Members
sarah loerch
Principal Investigator
- sloerch@ucsc.edu
I graduated with a MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences from ETH Zurich and later with a Ph.D. in Biophysics, Structural and Computational Biology from University of Rochester. During my Ph.D I worked with Dr. Clara Kielkopf and studied the binding and regulation of the U2 snRNP spliceosomal protein SF3b155 to early splicing factors containing U2AF homology motifs. For my postdoctoral training, I decided to join Dr. Niko Grigorieff’s lab at Janelia Research Campus where I learned electron cryo-microscopy. There I became interested in translational regulation and the simple question of how a cell makes the right protein at the right time?
Margherita Guaita
Postdoctoral Researcher
After a BSc in Molecular Biology at the University of Padua (Italy), I completed an MPhil at the University of Cambridge (UK) and a PhD at the University of Manchester (UK) in Biochemistry. Rooted in my doctoral studies, my research interest orbits around how the constellation of translation factors coordinate to achieve timely protein synthesis. In Sarah’s lab, I am thrilled to integrate biochemical and structural approaches to investigate the role of idle ribosomes. Besides molecules, I am very fond of music in its countless forms, as well as surfing and playing volleyball.
Michael Grant
Undergraduate
I am a 2nd year here at UCSC pursuing a degree in chemistry and biology. My plans after graduation are to attend graduate school and pursue a career in the biomedical field. I am excited to gain practical experience, build upon my knowledge of biology and chemistry, and explore my interests in working in the Loerch lab. Some of my hobbies include playing basketball, baking and painting.
Theodore DeVinney
Undergraduate
I’m currently a third year working on a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree. I’m set to graduate in Spring 2024. I’m excited to get hands-on experience working in a biochem lab, since I’ve previously only worked in a genetics lab. Post-graduation, I don’t have any set plans, but I’m considering teaching or going to grad school in Japan. Outside of the lab, I’ve spent a lot of time tutoring other biology students, and in my free time I like studying Japanese, cooking, and playing video games.
Loki
Commander-in-Mischief
My main role is to protect the yard from intruders like squirrels and birds. My humans keep me busy too as they need lots of exercise. At least two walks a day! That often makes me hungry, so I get a snack from the compost bin or I sneak treatos.
Former lab members
- Izzy Gonzalez (summer 2023) Undergraduate from Gavilan College
- Edward Petrossian (2021-2023) Undergraduate (2021-2022) and Junior specialist (2022-2023)
- Soheil Khan (2022-2023), Undergraduate
- Scott Watters (2021-2022), M.S.
- Ysabella Johnson (summer 2022), Undergraduate from Gavilan College
- Sapna Pandit (2020-2022) Undergraduate
- Gabrielle Hall (2020-2021) Lab Assistant
- Aidan Tice-Raskin (2020-2021) Undergraduate
- Axel Nateras (2000) Undergraduate
- Samantha Fernandez (2020) Undergraduate