Lab Members

David Dinh, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar
Email: dmdinh [at] uci.edu
About me: I am a recent graduate from the University of Oklahoma who prefers the more temperate weather of SoCal. My previous research was on characterizing proteins involved in carbon utilization and energy production from a model syntroph. In the lab I characterize enzymes in immune pathways that generate specialized nucleotide signaling molecules. Basically, I grow protein crystals and shoot them with X-rays. Outside of the lab, you can find me working on random art or DIY projects, wandering around at estate sales, and bouldering at local climbing gyms.

Eirene Marie Ednacot (she/her/hers)
Title: Graduate Student
Email: emednaco [at] uci.edu
About me: I am currently a PhD Student in PharmSci. During my undergrad at Cal Poly SLO I studied antibiotic biosynthesis by soil bacteria. I now investigate enzymes that generate cyclic nucleotide signals. Science is so exciting!! Outside of the lab I like to crochet…and crochet some more.

Ali Nabhani (he/him/his)
Title: Graduate Student
Email: nabhania [at] uci.edu
About me: I am a third year PhD student in the Morehouse Lab, prior to which I managed a lab at and graduated from Texas A&M University. Currently, I study the conservation and evolution of cyclic nucleotide signalling innate immune pathways across the tree of life. Outside of the lab, I spend a great deal of time catering to the needs of my unhinged pup, Edmond. I also enjoy time outdoors, playing Texas Hold ‘Em poker, and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Jocelyn Leon Padilla (she/her/hers)
Title: Graduate Student
Email: jleon9 [at] uci.edu
About me: I am currently a PhD student in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. I graduated from California State University, Long beach with a B.S. and M.S in microbiology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, running, and trying new restaurants around Orange County. 

Anny Wang (she/her/hers)
Title: Undergraduate, BioSci199, UROP SURP 24′, UROP Fellow 24′-25′
Email: annyw1 [at] uci.edu
About me: I am a sophomore at UCI studying Biological Sciences. I am originally from San Diego and have lived in SoCal my entire life. I’ve never not known nice weather. In my free time, I like to read manga, write, and watch anime. I’m a big fan of beef noodle soup and spicy cold skin noodles.

Emma Huang (she/her/hers)
Title: Undergraduate, BioSci199, UROP SURP 24′, UROP Fellow 24′-25′
Email: shiqinh1 [at] uci.edu
About me: I am a sophomore at UCI majoring in Biological Science. Working in a science lab was my childhood dream. I am excited to learn more about science research, especially in microbiology, because I love the amazing microscopic world. I am working hard to turn my passion into my future career (my biggest life goal). Outside of academics, I am a photographer and I like to capture the world through my camera. 

Daniel Izrailevsky (he/him/his)
Title: Undergraduate, BioSci199, UROP Fellow 24′-25′
Email: dizraile [at] uci.edu
About me: I am a recent graduate of UCI and am excited to continue volunteering in the lab during my gap year before medical school. I study the role of cyclic nucleotides in bacterial immune responses to phage infection. I have lived near the beach my whole life and try to go as often as possible. Otherwise, I spend my free time going to the gym, trying new recipes, and visiting new nature trails. 

Naryung Oh (she/her/hers)
Title: Undergraduate, BioSci199
Email: naryungo [at] uci.edu
About me: I am an undergraduate Pharmaceutical Science major interested in pursuing an in-patient career. I want to contribute to the world of research at UCI while I’m still an undergrad. I was born in Korea and moved here when I was young. I love to crochet and play my instrument (the euphonium) in my spare time! 

Imani Cowart (she/her/hers)
Title: Undergraduate, BioSci199, UC LEADS scholar
Email: icowart [at] uci.edu
About me: I am a junior undergraduate majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. I’ve always been interested in life, proteins, and chemistry; coming into college I knew I wanted to work in some sort of biochemical field. I’m from Sacramento, so I’ve been enjoying the mild Southern California weather! When I’m not in the lab I enjoy going to second-hand stores, any sort of crafting, and trying new recipes!

Giulia Otsuki (she/her/hers)
Title: Undergraduate, BioSci199
Email: gotsuki [at] uci.edu
About me: I am a first-year Biological Sciences major at UCI, originally from Rancho Cucamonga. I am interested in pursuing a career in either healthcare or research, and I am excited to contribute to the world of research during my time as an undergrad. Outside of academics, I love playing the piano and violin, painting, drawing, and baking!

Amber Lee (she/her/hers)
Title: M.S. Biotechnology Student
Email: ambel10 [at] uci.edu
About me: I am a first-year student in the M.S. Biotechnology program. I graduated from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology, and I’m originally from the Bay Area. Outside of academics, I enjoy collecting cute things (blind boxes, plushies, keychains, etc.), playing Monopoly Go, crafting, and color guard. I also love cats!

Aidan Visher (he/himhis)
Title: Undergraduate Volunteer
Email: avisher [at] uci.edu
About me: I am a transfer student from Fullerton College and currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UCI! I’ve lived in Whittier, California for my whole life, but I did study abroad in Seville, Spain which really inspired me to travel more. Outside of school I love to play music on the upright bass, electric bass, piano, & synths, play video games with friends, and I will always be down for Chipotle.

Sapphire Wang (she/her/hers)
Title: Undergraduate Volunteer
Email: sapphiaw [at] uci.edu
About me: I’m an undergraduate Biological Sciences student at UCI, originally from the Seattle metropolitan area. After graduation, I’m interested in becoming a MLS or researcher, though I’m still open to exploring other possibilities. In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar, thrifting, and watching anime.

Jeslyn Lee (she/her/hers)
Title: Undergraduate, BioSci199
Email: sapphiaw [at] uci.edu
About me: I am an undergraduate Public Health Sciences student at UCI with interests in biology research and a career in medicine. Having grown up in Irvine, I enjoy taking day trips to LA or San Diego whenever I get the chance. In my free time, I love trying new cafes, taking lagree classes, experimental baking, and anything to do with animals (especially dogs)!

Milo Morehouse (he/him/his)
Title: Lab mascot
Email: Dogs can’t use email…
About me: I’m a real people person but I have a truly love/hate relationship with squirrels and rabbits. I work from home with occasional Zoom(ies) and visits to lab. I’m a big fan of cyclic nucleotides.