Podrabsky Laboratory

Current Laboratory Members

Principle Investigator

Dr. Jason E. Podrabsky

  • Graduate Affairs Committee Chair
  • Professor of Biology (2004-current)
  • B.S. Biology, Oregon State University, PhD Biology, University of Colorado, Postdoctoral fellowship, Stanford University
  • Publications and CV available on PDXScholar

Research Areas of Interest

I am interested in how embryonic development can be altered by environmental and ecological factors. I enjoy using integrative approaches to understand the molecular mechanisms that drive organismal responses to the environment. Most of my work focuses on regulation of metabolic dormancy and stress tolerance associated with diapause in embryos of annual killifishes.

Fun Fact!

I enjoy the art of bonsai.

Contact

Email: podrabsj@pdx.edu

Instagram: @jpodpdx

 

Dr. Podrabksy fishing

Postdoctoral Researchers

Dr. Amie L. T. Romney

  • Interim Director of the Center for Life in Extreme Environments (CLEE)
  • B.S. Zoology, Weber State University, M.S. Integrative Physiology, University of Nevada, Ph.D. Biology, Portland State University
  • Publications and CV available on PDXScholar and Google Scholar

Research Areas of Interest

My current research is examining the role of maternal provisioning in alternative life history strategies in A. limnaeus. I hypothesize that maternal programming of developmental trajectory is likely accomplished by the differential packaging of escape- or diapause-specific gene products into the oocyte prior to fertilization.

Keywords: Developmental and Cellular physiology, embryology, regulation of gene expression, phenotypic plasticity

Fun Fact!

I have held a human heart while it was still beating in someone's chest. BPM was about 146.

Contact

Email: arom2@pdx.edu

 

Riley Roth-Carter, Ph.D. Candidate

  • B.S. Biology, University of Portland
  • Publications available on PDXScholar and Google Scholar

Research Areas of Interest

Some of my current projects are using Quantitative Image Based Cytometry (QIBC) to assess cell cycle dynamics during anoxic exposure and its relation to DNA damage accumulation, using LA-qPCR to quantify levels of DNA Damage and assess repair capacity after anoxic exposure and reoxygenation, using DNA Strand Assay to assess replisome stability and protection of nascent DNA during anoxic exposure, and using RAD-Seq to quantify mutational burden after anoxic exposure. 

Keywords: DNA repair and replication, immunocytochemistry, cell cycle, stress-response

Fun Fact!

I love to be outdoors whenever possible. Hiking, camping, snowshoeing, whatever gets me out into nature. 

Contact

Email: rothcar2@pdx.edu
 

 

Riley using anoxic chamber

Patrick Clouser, Ph.D. Candidate

  • B.S. Clinical Laboratory Science, Oregon Health and Science University
  • Publications available on PDXScholar

Research Areas of Interest

My work is focused on the response of embryos to anoxic stress and recovery using transcriptomics. This has lead to the development of a bioinformatic pipeline to prepare differential analysis, gene ontologies, transcription factor analysis, and cluster analysis using non model organisms. In addition to my current project I enjoy anything -omics,  and have been enhancing the labs genome via ONT long read sequencing. 
 

Keywords: -omics, stress tolerance, bioinformatics, molecular biology, cancer biology.

Fun Fact!

I enjoy scuba diving.

Contact

pat6@pdx.edu
 

Pat standing by fish tanks

Rosalia (Rosy) Tanori, M.S. Candidate

  • B.S. Biology, Oregon State University
  • Publications available on PDXScholar and Google Scholar

Research Areas of Interest

My current project aims to use a CUT&RUN assay to identify the genomic locations where vitamin D receptor (VDR) proteins bind to DNA and alter gene expression, under conditions that induce diapause and those that do not. I use custom anti-VDR A. limnaeus antibodies and validate for CUT&RUN through western blotting, and in situ hybridization, confirming its ability to specifically interact with the VDR protein in vivo.

Keywords: Gene expression, development, molecular physiology

Fun Fact!

I have a pet hamster named Nugget.

Contact

Email: rosy@pdx.edu

Rosy holding a micropipette

 

Ace Morris, Environmental Science Major

  • Class of 2026

Research Areas of Interest

My current project consists of the molecular control of dormancy and stress tolerance in annual killifish.

Keywords: transcription factors, gene expression

Fun Fact!

I used to compete in western-style horseback riding competitions. My favorite event was figure 8.
 

Ace taking a selfie