Susan’s primary research interest is understanding the impact of genetic and environmental liabilities for intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD) on neural circuit function. Her current focus is how IDD liabilities disrupt developmental trajectories, social circuits, motor function, and the roles in these areas of the serotonin, oxytocin, and opioid systems. When not sciencing, Susan spends small amounts of time enjoying a large variety of hobbies. She most enjoys spending time with friends and family and winning at board games.

Tony earned his PhD at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he studied mRNA decay regulation by Pumilio proteins and how this regulation leads to control of ribosome biogenesis. He joined the Dougherty lab in fall 2019, with an interest in how novel mutations in the 3′ UTRs of certain genes could be affecting decay rates of mRNAs. His hobbies include cooking, beer brewing, his kids, and strength training.

Allen is a graduate student in the Developmental, Regenerative, and Stem Cell Biology program. Before coming to WashU, he received a BS in biomedical engineering and a MS in biomedical research technologies from Boston University. He is interested in investigating the role of gene-environment interactions in the development of autism spectrum disorders. He is also interested in applying new technologies to address these complex questions. Outside of the lab, he enjoys camping, photography, and going to live music shows.

Din is a graduate student in the Neuroscience program in the Dougherty Lab. Before coming to WashU, Din was a varsity athlete (good ‘ole long distance swimmer) who graduated with a BS in Neuroscience from the University of Cincinnati. At UC he worked with Dr. Matia Solomon looking at sex differences in HPA axis dysregulation and stress circuitry of Alzheimer’s Disease. Starting graduate school, he is interested in studying the molecular and genetic basis of sex differences in various neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders. Outside of the lab, Din enjoys working out, reading books and buying weird and new ingredients he doesn’t know how to pronounce to cook with and then host friends for dinner (pre-COVID of course!).

Colin is a graduate student in Molecular Genetics and Genomics. He is broadly interested in transcription regulation and novel methods for studying this with the application of modern genomic techniques. Before matriculation into graduate school, Colin spent several years working at the GEiC at Washington University where he gained experience with genome editing techniques using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and Great Dane, weight training, cycling, homebrewing, and playing video games. 

Sneha completed her undergraduate education at Washington University in St. Louis, earning a BA in Biology with a Neuroscience concentration. During that time, she worked in the lab of Erik Herzog, investigating the neural circuitry driving circadian release of glucocorticoids and potential mechanisms for known sex differences in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Sneha is currently pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience as part of WUSM’s MD/PhD program. She is working on bringing her knowledge of sex differences to investigating the genomics of neurodevelopment disorders. In her free time, Sneha likes to read, box, eat lots of good St. Louis food, and take care of her 40+ plants.

Kelli is excited to return to Washington University after a brief stint working for a medical device startup company.  Upon completing her Master’s (a long, long time ago) studying both the evolution of color vision in fishes as well as mandibular evolution of the African scaly-tailed flying squirrel, she enjoyed a year teaching high school biology.  The vast majority of her career, though, has been spent managing a biomedical engineering lab at WUSTL.  Outside of the lab, Kelli is a yoga teacher, a mom to a radical 3 year old, and a wife.  She loves being active outside; trail running, cycling, camping, and now even outdoor strength training (thanks, Covid).  Once upon a time, she even played roller derby and was a kickboxing instructor.  Kelli now finds contentment in her current, “gardening phase of life.”

Katie McCullough is a research technician from O’Fallon, MO. She graduated from Drake University in Biochemistry. Her undergrad research focused on genetic elements of swine flu. When she sarted in the lab, she discovered her love of neuroscience and animal behavior. Outside the lab, she has 2 dogs (Shiloh and Astro) and a tortoise (Francis). She loves reading and subscribe to all thing’s true crime. Her fears: Heights and spiders  

Shayna is a research technician in the lab. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at St. Louis University and her Master’s in Biochemistry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is interested in how the brain works and why it malfunctions, specifically in neurodegenerative disorders. Outside the lab, she enjoys traveling, puzzles and hanging out with her husband and new baby girl.

Victoria is a Junior majoring in the Neuroscience track of the Biology major at WashU. She is originally from China and came to the US for high school in the east coast. She joined the lab in fall 2019 and have been working with Rachel to study healthy development and Rett syndrome in a mouse model using optical neuroimaging and behavioral testings. Outside of the lab, she enjoys working out, cooking, watching Netflix and spending time with her two cats and friends!

Yvette is from New York and is a pre-med student at WashU. She is a sophomore majoring in Biology and double majoring in PNP (philosophy-Neuroscience- Psychology). She joined the lab in summer of 2021. Some of her hobbies outside of the lab are cooking, dancing, watching netflix, and going to concerts.