Current Undergraduate Students
Indra Deshmukh (2025-present)
I'm a second-year student interested in exploring the intersection between wildlife and molecular biology, from frog toxin sequestration to gene expression. Currently, I work on frog husbandry, including animal care, toxin feeding experiments, and cataloguing phenotypes. I'm passionate about ecological research, along with environmental education and justice. Outside the lab, I love reading, creative writing, and hiking.
Contact: indradeshmukh [at] berkeley [dot] edu
Neil Tsai (2024-present)
I am currently in my second year at UC Berkeley studying Conservation and Resource Studies and Nutritional Sciences with an emphasis in Toxicology. I am particularly interested in how the role of chemical defenses can influence ecological interactions and species adaptation. Outside the lab, I enjoy listening to music, going on backpacking/hiking trips, and running!
Contact: 0708neil [at] berkeley [dot] edu
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
Lauren Nusrat Alam (2025-present)
I am a junior transfer student from Los Angeles. My major is in Molecular Cell Biology with an emphasis in Cell Biology Development and Physiology. I am currently on the pre-med route, hoping to become a pediatrician. One of my biggest passions is the art of discovery and learning as many things possible, especially outside of my realm, which is what led to pursue research here in the fly lab currently! Outside of the lab I like to bake, sing, collect trinkets, explore cafes and restaurants, and paint.
Contact: lauren_alam [at] berkeley [dot] edu
Alyssa Bui (2024-present)
Chemical Biology is a major that I enjoy studying for the past 3 years since I am passionate about exploring biological reactions, ecological adaptation, and nature conservation. I also like reading, hiking, taking care of animals, interpreting for Vietnamese, and learning how to understand myself and others. I will help research how toxin exposure impacts frog’s chemical defense systems and perform frog husbandry. Together, we will go on a quest to discover the most efficient ways to take care of the animals we work with. Through exploration, I strive to become an expert on these fascinating beings.
Contact: alyssabui [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
Keya Joshi (2025-present)
I am a third year student majoring in molecular cell biology. I am particularly interested in learning more about genotypes and gene expression of various animals. Currently, I am working on the toxin fly project, helping research their taste preference to nicotine to see a link between behavior and evolutionary selection. Outside of lab, I enjoy listening to music, baking, night walks, and trying new things.
Contact: kjoshi019 [at] berkeley [dot] edu
Derek Tee (2024-present)
I am a junior transfer majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. My passions now align with medicine, evolutionary biology, and molecular gastronomy. At the moment, I’m interested in one of the many ways that neurotoxins like tetrodotoxins evolved within Pacific newts to gain a holistic approach to understanding medicine and evolution within species. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, planning + riding the local public transit, learning new random skills, and tackling the ever-complex issue of global inequality.
Contact: derektee [at] berkeley [dot] edu
Camille Dayton (2025-present)
I am a fourth-year undergrad, majoring in Integrative Biology and also on the pre-vet track. Alongside my interest in veterinary medicine, I am passionate about herpetology conservation and research. I am still deciding which path I want to choose, but I know that whatever I do, I will be surrounded by animals. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, spending time with friends and family, and climbing. My two favorite things have always been frogs and dogs. :)
Contact: camille8 [at] berkeley [dot] edu
Ben Deters (2025-present)
I am a second year double majoring in Molecular Environmental Biology and Conservation and Resource Studies along with a Chemistry minor. I love herpetology, and I have a special place in my heart for the especially stigmatized like venomous snakes. I plan on attending graduate school to study animal toxins or some other related field. Beyond the lab, I enjoy wildlife photography, playing volleyball, and experiencing new things!
Contact: benjamin_deters [at] berkeley [dot] edu
Evan Sun-Yan Ho (2025-present)
I am a freshman on a pre-vet route studying molecular environmental biology with a minor in data science. Currently, I aid with frog husbandry, toxin feedings, and phenotyping. I am excited about genetics research and the tangible improvements for animals and ecosystems as a direct result of scientific developments. I also enjoy exercising, playing guitar, and traveling.
Contact: evan_ho [at] berkeley [dot] edu