Dr. Luis Ortiz-Rodríguez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Maryland. He earned his B.S. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao and his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Case Western Reserve University with Dr. Carlos E. Crespo-Hernández, where he used ultrafast spectroscopy to study the photophysics of modified nucleobases.
As a postdoctoral researcher with Dr. Julie S. Biteen at the University of Michigan, he applied single-molecule tracking and super-resolution microscopy to investigate molecular organization in living bacteria, with a particular focus on the dynamics and material properties of bacterial BR-bodies.
The Ortiz-Rodríguez Lab combines physical chemistry, quantitative imaging, and bacterial cell biology to understand how RNA is organized and regulated in living cells. The lab develops and applies single-molecule and super-resolution approaches to follow RNAs and RNA-associated proteins in real time, revealing how bacterial mRNAs transition between transcription, translation, storage, and degradation.
As a postdoctoral researcher with Dr. Julie S. Biteen at the University of Michigan, he applied single-molecule tracking and super-resolution microscopy to investigate molecular organization in living bacteria, with a particular focus on the dynamics and material properties of bacterial BR-bodies.
The Ortiz-Rodríguez Lab combines physical chemistry, quantitative imaging, and bacterial cell biology to understand how RNA is organized and regulated in living cells. The lab develops and applies single-molecule and super-resolution approaches to follow RNAs and RNA-associated proteins in real time, revealing how bacterial mRNAs transition between transcription, translation, storage, and degradation.
Graduate Students
Mina Duman
Hello! I am a chemistry graduate student at UMD-College Park. I finished my MS in Chemistry at Villanova University and my BS in Chemistry at Drexel University. I am interested in studying single-cell and single-molecule dynamics using high-resolution analytical techniques with long-term medical applications. Outside of the lab, my free time is spent running, reading books, and exploring nature.
Tanner Wolov
Hi, my name is Tanner Wolov, and I’m a first-year graduate student. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Purdue University and am originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania. My research interests include nucleic acids, drug discovery, and chemical biology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy running and staying active in my free time.
Hanna Ashby
Hi! My name is Hanna Ashby and I am a chemistry graduate student at the University of Maryland. I completed my B.S in Chemistry at Florida State University. My research interests include the use of advanced imaging techniques and computational approaches to study molecular dynamics and organization in living cells. In my free time, I enjoy catching up on shows, trying new meal prep recipes, and making plans with friends, especially trivia, board games, and movie nights.
Dani Fellner
Hi! My name is Dani Fellner and I am a chemistry graduate student at UMD. I completed my B.S. in Chemistry and Environmental Science at Bridgewater College in northwestern Virginia. My research interests include inorganic materials and instrumentation development. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and reading!
Undergraduate Students |
Emma Person
Emma Person is a junior at the University of Maryland majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in French. Originally from Kensington, Maryland, she joined the Ortiz Lab as an undergraduate researcher because of her interest in molecular biology and understanding how gene expression is regulated. She is excited to contribute to the lab's research while continuing to grow as a scientist. Outside of the lab, Emma enjoys photography, baking, and competing in track and field.
Catherine Pham
Hello! My name is Catherine Pham, and I am a third-year undergraduate chemistry student at the University of Maryland. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, I enjoy hobbies such as 3D nail art, singing, and theatre. I am excited to gain research experience and develop chemical intuition in the Ortiz-Rodríguez Lab as I build a foundation as a scientist.