Dr. Sarah R. Hengel
Hi! My name is Sarah and I’m an Assistant Professor at Tufts University in the Biology Department. My work is supported internally in the Tufts Biology Department by a Merrin Fund for Faculty Excellence and a R00 from the NIEHS.
My long-term goal is to mechanistically understand the intersection of repair proteins involved in DNA lesion recognition and homologous recombination. My research program is specifically focused on uncovering the underlying mechanisms of how DNA damage at replication forks is recognized by the human Shu complex and repaired by either RAD51-dependent or RAD52-dependent damage repair mechanisms.
My lab combines cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and single-molecule tweezers (C-trap) approaches to uncover novel insights into the mechanisms of DNA repair in aging, disease, and cancer.
When I’m not in the lab I’m spending time with my partner & our three doggos, painting, and advocating to make science a more inclusive and safe place for all humans.
Shoshana E. Daly
Laboratory Position: Undergraduate Researcher
I am a Sophomore studying biochemistry at Tufts on the premedical track and I am from Croton-On-Hudson, NY. I am an avid environmental and climate activist, and my interests lie at the intersection of medicine, environmental justice, and biochemistry. I am very passionate about the idea that everyone has the right to health, whether that means living in an environment free from pollutants, having access to healthcare, or having access to adequate and healthy food. I aspire to one day either become a oncosurgeon, medical researcher, or both. In my free time, you will either find me exploring the great outdoors, playing ultimate frisbee, or reading a good book.
SRH Lab start date: 9/1/2023
Twitter: @DalyShoshana
Previous Laboratory Experience: In high school, I participated in a 3-year science research course where I worked in Ayelet Fishman's lab at the Technion- Israel Institute of Technology. My work focused on testing the stability of a mutant lipase in methanol for more efficient enzymatic production of biofuel. During my time in the lab, I learned to use an Emulsiflex, AKTA FPLC, SDS page, and enzymatic activity assays.
Awards:
Tufts Laidlaw Scholar 2024
Steven Yu
Laboratory Position: PhD Graduate Student
I graduated from Amherst College in May 2023 with degrees in Biology and English. I am currently a PhD student at Tufts University studying Biology with a concentration in Genetics in Molecular Biology. I am from outside of Boston, MA and excited to spend some time back home. I am broadly interested in protein biochemistry with an emphasis on protein-protein interactions, protein binding partners, and protein conservation. Outside of the lab, I love cooking and creating new foods, trying new restaurants, running, literature, and film photography.
Previous Laboratory Experience: In undergraduate, I worked in the lab of Dr. Mona Wu Orr studying small protein biology (<50 amino acids in prokaryotes, <100 amino acids in eukaryotes). I discovered and worked to characterize small bacterial proteins, in E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and examine their role in antibiotic resistance and environmental stress response. I have experience in molecular cloning, protein purification, microscopy, and varying chemotaxis assays.
Maggie Witham
Laboratory Position: Graduate Student Researcher
I graduated from Washington College in May 2021 with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I am now enrolled at Tufts University as a master’s student in Biology, concentrating in Genetics and Molecular Biology. My interests include reproductive biology and cancers, toxicology, and endocrinology.
Outside of the lab, I love to run, explore new places, and make art in many different forms.
SRH Lab start date: 9/05/23
Previous Laboratory Experience: For the past two years, I have worked as a Clinical Pathology Scientist where I conducted laboratory testing on clinical pathology samples such as thyroid immunoassays, hematology, serum chemistry, coagulation, and urinalysis. I also assisted in the validations of multiple instruments as well as performed routine maintenance on all laboratory equipment.
Laboratory Alumni:
Oluchi C. Ezekwenna M.S. (SRH Lab 9/2023-6/2024): Now in Agnel Sfeir Lab at Sloan Kettering Instiute as a Laboratory Technician.
Madeline J. Mueller B.S. Biochemistry (SRH Lab 9/2023-6/2024): Now at Broad Institute.
