Research Scientist
Denis is an experienced scientist in genomics, computational biology and bioinformatics, with expertise spanning microbiology, biotechnology and molecular biology. He obtained his Ph.D. in biotechnology in 2014 at Lomonosov Moscow State University (Russia). His dissertation work was conducted in the laboratory of Professor Konstantin Skryabin on the molecular basis of bacterial magnetic particles biotechnology. The main branch of his research was exploring the origin, evolution and mechanisms of microbial biomineralization, microbial magnetotaxis and their ecological functions. After graduation he worked on various aspects of microbial and animal genomics in academic and private settings. Research developed at the MADL targets the genomic characterization of infectious microbes and their shellfish hosts, with a special focus on host-parasite interactions, genome-wide association studies and genomic selection.
Dr. Emily (Molly) Roberts
Molly is a Postdoctoral Associate studying the effects of ocean warming and acidification on the swimming behavior and dispersal of larval Atlantic surfclam. Molly’s background is in the physiology and ecology of shellfish and algae in rocky shore, sandy beach, and pelagic environments – specifically looking at the effect of temperature, ocean chemistry, and food availability on shellfish. To better understand animals living in these environments, Molly builds models from lab experiments and tests them in field environments. In her work, Molly draws on an interest in biomechanics (e.g. mussel byssal thread attachment, larval swimming behaviors), integrative physiology (e.g. thermal biology, algal sunscreens), and ocean chemistry research (e.g. ocean acidification). Molly has also had the opportunity to work with mussel farmers, teacher-centered climate learning networks, and fisheries managers – Most recently, she facilitated a workshop hosted by NOAA Fisheries on adding Ecosystem and Socioeconomic information to fisheries management. Molly’s favorite hobbies are running, paddleboarding, and finding books at independent bookstores.
Previous Postdocs and Visiting Scientists:
Dr. Younes Bouallagui
Dr Sarah Farhat
Dr Sleiman Bassim
Dr Amelie Segarra
Dr Carmelo del Castillo
Dr Xing Jing
Dr Raul Bettencourt
Dr Selma Katalai