Frank is a first-generation scientist who fell in love with biology while catching bugs in his yard in the island of Guam, where he spent most of his early life. After receiving a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Guam, he pursued a Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey in Dr. Sunita Kramer's lab, where he studied embryonic heart development in Drosophila. He then moved to Los Angeles, California to work as a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Dr. Angelike Stathopoulos at the California Institute of Technology. While in the Stathopoulos lab, he investigated the genetic basis for collective behavior in Drosophila caudal visceral muscle (CVM) cells by applying a combination of classical genetics, genomics, immunohistochemistry, and in vivo confocal microscopy. 

His current research interests involve identifying mechanisms underlying quality control in collectively migrating cells prior to and during organogenesis. He is especially passionate about providing underrepresented students with research experiences that will allow them to pursue careers in academia, industry, medicine, and science communication.

When he is not pondering the elegant dance of microscopic cells, he enjoys drawing, watching movies, and telling terrible, terrible jokes.

My future goals consist of heading to medical school to become a physician. I am currently a member of the lacrosse team and the student athletic advisory committee (SAAC). I also enjoy reading, hiking, watching sports, and skiing. I am most excited to learn more about what a research lab is like, and about Drosophila. 

Cody is a student in the Biology program with a concentration in marine biology. He currently plans to pursue an M.S. or Ph.D. in marine science. As an undergraduate researcher, he is excited to expand his knowledge about developmental biology and gain technical lab skills. In his spare time, Cody enjoys going to the beach and travelling to new places.  

Tyler is a biology major at Occidental College. He is excited to join the Macabenta Lab and hopes to learn what it is like to work in a lab environment. Outside of the lab, Tyler is part of the baseball team at Oxy. He also enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and has recently picked up photography and bird watching. 

Ronnie is a first-generation biochemistry major and food studies minor from Honolulu, Hawaii. They are aiming for a career in the food systems, currently exploring the intersection between food and science. As an undergraduate researcher, they hope to develop technical lab experience and further their understanding of genetics and developmental biology. Outside of the lab, Ronnie enjoys crafting, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and practicing sustainability! 

Hayden is a biochemistry major. His goal is to attend medical school and become a doctor of internal medicine. His goal in the lab is to better understand the pathogenesis of cancers and development diseases. In his free time, Hayden likes to play chess, cook, and watch movies.  

Elina is a biology major at Occidental College. As part of this lab, she wants to learn more about developmental biology and disease. She is also on the Oxy women's tennis team and a curator for the Cosman Shell Collection. Her goal is to attain a PhD and learn how to make music. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, spending time outdoors, eating yummy things, and exploring new spots. 

Hello, Im Ryan, a biology major with the focus on cell and molecular biology. After graduation I plan on going to med school and ultimately become a DO. I’m excited to get hands on experience in a lab setting and learn more about developmental bio. Outside of school I love sports-especially tennis, volleyball, and soccer.