Meet Our Team
Zhiwen (Carmen) Liao
Year started in the lab: 2002
Expertise: Oocyte isolation, C. elegans husbandry, freezing/thawing worms, TEVC of oocytes, C. elegans genetics, C. elegans transgenesis, measuring surface expression of membrane proteins expressed in oocytes, cRNA synthesis, plasmid propagation and maintenance.
Born and grew up in Guangzhou, China. Came to the Golden State in 2000. Became a worm sensorian soon after till now.
Emily Fryer
Degree: B.S. in Biology (Ecology), San Francisco State University
Year started in lab: 2019
Project Title: Neuroplant
Expertise: Developing computational tools to increase screening throughput. Data analysis and data management.
Broadly, I am interested in studying coevolutionary relationships using computational methods. My current work on the Neuroplant project provides me with a unique opportunity to explore this topic by investigating how secondary plant metabolites modulate the behaviors of C. elegans. My work with Neuroplant includes using computational tools to automate our screening pipeline in addition to using bioinformatic tools to assist with target identification.
I'm a Life science research professional-1 in this lab. My primary focus is conducting fluorescence imaging of cells and proteins in living cells and animals, analysis of digital images, molecular cloning, designing of synthesized genes and simple behavioral assays. Managing collection of C. elegans nematodes, plasmids, antibodies, and other research materials. C. elegans husbandry, creation of new transgenic C. elegans strains and preparation of growth plates.
In my free time I like to explore hidden gems, I like a good nature walk and I love the ocean and beaches.