People

**Eduardo Ruiz, Junior Specialist**
B.S. Biochemistry class of 2019
Email: emruiz@ucdavis.edu

My name is Eduardo and I recently graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I am currently researching the potential role of the volatile compound geosmin in M. xanthus‘ hunting strategy. After my time as a Junior Specialist, I hope to attend graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in Microbiology. Outside of lab, I enjoy watching movies, reading comic books, and playing basketball.

**Ivy Jose, Lab Manager**
Email: irjose@ucdavis.edu

**Bryant Law, Junior**
Major: Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior
Email: bclaw@ucdavis.edu

My name is Bryant, and I am a 3rd year Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior Major working to get into medical school. As someone on a pre-health route, I look at my research on Myxobacteria through the lens of its applications in helping heal people with my current project on the use of the defensin gene. Outside of lab, I also love to play Dungeons and Dragons and volunteer at a local student-run clinic as a patient advocate.

**Elizabeth Moore, Senior**
Major: Microbiology
Email: bamoore@ucdavis.edu

My name is Beth and I am a Fourth Year Microbiology Major currently applying to postBacc positions in industry for a gap year (or two!) before applying to Ph. D programs in Microbiology and Immunology. I have been working in the Singer lab since December 2017 and my current project is understanding the role of Cyclases on fruiting body development. Outside of lab I like to paint, read, and go hiking.

**Aditya Rao, Junior**
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Email: asnrao@ucdavis.edu

I hope to go to medical school and become a doctor, specifically an orthopedic surgeon. Research-wise, I am interested in biochemical pathways and health applications of novel biomolecules. Outside of lab, I am an avid hiker and cook with a passion, but no skill, for arts and crafts and digital art. In lab, I am working on analyzing the role and function of defensin like peptides in Myxobacterium.

**Kayleen Lederman, Junior**
Major: Microbiology
Email: kclederman@ucdavis.edu

My name is Kayleen and I am currently a third year undergraduate microbiology major. I plan on pursuing a PhD in microbiology with interest of going into academic or governmental research. I have been working in Singer Lab since the fall of 2018 looking at cyclase genes and how they affect Myxococcus fruiting body formation. In my free time I like to bake bread, dance, and read good books.

**Christian Chaves, Senior**
Major: Microbiology
Email: Cuchavez@ucdavis.edu

My name is Cristian and I am a fourth year microbiology and molecular genetics major. After graduation I am interested in pursuing a career in clinical laboratory science before returning to school for a Ph. D in microbiology. I have been with the Singer lab since the summer of 2019 and am currently researching the role of siderophores in the development of Myxo bacteria. In my free time I enjoy going backpacking, kayaking, mushroom hunting and anything outdoors!