Justin recently graduated from the University of Texas – at Austin, obtaining a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biochemistry. His research interests include exploring the biological mechanisms of disease and how they can be targeted to create new therapeutic treatments. Justin plans to continue his education by attending medical school in hopes of becoming a physician in the US Air Force. He hopes to positively impact the lives of others and one day live out his dream of owning a golden retriever.

Sweta received her PhD from University of Montpellier, France. She then went on to complete her postdoc at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is focusing on mechanistic investigation into SLFN14 ribonuclease using enzymology and cryo-EM.

Claire is a rising senior at the University of Virginia, pursuing her B.S. in Biochemistry and participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Training (SMART) Program at Baylor this summer. She hopes to continue to work in research upon graduation, and eventually pursue an MD/PhD. Originally from Houston, she is enjoying being back in the city and spending time with family and friends this summer.

Monica is a faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine. She is affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as well as the Therapeutic Innovation Center (THINC). Early on in her scientific career, Monica became fascinated with the function and regulation of nucleases. Nucleases represent a diverse class of enzymes that are tasked with cutting DNA and RNA. While it’s clear that many nucleases are fundamental for life, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that ensure these molecular scissors only cut on target and at the right time remain poorly understood. The Pillon Lab has a special focus on RNA-targeting nucleases with the aim of understanding how these complex enzymes promote human health and drive disease states.

Justin received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Erskine College. As a Research Technician at Baylor College of Medicine he developed a passion for understanding the intricacies of RNA processing and RNA binding proteins. In the Pillon Lab, Justin works to elucidate the structure and function of proteins involved in the maturation of mitochondrial mRNA.

Arleth is a recent graduate from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Pre-Medical concentration. She wants to pursue a PhD in cellular and molecular biology to prevent and control diseases by primarily focusing on immunology. Although she believes research is her mission, her dream is to continue research, start a family and have a pit bull in Austin later in life.