Elizabeth Torr
Research Specialist & Lab ManagerElizabeth or Liz has a B.S. Biological Sciences from the University of Birmingham, U.K and gained extensive laboratory experience in the UK in various fields of study before moving to Madison in November 2012 to study lung fibrosis. From there she studied cancer metastasis in brain organoids before joining the Skop lab in September 2022. She particularly enjoys taking fluorescent microscopic images to study cell and protein localization and feels that the images often resemble artwork. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, baking, reading and yoga. Research Publications
Elizabeth Torr LinkedIn |
Liily Zhu
Graduate Student (Fall 2025)Liily Zhu is a PhD student in the Cellular and Molecular Biology program at UW–Madison, co-mentored by Dr. Justin Wolter and Dr. Ahna Skop. She obtained her B.S. in Genetics and Genomics and in Art History from UW–Madison. During her undergraduate studies, she studied rice development in challenging environments and later joined the Skop Lab to investigate the biology of midbody remnants (MBRs). After graduation, she continued her MBR research in the Skop Lab as a research intern before beginning her PhD. Away from her bench, she enjoys watercolor, fishing, working on maker projects, and spending time with her cat, Dusty
Liily Zhu LinkedIn |
Hans Moll
Undergraduate ResearcherLooking through a camera’s lens and being able to view the intricate details of people’s daily lives led me to fall in love with the idea of helping those in need. I grew up on the island of Puerto Rico, where hurricanes and government corruption opened my eyes to the devastation that many called reality. This, along with meeting a surgeon who taught me the basics of suturing and introduced me to anatomical structures, fueled my passion for medicine. I am currently a sophomore at UW–Madison, interested in Chemistry and Genetics. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to apply to medical school to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor. Outside of the lab and my studies, I enjoy photography, cooking, exercising, and spending time with my people.
Hans' LinkedIN |
Lola Garrigue
Research InternLola Garrigue has a B.A. in Natural Sciences with a concentration in Mathematical Systems Biology from Colgate University. While an undergraduate she worked in the Arbovirology and Advanced Genomics Technology Cluster labs for New York State Department of Health. As a senior at Colgate, she also performed exploratory bioinformatic research of Alzheimer’s Disease. Since graduating she has joined the Skop lab and continues to grow her knowledge and skills in the lab. In her free time Lola enjoys reading, crocheting, baking, and playing the violin.
Lola's LinkedIn |
Alex Cohen
Undergraduate ResearcherAlex Cohen is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in genetics and genomics with an interest in computational biology. She participated in the Undergraduate Research Scholars program, studying RNA G-quadruplexes, under the mentorship of Mohsen Badiee in the Butcher Lab. She presented her work at the Undergraduate Symposium and at the 43rd Steenbock Symposium: Le Tour de RNA in May 2026. In addition, she participated in the UW Banking Animal Biodiversity in Costa Rica study abroad program where she explored the study of conservation biology and developmental genetics. Outside of the classroom, she likes reading murder mysteries, learning new languages, spending time with her dog, boxing, and volunteering around the community.
Alex's LinkedIn |
Miranda Thompson
Undergraduate ResearcherMiranda is from Minnesota and decided to attend UW-Madison for the well-regarded genetics programs. She is majoring in Genetics & Genomics with a certificate in Data Science. She became interested in the field of genetics after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that has a strong genetic component. Since then, she has been fascinated by the role of genetic technologies in the treatment and prevention of disease. She would love to someday do research pertaining to my autoimmune disease, if possible. After finishing her undergraduate degree, her goal is to do a PhD or MD/PhD program. Beyond her academics, she is also involved in figure skating through the university's skating club (UWFSC). In addition to figure skating, she loves to do ceramics and spend time with her family and friends.
Miranda's LinkedIn |
Sydney Bayer
Undergraduate ResearcherSydney Bayer is a junior pursuing a major in Genetics & Genomics and a certificate in Science Communications. She recently completed a summer internship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and looks forward to returning next year. Excited to join the Skop lab this semester, Sydney is eager to learn from and collaborate with the team. Outside of her busy academic schedule, you can find her exploring nature trails, trying new coffee shops, reading, cooking, or hanging out with her two dogs, Teddy and Fozzie.
Sydney's LinkedIn |
Cats of the Skop lab
Lola's cats: Misty (black) and Finch (orange)
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Dusty-Liily's cat
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Mochi and Boba-Ahna's cats
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Ashley's goodbye
Past Skop Lab Members
L Postdocs/Scientists
Dr. Sungjin Park (2018-2020), postdoc then senior scientist for 5yrs
Dr. Eva Uhlemann (2014-15)-research scientist
Dr. Yuji Nakayama (2006-2009)-Professor, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Sciences
Graduate Students
Dr. Megan Gnazzo, Ph.D., (2011-17) student in Genetics: Thesis title: 'The role of ATX-2 in cell division in C. elegans"
Current position: Associate Director, Translational Oncology and Clinical Reporting at Foundation Medicine, Skop Lab Publications: 4
Jennifer Gilbert, Ph.D.(2016-17) student in Genetics, Midbody transcriptomics project
Kathryn VandenHeuvel, M.S.(2015-16) student in Genetics, Midbody transcriptomics project, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Angela Johnson, MFA (2014-16) art student in the lab , MA show title: "Translation" Installed on 2nd floor of UW-Madison Genetics Dept., Current position: scientific artist and Waltrous Gallery Art shows: 2
Dr. Kelly Pittman, Ph.D.(2009-11) student in CMB: The role of PAR proteins in cell division ; Current position: Scientific Project Manager at Ramona, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Dr. Mary Kate Bonner, Ph.D.(2006-13) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The metaphase spindle proteome";Current position: scientist at the USDA, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Dr. Jessica Shivas, Ph.D.(2006-12) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The role of dynamin in cell polarity in C. elegans"; Current position: Director of Imaging & Cytometery Facilties UNC-Charlotte, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Dr. Erkang Ai, Ph.D.(2004-10) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The role of RACK-1 in cytokinesis in C. elegans";Current position: Senior Ass.Global Regulatory Attorney at Hogan Lovells in Philadelphia, PA; Medical Device Law/Biotech Regulatory Law, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Arun Kumaran, M.S. (2005) Masters in Biotechnology, Project Assistant: "Midbody proteomic database"
Leonard George, M.S.(2004-05) Masters in Biotechnology, Project Assistant: "Midbody proteome analysis";
Dr. Justin Schleede, Ph.D.(2004-06) received his Ph.D. in Genetics from the lab of Seth Blair, worked on the dynamin in cell polarity;Current position: ClinGen, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Research Interns:
Sophie Lusty (Jan 2024-Dec 2024)
Liily Dantong Zhu (2023-25)
Smit Patel (2021-23): currently graduate student at UT-Austin.
Life Sciences Communication Student Interns:
Hareem Rauf: Lab Culture Book
Crystal Qin: Lab Culture Book
Elif Kurt: Lab Culture Website & Genetics Reflections Coloring Book
Caitlin Marks: Genetics Reflections Coloring Book
Undergrad Research Assistants
Hannah Pisarski
Citizen Milton
Courtney Youngchild
Ada Krasinsky
Jackson Severson
Alina McIntyre
Ashley-Grace Dureke: currently planning on going to graduate school
Gabrielle Whisler
Elif Kurt, Medical School at UW-Madison
Caitlin Marks
Kai Fowlkes
Andrew Geng
Isabella Sorci
Dr. Alex Villarreal- Ph.D. University of Minnesota
Kemi Olukoga-Analysts II at Smiths Medical
Anna-Lisa Doebley (M.D./Ph.D. University of Washington), Currently Administration Dept of Medicine, UW-Madison)
Dr. Yunsik Kang-Assistant Professor at UC-Denver Anschutz
Dr. Amanda Amodeo-Assistant Professor of Biology at Dartmouth College. (Ph.D. Stanford, 2014). Faculty, Princeton University
Christie Maier
Megan Missaggia-Resident Physician in Family Medicine at Deaconess Health System
Theo Sanford
Thomas Dietz: Molecular Diagnostics Scientist
Dr. Melissa Wanling Li-Scientific Program Director at NCI SBIR Development Center
Yamini Karandikar
Mikayla Simons
Jen Kulkowski
Bo Hwa Han-Dentist
Summer Undergraduate Students (NSF-REU)
Amy Thurber-Summer Undergrad from Kenyon College (2005) (at Tufts, PhD)
Kristin Waukau-Summer Undergraduate from Menominee Tribal College (2009)
Clayton Gorman-Summer REU student from NMSU (2010)
Eddie Dominquez-Summer REU from NMSU (2011)-(PhD Program at UW-Madison)
Florencia Visconti-Summer REU from NMSU (2012)
Prenicia Gant-Summer REU from Grambling Univ (2014)
Elisa Sanchez-Summer REU from NMSU (2014): Ph.D. Student in Morgan Huse's Lab (Sloan Kettering)
Amanda Dlugi-Summer REU from Alverno College (2015)
Idanis Z Garcia Sanchez-Summer REU from the University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (2016)
Work Study Students
Darius Lassiter
Ashley-Grace Dureke
Andrew Geng
Izaiah Clinton
Kemi Olukoga Analysts II at Smiths Medical
Amy Ochola Occupational Therapist
Alex Villarreal Doctoral Candidate at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Megan Missaggia
Bo Hwa Han
Curtis Bartocz Reliability Engineer
A.J. Becker
Ryan Ruf Green Bay Papermaking Quality & Initiatives Leader at Procter & Gamble
Chris Hutson
Farinoosh Dadrass Resident Physician at University of Illinois Chicago
Josh Bartelt Manager Cheese Process Engineering at Leprino Foods
Art Students
Kate Forer: Art graduate student: Tactile Mitosis
Jonas Angelet: Cultural & Artistic Event Producer
Chanel Matsunami Govreau-Freelance Graphic Designer, Photographer and Teaching Artist
Angela Johnson-Art Grad Student collaborator (2014-2016)
Celia Glime-undergrad genetics and art student (2017)
Gabby Whistler-art student collaborative project with Jan Huisken, Water Resource Management Specialist
High School Students
Randi Schumann-Summer (PEOPLE program, 2009)-Lac du Flambeau Tribe
Amanda Savaigian-Summer High School Student from Milwaukee
Jasmine Staples-Summer High School Student from Philadelphia, PA
Anna Granerioo-Summer High School Student from Madison, WI
Teachers
Troy Dassler-K-12 science teacher on sabbatical in lab
Lab Managers/Research Specialists
Maggie Forrestal
Dan Poole
Lan Qin
Amanda Hulfachor
Eva Uhlemann
Elif Kurt; Currently in Medical School at UW-Madison
Edwin Suarez-Zayas
Dr. Randall Dahn (2017-2021), Co-Investigator
Dr. Sungjin Park (2018-2020), postdoc then senior scientist for 5yrs
Dr. Eva Uhlemann (2014-15)-research scientist
Dr. Yuji Nakayama (2006-2009)-Professor, Kyoto Pharmaceutical Sciences
Graduate Students
Dr. Megan Gnazzo, Ph.D., (2011-17) student in Genetics: Thesis title: 'The role of ATX-2 in cell division in C. elegans"
Current position: Associate Director, Translational Oncology and Clinical Reporting at Foundation Medicine, Skop Lab Publications: 4
Jennifer Gilbert, Ph.D.(2016-17) student in Genetics, Midbody transcriptomics project
Kathryn VandenHeuvel, M.S.(2015-16) student in Genetics, Midbody transcriptomics project, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Angela Johnson, MFA (2014-16) art student in the lab , MA show title: "Translation" Installed on 2nd floor of UW-Madison Genetics Dept., Current position: scientific artist and Waltrous Gallery Art shows: 2
Dr. Kelly Pittman, Ph.D.(2009-11) student in CMB: The role of PAR proteins in cell division ; Current position: Scientific Project Manager at Ramona, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Dr. Mary Kate Bonner, Ph.D.(2006-13) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The metaphase spindle proteome";Current position: scientist at the USDA, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Dr. Jessica Shivas, Ph.D.(2006-12) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The role of dynamin in cell polarity in C. elegans"; Current position: Director of Imaging & Cytometery Facilties UNC-Charlotte, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Dr. Erkang Ai, Ph.D.(2004-10) student in Genetics, Thesis title: "The role of RACK-1 in cytokinesis in C. elegans";Current position: Senior Ass.Global Regulatory Attorney at Hogan Lovells in Philadelphia, PA; Medical Device Law/Biotech Regulatory Law, Skop Lab Publications: 3
Arun Kumaran, M.S. (2005) Masters in Biotechnology, Project Assistant: "Midbody proteomic database"
Leonard George, M.S.(2004-05) Masters in Biotechnology, Project Assistant: "Midbody proteome analysis";
Dr. Justin Schleede, Ph.D.(2004-06) received his Ph.D. in Genetics from the lab of Seth Blair, worked on the dynamin in cell polarity;Current position: ClinGen, Skop Lab Publications: 1
Research Interns:
Sophie Lusty (Jan 2024-Dec 2024)
Liily Dantong Zhu (2023-25)
Smit Patel (2021-23): currently graduate student at UT-Austin.
Life Sciences Communication Student Interns:
Hareem Rauf: Lab Culture Book
Crystal Qin: Lab Culture Book
Elif Kurt: Lab Culture Website & Genetics Reflections Coloring Book
Caitlin Marks: Genetics Reflections Coloring Book
Undergrad Research Assistants
Hannah Pisarski
Citizen Milton
Courtney Youngchild
Ada Krasinsky
Jackson Severson
Alina McIntyre
Ashley-Grace Dureke: currently planning on going to graduate school
Gabrielle Whisler
Elif Kurt, Medical School at UW-Madison
Caitlin Marks
Kai Fowlkes
Andrew Geng
Isabella Sorci
Dr. Alex Villarreal- Ph.D. University of Minnesota
Kemi Olukoga-Analysts II at Smiths Medical
Anna-Lisa Doebley (M.D./Ph.D. University of Washington), Currently Administration Dept of Medicine, UW-Madison)
Dr. Yunsik Kang-Assistant Professor at UC-Denver Anschutz
Dr. Amanda Amodeo-Assistant Professor of Biology at Dartmouth College. (Ph.D. Stanford, 2014). Faculty, Princeton University
Christie Maier
Megan Missaggia-Resident Physician in Family Medicine at Deaconess Health System
Theo Sanford
Thomas Dietz: Molecular Diagnostics Scientist
Dr. Melissa Wanling Li-Scientific Program Director at NCI SBIR Development Center
Yamini Karandikar
Mikayla Simons
Jen Kulkowski
Bo Hwa Han-Dentist
Summer Undergraduate Students (NSF-REU)
Amy Thurber-Summer Undergrad from Kenyon College (2005) (at Tufts, PhD)
Kristin Waukau-Summer Undergraduate from Menominee Tribal College (2009)
Clayton Gorman-Summer REU student from NMSU (2010)
Eddie Dominquez-Summer REU from NMSU (2011)-(PhD Program at UW-Madison)
Florencia Visconti-Summer REU from NMSU (2012)
Prenicia Gant-Summer REU from Grambling Univ (2014)
Elisa Sanchez-Summer REU from NMSU (2014): Ph.D. Student in Morgan Huse's Lab (Sloan Kettering)
Amanda Dlugi-Summer REU from Alverno College (2015)
Idanis Z Garcia Sanchez-Summer REU from the University of Puerto Rico-Ponce (2016)
Work Study Students
Darius Lassiter
Ashley-Grace Dureke
Andrew Geng
Izaiah Clinton
Kemi Olukoga Analysts II at Smiths Medical
Amy Ochola Occupational Therapist
Alex Villarreal Doctoral Candidate at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Megan Missaggia
Bo Hwa Han
Curtis Bartocz Reliability Engineer
A.J. Becker
Ryan Ruf Green Bay Papermaking Quality & Initiatives Leader at Procter & Gamble
Chris Hutson
Farinoosh Dadrass Resident Physician at University of Illinois Chicago
Josh Bartelt Manager Cheese Process Engineering at Leprino Foods
Art Students
Kate Forer: Art graduate student: Tactile Mitosis
Jonas Angelet: Cultural & Artistic Event Producer
Chanel Matsunami Govreau-Freelance Graphic Designer, Photographer and Teaching Artist
Angela Johnson-Art Grad Student collaborator (2014-2016)
Celia Glime-undergrad genetics and art student (2017)
Gabby Whistler-art student collaborative project with Jan Huisken, Water Resource Management Specialist
High School Students
Randi Schumann-Summer (PEOPLE program, 2009)-Lac du Flambeau Tribe
Amanda Savaigian-Summer High School Student from Milwaukee
Jasmine Staples-Summer High School Student from Philadelphia, PA
Anna Granerioo-Summer High School Student from Madison, WI
Teachers
Troy Dassler-K-12 science teacher on sabbatical in lab
Lab Managers/Research Specialists
Maggie Forrestal
Dan Poole
Lan Qin
Amanda Hulfachor
Eva Uhlemann
Elif Kurt; Currently in Medical School at UW-Madison
Edwin Suarez-Zayas
Dr. Randall Dahn (2017-2021), Co-Investigator
