Team members

Principal Investigator

Jessica Tanis

I began working with worms as an undergrad at Muhlenberg College. While I’ve enjoyed working with mice and various heterologous systems at times during my scientific career, I just keep getting drawn back to the powerful genetics of C. elegans.  I love teaching just as much as my research and work with amazing, fearless students in both the lab and classroom. When not at UD, I’m outside hiking, camping, and gardening with my family.

Malek Elsayyid

Ph.D Student

Hi, I am a 6th year Ph.D./MBA candidate working on the extracellular vesicle (EV) project. I specifically study the role of GTPases and their regulatory proteins in EV release and neuron-glia crosstalk. I am interested in the mechanisms behind cargo sorting, environmental release, and the glial uptake of distinct EV subpopulations. Outside of the lab, you can find me playing ultimate frisbee, traveling, and appreciating the various byproducts of yeast fermentation.

Nahin Siara Prova

Ph.D Student

I am interested in understanding the effect of oxidative stress on extracellular vesicle release. Specifically, my project focuses on determining the impact of superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) on ciliary extracellular vesicle cargo sorting and biogenesis. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling especially to new cities with vibrant cultures, painting, and reading good books.

McKenna Millar

Masters Student

Hi! I am a first-year master’s student but spent the last year and a half of my undergrad in the Tanis lab. My research looks at the loss of cystathionine beta-synthase in C. elegans as a model of hyperhomocysteinemia. Outside of the lab, you’ll find me cooking, baking, and traveling!

Karli Sunnergren

Ph.D Student

I am a first-year graduate student researching the effects of loss of cystathionine beta-synthase on C. elegans (spoiler- the worms are really weird!). I joined the Tanis lab my senior year of undergrad, and loved the worms so much that I decided to stay for graduate school. When not fighting with researching my worms, I can be found hanging out with my dog/soulmate, Ellie C., taking overly long naps, or binge-watching Below Deck Mediterranean. Diet Dr. Pepper forever. Roll Hens!

Alexis Semmel

Masters Student

Howdy! I am a first year masters student in the Tanis lab, but prior I spent two years as the lab tech in the lab. My research revolves around understanding the role of different phospholipids in EV release and biogenesis. Outside of lab I love spending time with my fiancée (and our three fur children) and gardening.

Jessica Taney (Jr)

PhD Student

Hi! I’m a first year graduate student studying the effect of the histone methyltransferase MET-2 on muscle mitochondria. I received my undergraduate degree at Chatham University, where I had my first experience working with worms and realized how awesome they are! When I’m not in lab, you can find me playing volleyball, painting, or spontaneously singing whatever song is in my head that day. 

Krisha Parekh

Undergraduate Student

Krisha has been working along side two graduate students on the EV project. Her research is focused on the PIP phosphatase, CIL-1, in EV biogenesis. Krisha enjoys typical 19 year old activities like being in college and hanging out with friends. If you are looking for a new dentist in 5 years, Krisha is your girl!

Jessica Rauch

Undergraduate Student

I am a junior biology major joining the lab to work on the EV project. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, art, gardening, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Caden MacHenry

Undergraduate Student

I am a senior biological sciences major with hopes to go to medical school. I love running and spending time with friends in my free time. Caden has been working on understanding how Alzheimer’s disease impacts the sensory neurons and neuronal morphology.