Long Research Group

Alex Long (she/her) Assistant Professor

B.A. Biology Carleton College

PhD Cell Biology, UCSF

Postdoc, Stanford

I am fascinated by how cells across the tree of life use conserved polymers to create beautiful patterns that power complex, dynamic behaviors. Outside of the lab I enjoy hiking with my family, yoga, and baking pies.

Ethan Hackney (he/him) PhD student

B.S. Neuroscience, Morehead State University

M.S. Biology, Murray State University

I am a lover of biological sciences, and I am deeply curious about how cells can rearrange to perform unique functions in all walks of life. In my free time, I am an avid comic book reader and movie enjoyer. I also like the outdoors and trying different food.

Y. Hamed Pacheco Romero (he/him/they) PhD student

B.S. Wildlife Management, Univ. Puerto Rico
B.S. General Biology, Univ. Puerto Rico
UK NeuPREP alumni

I am a first-generation PhD student from Culebra P.R. My previous experience in mammalian hair cells has led me to want to explore translational and comparative biological questions. The complex organization of relatively tiny systems is fascinating and mind-boggling. I look forward to honing my skills as an independent researcher and continue to grow as a person in Dr. Long’s Lab. Outside of the lab I enjoy horror movies, reading, and having board game nights with friends.

María Natalia Arenas Flórez (she/her) Lab Technician

B.S. Biology University of Kentucky

I am a biology graduate with a strong curiosity for the unanswered questions in biology. I am fascinated by the mechanisms that make life work at the cellular level and am excited to expand my background in bioinformatics into hands-on work in cell biology and microscopy. I look forward to developing as an independent researcher and exploring my interests before graduate school. Outside of the lab, I enjoy fantasy books, watercolor painting, baking, and getting unnecessarily excited about pretty stationery.

Alaina Stricker (she/her) undergraduate

I am a biosystems engineering major with a biology minor. I have a strong interest in biomaterials and how biological systems react to their environment. I enjoy working in a laboratory to explore this interest. In my free time, I enjoy painting and spending time with my friends and family.

Jonna Lepisto (she/her) undergraduate

I am a pre-medical laboratory sciences major with a strong interest in understanding how biological systems work at cellular levels. I enjoy engaging in hands-on laboratory work and developing skills that bridge scientific research and clinical applications. In my free time I love reading, solving Sudoku puzzles, going on walks, cooking fresh pasta, and shopping.

Brenan White (she/her) undergraduate

I am a biology major with a specialty in genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics. I find intracellular communication and processes to be incredibly interesting and am passionate about exploring this interest in the lab. In my free time, I love reading, completing Michael Storring’s puzzles, and spending time with friends.