Meet The Lab

Christine received her PhD in Insect Physiology from the French University of Pierre and Marie Curie in 2006, where she worked on the circadian control of olfactory rhythms in moths in the laboratory of Emmanuelle Jacquin-Joly and Martine Maibeche-Coisne. She then moved to the US for her postdoctoral training in Steve Reppert's lab, working on the long-distance migration of monarch butterflies and its control by circadian clocks. In her own lab, she continues this fantastic journey with the hope to unveil some of the secrets behind the monarch spectacular migration and its circadian clock.

Ying obtained her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Oregon Health and Science University in 2007. She then moved to Texas A&M University as a postdoctoral research associate in the laboratory of Matthew Sachs to study the mechanisms by which upstream open reading frames in mRNA transcripts control gene expression in Neurospora crassa. Ying joined the Merlin lab in January 2015, bringing her talent in molecular biology to contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian and seasonal rhythms, as well as animal long-distance migration.

Vinaya obtained his PhD in Genetics from Bangalore University, India with a focus on mosquito genetics and vector control. As a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Irvine, he investigated programmable Cas9s nuclease activity in response to plasmodium-specific protease. Transitioning to Texas A&M University's Department of Entomology in March 2020, and now in Merlin's lab at the Department of Biology since October 2023, he is exploring the mechanisms of photoperiodism in monarch butterflies.

Kayla attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree, where she began research by studying gas exchange in sea turtle nests. She then received her PhD in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2023. Her dissertation research demonstrated turtles can learn magnetic fields to aid in navigation and used behavioral assays to investigate the mechanisms underlying turtle magnetic sensing. She joined the Merlin Lab in August 2023 to investigate the underlying genetic mechanisms of the magnetic compass sense in monarchs.

Brad graduated from the University of Southern California in 2019 with a BS in Biology. After graduating, he spent four years working in COVID compliance and infectious disease assay research and development, gaining experience in applied molecular biology and assay development within regulated research environments. He returned to graduate school at Texas A&M University to pursue advanced training in molecular biology. In the Merlin Lab, Brad studies the molecular mechanisms underlying the circadian clock.

Michael attended the University of Cincinnati graduating with a bachelors degree in biology and an environmental studies in 2023. Post-graduation he worked field jobs, and has now joined the Merlin Lab after completing his most seasonal technician position working in the Gulf of Mexico. Growing up in the Cleveland area he spent much of his childhood outside enamored with the nature around him, inspired by his parents and their love for gardening. When not out playing in the dirt he was inside an ice rink playing the best sport there is, hockey. Other interests of Michael include gardening, cooking, playing video games, and visiting national parks.

Rachel is a Texas A&M Honours Biology sophomore originally from Alberta, Canada. She is majoring in microbiology and minoring in mathematics. She is excited to be involved with research to gain experience, develop new techniques, and contribute to discoveries in the lab. Rachel anticipates pursuing molecular research and a master's degree after completing her bachelor's in 2028.

Jarno is currently a Junior Honors enrolled in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, majoring in Neuroscience. He is set to graduate in 2026, with plans to attend graduate school.  Jarno is involved with neurogenetic work in the monarch butterfly.

Audrey is a Texas A&M student majoring in biology and originally from Keller, Texas. She is eager to work with a collaborative team and gain valuable hands-on experience in the lab. Audrey plans to apply to medical school after graduating in the spring of 2026.

Joshua is currently a Junior at Texas A&M, majoring in Genetics with minors in Psychology and Bioinformatics. He is expected to graduate in 2027, with plans to attend graduate school. He joined the lab to gain more research experience.

Avery is a senior biomedical sciences major on the pre-med track at Texas A&M University. She is an aspiring pediatrician and hopes to one day work in a children’s hospital or a clinic taking care of future generations.

Patricia is a junior zoology major with a minor in ecology and conservation who is very passionate about wildlife conservation. She has experience in animal behavior research, mammal trapping, and lab animal care.