Washington)
Dr. Yunsik Kang-Undergraduate (Ph.D.student, UW-Madison-Bashirulla Lab)
Dr. Amanda Amodeo-Assistant Professor of Biology at Dartmouth College. (Ph.D. Stanford, 2014). Faculty, Princeton University
Christie Maier
Megan Missaggia-Resident Physician in Family Medicine at Deaconess Health System
Theo Sanford
Thomas Dietz: Molecular Diagnostics Scientist
Dr. Melissa Wanling Li-Scientific Program Analyst at NCI SBIR Development Center
Yamini Karandikar
Mikayla Simons
Jen Kulkowski
Bo Hwa Han-Dental
Summer Undergraduate Students (NSF-REU)
Amy Thurber-Summer Undergrad from Kenyon College (2005) (at Tufts, PhD)
Kristin Waukau-Summer Undergraduate from Menominee Tribal College (2009)
Clayton Gorman-Summer REU student from NMSU (2010)
Eddie Dominquez-Summer REU from NMSU (2011)-(PhD Program at UW-Madison)
Florencia Visconti-Summer REU from NMSU (2012)
Prenicia Gant-Summer REU from Grambling Univ (2014)
Elisa Sanchez-Summer REU from NMSU (2014): Ph.D. Student in Morgan Huse's Lab (Sloan Kettering)
Amanda Dlugi-Summer REU from Alverno College (2015)
Idanis Z Garcia Sanchez-Summer REU from the University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (2016)
Work Study Students
Darius Lassiter
Ashley-Grace Dureke
Andrew Geng
Izaiah Clinton
Kemi Olukoga Analysts II at Smiths Medical
Amy Ochola Occupational Therapist
Alex Villarreal Doctoral Candidate at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Megan Missaggia
Bo Hwa Han
Curtis Bartocz Reliability Engineer
A.J. Becker
Ryan Ruf Green Bay Papermaking Quality & Initiatives Leader at Procter & Gamble
Chris Hutson
Farinoosh Dadrass Resident Physician at University of Illinois Chicago
Josh Bartelt Manager Cheese Process Engineering at Leprino Foods
Art Students
Jonas Angelet: Cultural & Artistic Event Producer
Chanel Matsunami Govreau-Freelance Graphic Designer, Photographer and Teaching Artist
Angela Johnson-Art Grad Student collaborator (2014-2016)
Celia Glime-undergrad genetics and art student (2017)
Gabby Whistler-art student collaborative project with Jan Huisken, Water Resource Management Specialist
High School Students
Randi Schumann-Summer (PEOPLE program, 2009)-Lac du Flambeau Tribe
Amanda Savaigian-Summer High School Student from Milwaukee
Jasmine Staples-Summer High School Student from Philadelphia, PA
Anna Granerioo-Summer High School Student from Madison, WI
Teachers
Troy Dassler-K-12 science teacher on sabbatical in lab
Lab Managers/Research Specialists
Maggie Forrestal
Dan Poole
Lan Qin
Amanda Hulfachor
Eva Uhlemann
Elif Kurt
Edwin Suarez-Zayas