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The Moyers lab is committed to fostering equity and inclusivity in our pursuit of scientific discovery. We encourage an environment of collaboration, open communication, and trust, which welcomes diversity and respects differences of opinions. It is these principles that allow us to innovate and lead to scientific success. You are welcome here. |
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Principal Investigator: Brook T. Moyers (she/her/hers)
Assistant Professor of Biology @ UMB 2019–present NSF Plant Genome Research Postdoc @ Colorado State University, 2015–2018 PhD in Botany @ University of British Columbia, 2015 BA in Biology @ Reed College, 2007 Faculty page / @brooklebee Google Scholar / Impactstory / Publons ORCID: 0000-0003-0340-9488 brook.moyers@umb.edu Office phone: +1-617-287-6626 Office: ISC 3110 |
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PhD Student (2019–): Alice Palmer (she/her/hers)
I am interested in how genetic variation affects plants' responses to environmental stresses, particularly stress caused by anthropogenic change. My research focuses on the salt marsh plant Salicornia, which has potential use in phytoremediation of contaminated sites. I am currently investigating the common New England species Salicornia depressa's genetic diversity and interactions with soil microbes, as well as how effective S. depressa is at accumulating pollution under natural conditions. Alice is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow (2021–2024). |
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PhD Student (2020–): Uzezi Okinedo (she/her/hers)
Research Gate / LinkedIn My research focuses on plant molecular biology and population genetics. I am interested in studying the genetic underpinnings of evolution, adaptation and domestication, especially in African rice (Oryza glaberrima). Apart from research, I spend my time volunteering in community development projects and outreaches. Uzezi is an American Association of University Women International Fellow (2022–2023). |
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PhD Student (2021–): Cooper Kimball-Rhimes (he/him/his)
I am interested in how plants change in response to environmental pollutants and how these adaptations can be used to clean up contaminated sites. My research investigates these topics through a genetic lens using the salt marsh plant Salicornia depressa, which is a potential phytoremediator. Outside the lab, I am easily distracted by butterflies and will often interrupt myself to point one out if I know the species. Cooper was awarded a $1500 New England Botanical Society grant to support conservation work on Lupinus perennis and the 2022 SFE Earth Day Symposium Student Presentation Award. |
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Research Assistant: Edwin Polanco (he/him/his)
Undergraduate student at UMass Boston studying Information Technology. Mainly interested in developing safe ways for humans to interact with nature and providing equal access to resources for lower class people. Make use of my knowledge in computer programming to make progress on theEdwin.Polanco001@umb.edu methods used to complete experiments with a global benefit. Favorite food: pasta. In 2022 Edwin was awarded an Oracle CSM Undergraduate Fellowship. He is spending summer 2022 in Washington State with the Big Data in Phenomics REU program. |
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Research Assistant: Samantha Rohnstock (she/her/hers)
I am a Junior at UMass Boston currently working towards a BS in Biology. I'm interested in learning how the natural abilities of certain plants can be adapted for wider use by humans, and how they could lead to advancements in healthcare and food availability. When I'm not in the lab or at school I love to take hiking trips around my local area and am often working in my vegetable garden. Eventually I’m hoping to earn a PhD in Biology, although I haven't decided on the specific program of study yet. |
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2022 REU Student: Gabe Sobalvarro
I am an undergraduate biology and mathematics student at UMass Boston and recently completed my freshman year. I’m interested in using technology to gather quantitative phenotypic data on seedling vigor in different lines of rice with known genotypes during the REU program. I hope that with more knowledge of genotype-phenotype interactions in crops, it will be possible to make the transition to sustainable farming practices easier on farmers and farm workers, the people most affected. |
Moyers lab alumni
Dr. Annarita Marrano (2019–2021 postdoctoral researcher). Next step: AgBioData Program Coordinator
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Daniela Urbina (2020–2021 Undergraduate Researcher). Next step: biotech industry
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Cameron Gray (2021 Beacon Student Success Fellow). Next step: McNair Fellow
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Vanessa Rojas (2021 REU student)
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Filip Stefanovic (2019–21 Undergraduate Researcher).
Next step: PhD in chemistry at the University of Washington
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Krishna Patel (2020–2021 volunteer).
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Erendira Corral (2019 McNair Fellow). Next step: 2020 Hack.Diversity Fellow
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Tadeo Zuniga (2019 REU student). Next step: transfer to California State University Northridge
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