People
Tyson Edwards, PhD
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Genetics, Yale University (2014)
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Biology, University of Utah (2008)
I began my journey in science as an undergraduate at the University of Utah where I investigated brain development in zebrafish. I then pursued graduate work in the Hammarlund Lab at Yale University, completing several research projects related to axon regeneration and tRNA splicing using the model system C. elegans. During a postdoctoral fellowship at the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center I explored mechanisms of dopamine signaling and neuromodulation. Afterwards I worked in the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) field developing genetic tests for infectious diseases. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, reading historical books, and assembling LEGO kits.
Past Student Researchers
Josh Robinson (Summer-Fall 2025)
Josh received a Gibson-Skaggs grant to study gene expression changes that occur during dopamine adaptation. Specifically, Josh pioneered RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis protocols in the lab, determined qPCR efficiency for dopamine receptors primers, and introduced live imaging analysis for behavioral assays. He presented his work at the 2025 College of STEM Symposium.
Jaxton Yates (Fall 2025)
Jaxton imaged dopamine-receptor expressing cells in control and adapted worms. One of his images was selected for presentation on the inaugural series of the ALK Gallery Wall in the Skaggs Science Center.
Brianna Hall (Summer -Fall 2025)
Bri received a Gibson-Skaggs Grant to study tissue-specific requirements of dopamine genes using RNA interference (RNAi). She validated RNAi efficiency with behavioral analysis.
Samuel Villicana-Tapia (Spring 2025)
Sam worked to quantify the dopamine adaptation response and design primers for quantitative PCR.
Trevor Murray (Spring 2025)
Trevor used fluorescence microscopy to observe dopamine-producing neurons in C. elegans.
Eponine McClellan (Fall 2024)
Eponine developed a protocol to induce mutations in C. elegans with UV light.