
David Shechner, PhD
Principle Investigator, Assistant Professor
Background: David received his undergraduate degree from prestigious Yale University, and his PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Biochemistry. His thesis work in Dave Bartel’s lab focused on better understanding RNAs. After completion of his thesis, David continued his research in Dr. John Rinn’s lab, where he developed a variety of CRISPR-based technologies.
Hobbies:
Favorite Biomolecule: 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine
Contact: shechner@uw.edu

Ashley Tsue
Graduate Student
Background: Ashley received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Princeton University in 2017. She joined the University of Washington’s Pharmacology Department in 2018, where she will pursue her interest in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Hobbies: Aside from research, Ashley enjoys hiking, musicals, fencing, and painting!
Favorite Biomolecule:
Contact: atsue@uw.edu

Chris Hsu
Research Technician
Background: Chris received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of Washington in 2018. His undergraduate research experience was in Dr. Houra Merrikh’s lab studying antibiotic resistance development in bacteria. He joined Dr. Shechner’s lab in the Summer of 2018, where he will research mammalian genomic architecture.
Hobbies: Aside from research, Chris enjoys hiking and solving puzzles!
Favorite Biomolecule:
Contact: ch241@uw.edu

Sophia Lauer
Rotation Graduate Student
Background: Sophia received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Houston in 2013. She did her undergraduate research in evolutionary biology.
Hobbies:
Favorite Biomolecule:
Contact: slauer@uw.edu