Carolyne Stoffel, Research Associate
I received my B. A. in Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Genetics, Genomics, and Development from UC Berkeley in 2022. As an undergraduate at Cal, I worked as a Lab Assistant in the Dawson Lab and the Center for Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry. I also was an apprentice in the Simms Lab where I conducted research on plants and their microbiomes in a changing climate. I am excited to be in the lab, deepening my understanding of photosynthesis and to address global issues using science. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going to concerts, taking nature walks, and trying new vegan foods! 

Find me on : Research gate, ORCID, Linkedin, Twitter

cstoffel at carnegiescience dot edu

Evan Saldivar, PhD Student
I received my bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in 2019. I became interested in plant metabolism through an internship in the Schmelz lab at UCSD, studying specialized metabolism in maize. I joined Stanford’s biology department as a graduate student in 2020 to pursue my doctoral thesis in the Rhee Lab. My research in the Rhee Lab is focused on the interaction between central carbon metabolism and vigor in higher plants grown under limiting nutrient concentrations, using Arabidopsis as a model system. As a parallel line of inquiry in the Burlacot Lab, I am studying the relationship between central carbon metabolism and fitness in cyanobacteria grown under environments known to modulate photosynthetic efficiency, to better understand the complex interaction between environment and metabolism within cyanobacterial communities. 

Find me on : Google Scholar, ORCID, Linkedin, Twitter

esaldivar at carnegiescience dot edu

Leron Perez, PhD student
I received my BSc in Molecular Engineering from the University of Chicago in 2020. I am currently a biophysics PhD in the Cremer Lab where I focus on modeling how protein synthesis limits the rate of acclimation to fluctuations, such as in E. coli's response to oxygen or antibiotic changes. In the Burlacot Lab, I work on quantifying how thousands of Chlamy mutants respond to light fluctuations and developing a big picture understanding of how algae make enough energy to grow. Outside the lab, I love being active in nature and building things. 

Find me on : Google Scholar, Linkedin

lperez at carnegiescience dot edu

Liat Adler, Postdoc
I completed my PhD in the McCormick group at the University of Edinburgh where I discovered the wonders of algal CO2-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs)! My PhD research focused on thylakoid bicarbonate ion channels. I then worked on the formation of the pyrenoid starch sheath in the Mackinder group at the university of York. Now, in the Burlacot lab, I’m excited to be investigating how the CCM energized. I also hope to continue engaging in science outreach projects. Outside the lab I enjoy rock climbing, pole dancing and nature-based art. 

Find me on : Google Scholar, Research gate, ORCID, Linkedin, Twitter

ladler at carnegiescience dot edu

Maia Lopin, Intern
Before enrolling as an undergraduate at Stanford University, I am taking a gap year to discover the world and contribute to protecting it. I am excited to start my gap year at Burlacot Lab, where I am investigating how microalgal photosynthesis dynamically acclimates to light fluctuations. Following this, I will work as a ski instructor in Japan and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts in Rwanda. Equally fascinated by science, policy, and human behaviour, I am interested in studying social-ecological systems, exploring the synergy between local ecological knowledge and scientific inquiry. I also love nature and the outdoors –– hiking, swimming, skiing, and horse riding are my jam!

Find me on : Linkedin

mlopin at carnegiescience dot edu

Myria Schroeder, Msc Intern
I am very interested in the effects of the environment on organisms and the strategies organisms have evolved to thrive in changing environments. My research so far has included crabs, plants, zoo- and phytoplankton, and I have enjoyed studying and researching in Germany, Scotland, England, and the U.S. I am thrilled to do my master's research project in the Burlacot lab and to learn more about the fascinating mechanisms by which algae acclimate to different light conditions! I am passionate about science education, human and planetary health challenges, and I love reading, hiking, and cycling.

Find me on: LinkedIn

mschroeder at carnegiescience dot edu

You are looking for a postdoc, you're interested in microalgal photosynthesis ?

Feel free to reach out with an email describing your background, interests and a proposed project
at aburlacot at carnegiescience dot edu

We are always looking for talented people to develop new ideas !