Zhanar Abil
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Affiliations:
-
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Department of Interdisciplinary Ecology
Email: abilz[at]ufl[dot]edu
Phone:(352)-846-3781
Office: Carr Hall Room 410
Office: HWLEE Room 487
- Ph.D. – Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (mentored by Huimin Zhao), 2015
- Postdoctoral fellow – University of Texas Austin (mentored by Andrew Ellington) 2015-2018
- Postdoctoral fellow – Delft Technical University (mentored by Christophe Danelon) 2018-2021
Elyse Winne
Lab Technician
My name is Elyse and I am a recent UF graduate specializing in microbiology. I enjoyed my undergraduate research experiences, and in the future I hope to complete a PhD so as to be able to conduct research at a higher scale. My hobbies include growing plants, playing video games and going on long walks with my chihuahua. I am very excited to contribute to and learn more about the field of synthetic biology throughout my time as a technician in the Abil Lab!
Riku Nagai
Postdoctoral fellow
I earned my PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Tokyo, where I developed a yeast-based in vitro translation system to study translation regulation, including ribosome stalling. Now, I am excited to apply my expertise in translation systems to synthetic cells for protein and RNA engineering. Beyond fundamental research, I am also interested in using molecular biology to tackle environmental and health challenges, such as developing enzymes for bioremediation and designing targeted protein- and RNA-based therapeutics. Outside the lab, I enjoy music and outdoor activities, and I am thrilled to explore Florida’s beautiful nature and work with UF’s fantastic colleagues in such a great environment.
Sanjana Hegde
PhD Student
Hello! My name is Sanjana Hegde. I completed my master’s in biotechnology from the University of Mysore. I am interested in studying evolutionary processes in the context of complexity and evolvability in living systems. Before joining as a graduate student, I spent a year at Science Gallery Bengaluru as a mediator to explore my interest in public engagement and science communication. Outside of my research, I like baking, playing cozy video games, and crocheting toys for my cat.
Keyla Rodriguez
Undergraduate Student
Hey everyone! I’m Keyla Rodriguez, a biochemistry major passionate about the future of neurosurgery. Taking part in Abil’s lab is an experience I’m beyond excited to have. Diving into the core of life has always interested me, and what better way to accomplish my goals than alongside such a fantastic team? Our findings in this lab will not only satisfy my curiosity but can be of great value to any science field (neurosurgery included). If I’m not studying relentlessly for exams, you will find me at the gym, walking my dog, eating (a lot), dancing with headphones on, or finding more purple things to add to my room! I cannot wait to embark on this journey and make remarkable memories.
Sarah Nalley
Undergraduate Student
Hello! My name is Sarah, and I’m an undergraduate student studying microbiology and cell science, with minors in bioinformatics and pathogenesis. I’m passionate about anything related to biology and want to spend my time in undergrad engaging in as much research as possible. I hope to attend graduate school to pursue a career in biomedical research. I’m involved on campus and spend a lot of my time volunteering with my community service sorority, Delta Nu Zeta, and am a part of multiple organizations such as, the American Society of Microbiology at UF, Relay for Life, Dance Marathon, Medi-Gators, and UF’s AMSA.
Caroline Anderson
Undergraduate Student
My name is Caroline Anderson! I am a Biotechnology major, hoping to pursue a career in research. Being a part of the Abil lab is an experience that allows me to learn and grow tremendously. It has given me the opportunity to deepen my love for lab work and biology. Thus far, it has reassured me that my future career will be lab-based work. When I’m not in the lab you can find me in coffee shops studying, taking yoga and Pilates classes, or spending time with my roommates. I cannot wait to see where my time in the Abil lab will take me!