Lab technicians and post-bacs
Sophie Draper (2024-present)
I graduated from Carleton College in 2024, where I found my passion for evolutionary biology by working with everything from mud snails to elephants. In the Tarvin lab, I maintain our frog and fly colonies, run experiments on toxin sequestration, and various wet lab projects. If I’m not hanging out with the frogs, you can find me backpacking through the Sierras, cycling, or watercolor painting (and probably yapping to whoever I’m with about the frogs!)
Contact: sophiedraper [at] berkeley [dot] edu
Emma Teng (2025-present)
I’m a postbaccalaureate student fascinated by evolutionary biology, development, regeneration, and all things natural history. During my undergrad, I worked on understanding the genetic mechanisms behind early developmental processes in Xenopus. In the Tarvin Lab, I’m currently assisting Kannon with morphometric analysis of Taricha newts and plan to apply to PhD programs in the Fall 2025 cycle. Outside of the lab, I love painting, writing, birding, and collecting baubles.
Contact: emmateng [at] berkeley [dot] edu
Alina Tran (2024-present)
I am an undergraduate Genetics and Plant Biology student aiming to work in agriculture, specifically dealing with pathogen resistance. In the Tarvin lab, I work on both frog and fly husbandry, as well as aiding in toxic feeds and other assays. I also hold a position in the Almeida lab under Karyn Newman, researching Pierce's disease in California grape vines caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. When not in the lab, you can find me anywhere boba is sold.
In Fall 2025, Alina transitioned to a part-time paid position to help Sophie manage the lab and fly project.
Contact: inatrn [at] berkeley [dot] edu