Jeff Bouffard

Ph.D. Student Bioengineering
Email: bouffard.j@husky.neu.edu

In my research I create transgenic C. elegans with genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors to study highly conserved proteins that sense the mechanical state of cells and generate biological responses. I use widefield and confocal microscopy to acquire 2 and 3D movies of the spermatheca during ovulation events, and write scripts in Fiji and Matlab for image/ signal processing and analysis.

Charlotte Kelley

Ph.D. Student Biology
Email: kelley.ch@husky.neu.edu

My research involves using the C. elegans spermatheca as an in vivo model for studying how biological tubes respond to mechanical stress. I am currently developing a model for studying the flux of calcium in and out of the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, I am screening gene candidates as potentially new regulators of spermathecal function.

Perla Castaneda

Ph.D. Student Biology
Email: casteneda.p@husky.neu.edu

My current graduate work in the Cram Lab is on understanding the role of heterotrimeric G-protein signaling in mechanotransduction and tissue contractility using C. elegans spermatheca.