Marie Suver, PhD - Principal Investigator (PI)

Marie is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences and the Vanderbilt Brain Institute. Marie did her undergraduate work at the University of Washington, majoring in biology and computer science, and obtained her Ph.D. in Computation and Neural Systems at Caltech working with Michael Dickinson. She then did her postdoctoral work with Kathy Nagel at NYU Langone. Outside of the lab, Marie enjoys music, food, hiking, and raises two kids with her husband.

Simran Virdi, PhD - Postdoctoral Scholar

Simran is exploring the role of active antennal movements for Drosophila audition during courtship behavior. She did her undergraduate research on purifying and characterizing Mycobacteriophages with Dr. Urmi Bajpai at Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, India. Her integrated Masters and PhD at National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, India with Dr. Sanjay P. Sane focused on characterizing the structure and mechanics of a leg mechanosensor in the Oleander hawkmoth. Outside of work, Simran likes watercolor painting, brewing coffee, and sitting on park benches.

Olivia Nunn - Graduate Student

Olivia is investigating circuits for sensory-motor integration in Drosophila. She did her undergraduate research at Lenoir-Rhyne University (Hickory, NC), first with Dr. Carly York, studying Xenopus development, and later, advised by Dr. Scott Schaefer, investigated the distribution, density, and diversity of tree-foraging ants. When not in the lab, Olivia enjoys exploring Nashville for the best cup of coffee, hot yoga, & trying new foods.

Toby McCabe - Graduate Student

Toby is currently studying active modulation of antennal mechanosensation and motor control during flight. During his undergraduate studies at Kenyon College, he conducted computational and electrophysiological research on an electrogenic class of sodium potassium chloride transmembrane transporters in flies and mosquitos, working with Dr. Chris Gillen. When not in the lab, he enjoys reading, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and hanging out with his cats!

Apuroopa Sreeyapu Reddy - Graduate Student

Apuroopa is exploring how Drosophila actively alter mechanosensory input from the antennae while walking to navigate dynamic environments. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Indian Institute of Science, where she worked with Dr. Rohini Balakrishnan on the benefits of alternate reproductive tactics in tree crickets, and with Dr. Vishwesha Guttal on the effects of boundary conditions in Vicsek and modified Vicsek models of collective motion. Outside the lab, she enjoys sleeping, grocery shopping, listening to audio books, and crocheting.

Anna Murphy - Graduate Student

Anna is focused on the role of antennal proprioceptors in controlling flight behaviors. While earning her BA at Kalamazoo College, she studied the symbiotic relationship between nematodes and Photorhabdus bacteria under Dr. Amanda Wollenberg. Later in undergrad, she investigated the role of ovarian hormones in the brain in modulating sympathetic blood pressure in the lab of Dr. Patrick Mueller at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Outside of the lab, Anna likes to play soccer, read, and check out new places in Nashville with friends.

Jocelyne Dates - Graduate Student

Emily Kophs - Senior Research Assistant

Emily is currently investigating antennal motor circuits in Drosophila. She completed her undergraduate degree in Microbiology at Washington State University before moving to Nashville. In the lab, Emily enjoys dissecting brains, confocal imaging, and trying out cool new genetic tools. Outside of the lab Emily enjoys yoga, calligraphy, and searching for the best coffee shop in Nashville.

Peyton Haas - Research Technician

Peyton is currently working on in-vivo muscle imaging with genetically encoded calcium indicators and building new tools for quantitative behavioral studies. He studied mechanical engineering as an undergraduate at the University of South Alabama, and enjoys providing technical support to projects across the lab. Outside of the lab, Peyton enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking.

David Moon - Undergraduate Student

Aissatou Bah - Undergraduate Student

Aiden Tatsuryan - Undergraduate Student

Addison Johnson - High School Student