Dmitry Lyumkis obtained his PhD in Biophysics from the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. His interests lie in utilizing electron microscopy to gain insight into protein assemblies, their structure, function, and dynamics, while at the same time pushing the technological limits of cryo-EM methodologies. He is currently assistant professor in the Laboratory of Genetics at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Outside the lab, he is an avid outdoor enthusiast and is always looking for new places to explore.

Sriram Aiyer received his bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Mumbai and master’s degree in biotechnology from the University of Madras. From there on, after a brief stint as a lecturer and research volunteer at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, he moved to Rutgers – The State University of New Jersey for his doctoral studies. He received a PhD in biochemistry working in Monica Roth’s lab. His thesis work involved understanding the integration targeting mechanism of the Moloney murine leukemia virus. Outside of lab, he likes to travel, explore new places and loves following sports in general (mainly soccer!).

Selena Đorđević-Marquardt finished Molecular biology and physiology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia. During her diploma thesis she was introduced to the world of biophysics while studying metabolic effects of vanadate and cAMP on Phycomyces blakesleeanus. She then came to Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, where she finished her PhD in Biochemistry, studying the function of efflux pumps involved in antibiotic and metal resistance in Escherichia coli. During her PhD studies, she additionally finished a graduate school TRAM (TRansport Across Membranes), which focuses on molecular understanding of transmembrane processes. She joined Lyumkis lab as a postdoctoral fellow to study function and structure of Cas13d, and its implementations in biomedicine. Privately, Selena enjoys writing, trying new cosmetic products, walks on the beach and a glass of wine after a good theatre play.

Previous position, graduate student, Texas A&M

Linda received her bachelor’s degree in Molecular Research in the Netherlands where she interrogated genomic organization using DNA-FISH. Later, she worked on various research topics specializing in molecular imaging techniques in the Gadella lab (University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands), including the development of the novel cyan fluorescent protein “mTurquoise2” and the investigation of the signaling regulatory role of endocytosis in RhoGEF and MAPK pathways using genetically encoded biosensors. Before moving back to the USA, Linda worked in the Lenstra group (NKI, Amsterdam) focusing on transcription regulation in living cells by using advanced single-molecule techniques. In 2021, she joined the Lyumkis lab to elucidate early steps of HIV infection in mammalian cells by using Cryo-CLEM techniques. In her free time, she likes to go hiking, travel, meet up with friends and photography.

Previous position: graduate student, The Scripps Research Institute

Gennavieve received her B.S. degree in Biochemistry from Montana State University. As an undergraduate, she worked under Brian Bothner to gain mechanistic insights on adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) endosomal escape using various mass spectrometry techniques. She joined the Lyumkis group in February of 2020 and is studying the interactions of various chromatin remodelers. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking from scratch, watching the latest horror flick, and sailing.

Zelin obtained his PhD degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Institutes of Biomedical Sciences (IBS), Fudan University. During PhD studies, his project focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of polarized distribution of cell fate determinants during asymmetric cell division, by using biochemical and X-ray crystallographic methods. He joined the Lyumkis lab in January of 2018 and is interested in discovering how large macromolecular complexes regulate retroviral integration with cryo-EM. Outside of lab, he likes playing basketball, traveling, and looking for delicious food with friends in San Diego.

Terry received his B.A. degree in Biology at Oberlin College. As an undergraduate research student, he worked with Dr. Laura Romberg to study polymerization of a bacterial tubulin homolog, TubZ and its mutants. He is currently working in Lyumkis lab as a research assistant focusing on sample purification. In the meantime, Terry wishes to expose himself to the broader context of structural biology and scientific research processes. Outside of lab, he enjoys cooking, being outdoors, and reading books related to gender studies and social justice.