People — Tarvin Lab @ UC Berkeley

Principal Investigator: Rebecca D. Tarvin

I am intrigued by the evolutionary mechanisms underlying adaptation and diversification. My interests in research are grounded in an appreciation for natural history, especially (but not limited to) frogs.

Research in my lab employs diverse techniques in the lab and field that pull from molecular biology, phylogenetics, neurobiology, genomics, and physiology. Current projects investigate origins of acquired chemical defenses in frogs, flies, and snakes.

Outside of the lab I am interested in many sorts of creative projects, from 3D-printing to painting and baking. I also love to cycle, play soccer, and follow politics.

Download CV (Updated 23 March 2024)

Google Scholar

Research Gate

The Tarvin Lab is recruiting a lab technician in 2024, and we are always looking for postdocs. Please email with any inquiries.

Undergraduate students

Postdoctoral scholars

Graduate students

Lab technicians

Lab alumni

Current Graduate Students

Valeria Ramírez Castañeda (2019-present)

My main research interest is the evolution of traits generated by interactions between organisms, especially by the predator-prey interactions in amphibians and reptiles. I am also interested in the evolution of toxicity resistance focused on the general basis of neurotoxin resistance. Furthermore, I enjoy contributing to science communication in Spanish, as well as discussions on diversity, inclusion, and equity in STEM.

For my complete research interests and cv, check out my website. También en español aquí.

Contact: vramirezc [at] berkeley [dot] edu

María José (Majo) Navarrete-Méndez (2020-present)

I am a naturalist by passion, a conservationist by conviction, and a biologist by a complex mixture of curiosity, hard work, and chance. My scientific interests focus on the study of amphibians and reptiles. I am interested in studying the genetic and environmental mechanisms underlying the evolution of novel traits which characterize instances of phenotypic diversification and convergence. Particularly, I focus on the evolution of chemical defenses in amphibians. I would like to study the symbiotic conversations between TTX producing-bacteria and amphibians including but not limited to frogs of the genus Atelopus and Brachycephalus and newts of the genus Taricha. I am also interested in studying the biogeography of Andean frogs and the Systematics and taxonomy of Pristimantis. Along with my professional aspirations, I am committed to protecting biological richness through science, empowering indigenous communities and women through conservation, and fostering gender equality in academia. Outside of the lab, I enjoy climbing mountains and dancing. Also, I love singing while looking for frogs and reptiles during fieldwork.

Contact: mnavarrete [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Kannon Pearson (2021-present)

I am fascinated by the ways in which toxins mediate organism-level interactions, and how selective and nonselective pressures on the interacting partners are subsequently reflected in the occurrence and quantities of these chemicals. In particular, I am interested in the relationships between poisonous amphibians and the skin-associated bacteria which supply or modify their toxins. An additional area of interest is the possible physiological coadaptations necessitated by the evolution of chemical defenses in which extremely large quantities of endogenous hormones act as toxins, as seen in toads of the family Bufonidae. I am passionate about animal welfare and seek to utilize and refine methodologies in my research that minimize the collection and sacrifice of amphibian specimens. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, watching Marvel movies, attempting to cook South Indian dishes, and sketching.

Contact: kannonpearson [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Current Postdocs

This could be you!

Lab technicians and post-bacs

Nuzha Baksh (2023-present)

I graduated from UCSB in 2022 with a B.S. in Zoology and a Minor in Linguistics. There, I studied the effects of chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) on amphibian populations and worked as lab technician to care for a colony of Pacific tree frogs for the Briggs lab. In my current role, I assist in experiments involving toxin sequestering fruit flies and poison dart frogs and also manage their husbandry. Outside of the lab, you can usually find me power walking around campus, watching films, reading Murakami novels, baking, or attempting to learn a new language.

Contact: nuzhabaksh [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Nikki Lemus (2021-present)

I am a 2020 graduate in IB and my toxic trait is breeding toxic flies (I’m involved in the Experimental Evolution Project). My other toxic trait is getting too interested in too many things, so my research interests are broad, but generally bird and museum oriented. Two topics that intrigue me are 1) the use of museum specimens and fieldwork to compare current, recent and historical avian populations in the contexts of urban ecology and/or the impacts of urbanization, and 2) various bird-related instances of extreme coevolution, like birds and feather mites, hummingbirds and flowers, and brood-parasites. I’m also interested in advocating diversity in academia because anyone can be a biologist! Currently, this includes volunteering for public events with the museum and showing strangers snakes and bugs to share an admiration for science and nature. In the future, I hope to more actively mentor future biologists in and out of academia. The next step to building a career in museum biology is graduate school, so I hope to join a new lab in Fall 2024.

Contact: nikki800 [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Jacob Saal (2021-present)

I am a 2023 graduate in Molecular and Cell Biology. My passion lies in genetics. My goal in science is to learn and discover the various mechanisms by which the genome can evolve, respond to threats, and self-regulate for the survival of multicellular life. I am currently part of the Experimental Evolution of Toxic Flies project where I’ve been interested to see how pathways for toxin resistance can be deconstructed or repurposed for parasitism resistance. Outside the lab I spend much of my time on creative work. I enjoy visual art, reading and writing fiction, and speculative biology.

Contact: jsaal [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Current Undergraduate Students

Erin Yang (2024-present)

I'm a second year intending to major in Molecular Environmental Biology. Currently, I'm working on the Toxic Flies project, which aligns with my interests in genetics and animal health. I am also interested in research that intersects environmental, animal, and human health. Outside of the lab, you may find me exploring new restaurants, playing piano, drawing, or playing games with friends.

Contact: erinyang [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Prabin Gharti (2023-)

I am a third year undergraduate majoring in Integrative Human Biology. Right now I am engaged in research where we are looking over amphibians' chemical defense mechanisms. My interests include regenerative medicine, evolution, human biology and chemistry in general and in terms of non- academic stuff, I love travelling, playing guitar and listening to poetries.

Contact: prabingharti [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Peter (Zhizang) Chen (2022-)

I am a second year student major in Molecular and Cell Biology, Integrative Biology and minor in Data science. I am curious about how genetics and genomics expression affect the organismal phenotype. I love being in the nature environment and observe insect behavior. I also learned how to capture insects and making specimens. I enjoy reading and making video clips.

Contact: chenzhiyang2020 [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Lizbeth Garcia (2022-)

I am an incoming third-year student intending to major in Public Health on a pre-PA route. Currently I am helping conduct lab work to identify the sex and ploidy of several snake samples. I love doing research because I want to be able to translate scientific research to the community as there is a need to increase multilingualism in science communication. Outside of the lab I enjoy baking, taking walks and traveling.

Contact: lizbeth.garcia [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Chenhey Chu (2024-present)

I am a sophomore studying Molecular Environmental Biology with an intended minor in Marine Science. My passions lie in animal health, ecology, evolutionary biology, and working towards wildlife conservation under shifting environmental pressures. Currently, I will be helping research the effects of toxin exposure on poison frogs to understand chemical defense mechanisms. Outside the lab, I love painting people or animals, spending time in nature, and playing the piano!

Contact: chenhey [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Ines Huret (2022-)

I am a sophomore studying Integrative Biology and intending to minor in Data Science. My interests include marine biology, ecology, evolution and conservation, and I am currently researching marine invertebrate symbioses. Outside the lab, I enjoy sailing, scuba diving, swimming, and traveling the world!

Contact: ines.huret [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Ameya Joshi (2021-)

I am a first-year student intending to major in Integrative Biology. I am interested in studying how genetic information is passed along through various generations and how sequestration of toxins affects organismal fitness on the genetic level. Currently, I will be working on the Experimental Evolution of Toxic Flies project and trying to understand how various abiotic and biotic pressures affect fly fitness. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing cricket, listening to music, running, and learning about the world around us.

Contact: ameyajoshi [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Alina Tran (2024-)

I am a first year Genetics and Plant Biology student aiming to eventually work in genotyping and bioinformatics. I am interested in studying the genetic evolution of animals and plants as it deals with the specific genomes that are involved. Currently involved with the fly project, I am involved in studying how the evolution of one animal can become a model for an animal with more complex structure. Beyond the lab, I enjoy playing jazz and doing traditional Vietnamese dance.

Contact: inatrn [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Sophie dela Cruz (2022-)

I am a second-year undergraduate intending to study Integrative Biology. Currently, I am involved in a comprehensive chemical defense review of frogs that expands upon trends in amphibian evolution. My interests include herpetology, evolutionary biology, developmental endocrinology, the Anthropocene, and genetics. Beyond the lab, I love writing poetry, crocheting, and reading tarot cards.

Contact: sophie.delacruz [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Vasheeigaran Shenthan (2021-)

I am a second-year undergraduate student at UC Berkeley intending to major in Molecular and Cell Biology. I am also a premed student. Currently, I will be helping research toxic defenses in frogs and the many aspects behind this. I enjoy learning about different topics and feel that research is a great way to learn. Outside of the lab, I love to watch sports, go on hikes, work out, and listen to music.

Contact: vashee.shen [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Marley Michel (2024-)

I am a first-year undergraduate intending to major in Molecular and Cell Biology and Spanish. I’m interested in evolutionary and developmental genetics. In the lab, I'm helping to investigate the effects of toxin exposure on poison frogs. I’m curious to learn about how these frogs and their complex chemical defenses have evolved. I’ve always been a big fan of amphibians and reptiles, so this is an exciting project for me! Outside of the lab, you can find me playing jazz saxophone, rowing on the Cal Lightweight team, hanging out with friends and family, baking, and exploring in nature.

Contact: marleyraemichel [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Puja Iyer (2021-)

I am interested in further exploring the relationship between molecular genetics and evolution, specifically how gene expression and epigenetics affect organismal response to both human and natural pressures. I am also interested in researching the ancestry of an organism and how it evolved to its modern-day form. I am also dedicated to the pursuit of conservation, preservation, and rescue of our world's many ecosystems. Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing and swimming, spending time with family and friends, and learning new things.

Contact: puvaiy2 [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Natalie Meyer (2023-)

I am a third-year undergraduate majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology. Currently, I am working on a comprehensive amphibian chemical defense review which combines my love of biochemistry with my growing interest in herpetology. I am also interested in evolutionary genetics. Outside of the lab, I enjoy creating sculptures, stained glass, and acrylic portraits of my dogs.

Contact: nataliemeyer [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Lab Alumni

**Dr. Genevieve Mount** (2021-2023, NSF Postdoc)
Genna completed an NSF PRFB in our lab, coadvised by the Womack Lab at Utah State University on the evolutionary drivers and consequences of sexually selected trait loss. She investigated vocal sac loss in frogs,
Genna started working as a bioinformatician at Boehringer Ingelheim in Sept 2023.
Contact: ggmountt [at] gmail [dot] com

**Veryan Brown** (2022-2022, UCB undergrad)
Veryan graduated in December 2022.
Contact: veryanbrown [at] berkeley [dot] edu

**Novia Kayfetz-Vuong** (2021-2022, UC undergrad)
Novia graduated in 2022 and is now working in biotech.
Contact: noviakayfetzvuong [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Sofia Guajardo Beskid (2021, NSF REU)
Sofia graduated UT in Spring 2022 and as of 2023 is a graduate student at Stanford. Sofia was a coauthor on our Douglas et al., 2022 paper about the use of nicotine in fruit flies against wasp parasites.
Contact: sbeskid [at] utexas [dot] edu

**Yin Chen Wan** (2018-2020, visiting undergrad & tech)
Yin graduated with a degree in Genetics from University College Dublin in May 2020 and as of 2020 is pursuing a PhD in Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. While in the lab, Yin did her honors thesis working on visual opsin evolution in poison frogs (Chen et al., 2023).
Contact: yinchen202009 [at] gmail [dot] com

**Poppy Northing** (2022-2023, Lab technician)
Poppy received her BS in Biology from Haverford College and spent a year as a lab technician in our group managing the evolving toxic fruit flies experiment. She started her PhD at the University of Arizona in Fall 2023.
Contact: pcnorthing [at] arizona [dot] edu

**Bri Baumbach** (2021-2022, UCB undergrad)
Bri graduated in 2023 and as of 2023 is working in the Jepson Herbarium
Contact: bribaumbach [at] berkeley [dot] edu

**Zahara Gianni Gali** (2021-2022, UC undergrad)
Zahara graduated in Spring 2022.
Contact: zzrock [at] berkeley [dot] edu

**Kate Montana** (2019-2020, UC undergrad)
Kate graduated from IB in May 2020. Kate was awarded the Department’s Award in Natural History! While in the lab, Kate conducted an honors thesis on potential TTX resistance in Pacific Chorus Frogs that are sympatric with toxin newts (Montana et al., 2023). Kate obtained a masters degree at the CAS in 2023 and is looking for PhD programs as of 2023.
Contact: kmontana [at] berkeley [dot] edu

**Dr. Inga Conti-Jerpe** (2021-2023, NSF Postdoc)
Inga completed an NSF PRFB in our lab coadvised by Todd Dawson (UC Berkeley). While in the lab, Inga developed new protocols for measuring trophic niches of plants, fungi, and marine organisms. Inga left for a tenure-track job at Lingnan University in 2023.
Google scholar

**Marc Bonnot** (2021-2022, UC undergrad)
Marc left the lab in 2022 to continue in another research position at the MVZ.
Contact: mpb0614 [at] berkeley [dot] edu

**Dr. Lawrence Uricchio** (2019-2021, Postdoc)
Lawrence joined the tenure-track faculty at Tufts University in 2021.

**Kannon Pearson** (2020-2021, UC undergrad)
Kannon graduated from UC Berkeley in May 2021 and then joined the lab as a graduate student. As an undergraduate, Kannon did an honors thesis reviewing the ecology and evolution of chemical defenses in Harlequin toads (Pearson and Tarvin 2022).

**Luis Jazo** (2021-2022, UC undergrad)
Luis graduated in Spring 2022 and as of 2022 is working in biotech.
Contact: luisjazo [at] berkeley [dot] edu

**Dr. Tyler Douglas** (2019-2023, PhD student)
Tyler completed his PhD in the UC Berkeley Integrative Biology program in the Tarvin Lab. His research was focused on the experimental evolution of chemical defense in fruit flies (Douglas et al., 2022, Douglas et al., in prep) and on genome size evolution in poison frogs (Douglas et al., bioRxiv).
Tyler graduated in December 2023 and will seek out work in biotech or clinical research starting in 2024.
Contact: tyler.douglas [at] berkeley [dot] edu

**Connor Tumelty** (2020-2022, UC undergrad)
Connor graduated in 2023 and as of 2024 was pursuing a PhD in plant biology at UC Davis.

ktamsil (1).png — Kristen Tamsil (2018-2020, UC undergrad)
Kristen graduated from UC Berkeley in May 2020 and as of 2023 she currently in med school at Touro in Vallejo. Kristen was a coauthor on our Douglas et al., 2022 paper about the use of nicotine in fruit flies against wasp parasites.

**Noah Martin** (2019-2020, UC undergrad)
Noah graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Integrative Biology in May 2020.
Noah was awarded the 2019 Conchologists of America Academic Grant!

**Zongzhuang (Sanderling) Liu** (Visiting student 2019)
Zongzhuang graduated in 2020 and is currently (2023) a Masters student studying Ecology and Conservation at Uppsala University, Sweden

Rachel Ong (2020-2021, UC undergraduate)