Principal Investigator
Michael W. Martynowycz (he/him)
Mike is a structural biologist and physicist with a passion for unraveling the mysteries of life at a molecular level. He began his academic journey at Loyola University Chicago, where he obtained a BS in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. After exploring different career avenues through non-academic work and internships, his curiosity and love for science drew him back to academia.
He earned his MS in Physics at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), an experience enriched by his time as an NSF Education Fellow at the Adler Planetarium and Space Museum. A shift from the vast expanses of astrophysics to the intricate microcosm of biophysics and structural biology led him to his PhD work in the lab of David Gidalevitz at IIT. Here, he further expanded his academic endeavors by holding a joint appointment as a Laboratory Graduate Fellow at Argonne National Laboratory.
Mike's journey continued in Ashburn, VA, at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus. Here, under the guidance of Tamir Gonen, he further honed his skills and deepened his knowledge in structural biology. Following the lab's move to UCLA in 2018, Mike transitioned to the role of research scientist for HHMI. He is now a Principle Investigator in the Department of Biological Chemistry at the David Geffen School of Medicine.
Chief Morale Officer
Elsa
Meet Elsa, our whimsical and ever-watchful lab hound! With a wagging tail and a nose for sniffing out any gloom, she's the self-appointed Chief Morale Officer in our team. Donning a fur coat of joy, she has a PhD in Puppy Dog Eyes and a Master's in Mirth.
Famous for her symphony of expressive barks, Elsa reminds us to embrace the lighter side of lab life. Despite lacking opposable thumbs or an understanding of the periodic table, her expertise lies in spreading cheer and ensuring we never take ourselves too seriously.
But don't be fooled, she's not just a pretty face. With her nose for news and an endless repository of opinions, she keeps the entire team on their toes, sparking conversations and the occasional friendly debate.
So, while we're busy decoding the secrets of structural biology, Elsa's hard at work boosting spirits and brightening days. She's our reminder that while science is our passion, joy and laughter are the essential elements of our lab culture.
Potential Lab Member
You
Could "You" be our next lab addition? Imagine your name on this page, nestled between the lines of our dynamic team, thriving at the crossroads of creativity, science, and learning. Whether you're a postdoc, grad student, undergraduate, or aspiring lab manager, there's a potential space here that might just have your name written all over it.
As the hypothetical yet promising "You," you'd join a team of science aficionados who are as passionate about the mysteries of structural biology as they are about Friday pizza nights and Elsa's latest canine antics. You'd dive headfirst into exciting, groundbreaking research and contribute to our ongoing quest to decipher the inner workings of the biological world.
In our lab, "You" could be anyone: a seasoned scholar looking to make their mark, a curious student eager to dip their toes in the fascinating pool of research, or a meticulous organizer who loves the rhythm and buzz of a well-ordered lab. Whoever "You" might be, we're excited about the possibility of your unique contributions and the new energy you could bring to our team.
If you're ready to transform from "You" into "Our Esteemed Colleague," reach out. After all, science is all about exploration, and we're always excited to explore new partnerships and possibilities. So, what are you waiting for? Your lab coat is waiting!