PEOPLE

Robyn Leigh Tanguay (Formerly Robert Leonard Tanguay) is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, the Director of the Oregon State University Superfund Research Program, Director of the Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, and the Director of an Environmental Health Sciences Center. She received her BA in Biology from California State University-San Bernardino, her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of California-Riverside, and postdoctoral training in Developmental Toxicology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She serves on a number of academic, commercial, and federal advisory boards and is on the editorial board for several scientific journals. Over the past several years she has pioneered the use of zebrafish as a toxicology model and recently developed automated high throughput instrumentation to accelerate phenotype discovery in zebrafish. A major focus is on identifying chemicals and mixtures that produce neurotoxicity. Phenotypic anchoring coupled with the inherent molecular and genetic advantages of zebrafish is used to define the mechanisms by which chemicals, drugs, and nanoparticles interact with and adversely affect vertebrate development and function.

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STAFF SCIENTISTS

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Eric keeps both the building and animal life support systems operating, and he facilitates experimental work here at SARL.

Mike works in all aspects of developmental toxicity testing at the SARL and contributes experience in molecular biology and technical writing.

Ryan graduated from OSU with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Chemistry and an M.S. in Toxicology. As a Faculty Research Assistant at the Tanguay Lab, he manages daily operations within the fish room, oversees zebrafish breeding, maintains high zebrafish health standards, and conducts cryopreservation on all the genetic lines.

I have my B.S. in Microbiology, and PhD in Comparative Health Sciences, both from OSU. I conducted research in Dr. Rockey’s laboratory with a focus on Chlamydial genomics and recombination analysis. My specialty is within Genomics, Recombination, DNA sequencing, and Bioinformatics using Python/R/Bash/Ruby/Mysql. I am currently a Bioinformatics Scientist in the CQLS and Tanguay Lab, and I teach Environmental Sequence Analysis in the winter.

I have three years of zebrafish experience in both industry and academia. In my off time, I enjoy strength training, hiking, and time with family.

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THE SCIENTISTS

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I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Tanguay Lab with a research interest in cell signaling and mechanistic toxicology, particularly in constructing adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) to better understand chemical-induced biological effects. I am originally from Taiwan and moved to Davis, California to pursue a master’s degree in forensic science, followed by a PhD in pharmacology and toxicology. Prior to joining the Tanguay Lab, I had two postdoctoral research experiences—one exploring epigenetic modifiers and gene inducibility by environmental chemicals, and another examining the metabolic activation of antiproliferative agents in cancer cells. I am interested in a career in investigative toxicology within preclinical settings, where alternative models are used for mechanistic elucidation, toxicity de-risking, and improved translatability to complex human systems.

I grew up in Marin county California and received my bachelor’s in Biochemistry/Molecular biology and Fine art from Hamilton College in 2018. After graduation, I’ve had a variety of roles. Most notably as a research associate at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging using high-throughput methods to identify life-span extending compounds in c. elegans, and as an ORISE fellow at the Duluth office of the EPA developing Adverse Outcome Pathways to understand aquatic toxicity. I am a new member of the Tanguay lab and look forward to developing my research focus, I am currently interested in QSAR modeling and molecular mechanisms of alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon toxicity.

I grew up in the East Bay Area, California, and earned my B.S. in Environmental Toxicology at the University of California, Davis. During my undergrad, I worked extensively in Dr. Andrew Whitehead’s lab, where I in Delta Smelt. I stayed on after graduation as a research technician, which gave me the chance to work with some of our collaborators. I worked with the EPA’s Clark Lab and the Hahn Lab at Woods Hole, where I focused on how gene-environment interactions can influence congenital heart disease in Atlantic Killifish. Now as a PhD student in the Tanguay lab, I’m diving into the world of chlorinated paraffins (CPs)— using the zebrafish model and molecular docking to compare and predict how the structural influence of CPs might interact with proteins/ligands.

I’m currently a first-year Master’s student and will be studying the interaction between the flame retardant TDBPP and miR-125b-5p.

I am originally from Washington State and graduated from the University of Washington in 2021 with my bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology. During and briefly after undergrad, I worked primarily in a cancer research setting, studying the genetic drivers behind rhabdomyosarcoma. Now, as a PhD student in the Tanguay lab, I am focusing on the AHR/AIP complex and its relationship to the susceptibility of toxic ligands. My goal is to further develop my knowledge and skillset in molecular biology and mechanisms of toxic chemicals.

I earned with my Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University in 2019. My senior year I began working in the Tanguay lab as a screening technician and later as lead technician. In 2022, I rejoined the lab as a PhD student in the Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology at Oregon State University. My research primarily studies how genetic variation within a population affects an individual’s response to chemical and environmental insult. I work with several transgenic zebrafish lines and utilize DNA and RNA sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics analysis to determine phenotype. I was supported by a graduate research assistant appointment until September 2023 when I was selected to be a graduate research fellow on the NIEHS T32 Training Grant.

I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Field Lab and the Tanguay Lab studying the partitioning of PFAS and cannabinoids using biomimetic chromatography. I grew up near Dallas, Texas, and graduated with a bachelors in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston. I enjoy food, the outdoors, and encounters with nonhuman animals, especially aquatic/marine life.

Hello! I’m Owen, and I am a member of the Tanguay Zebrafish Lab. Originally born and raised in York Pennsylvania, I pursued my B.Sc. at University if Miami (FL) in Marine Biology and Ecology. The Prakash Biophysics lab was my second home in the later years whilst developing a thesis, as well as minoring in chemistry. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Corvallis with my girlfriend and our cat to escape the chaos of South Florida and change pace. Since joining the EMT department, I’ve further solidified my interest in aquatics-based research in pursuing Robyn’s lab where I feel most at home around fish once more. My current focus on Tg(fabp10a: CFP-NTR) liver ablation and compensatory regeneration, in addition to a few other generative AI projects have fulfilled the flexible interdisciplinary focus I aspired to continue tackling. We hopefully further plan to do chemical exposures on these livers during regeneration, hashing further investigative potential of future HTS for targeted substances. Since moving I’ve been camping, hiking, and experiencing as much as the PNW has to offer. Ironically enough, I am also an avid golfer despite such environmental passion. Missing my blue crabs, and shoutout to Old Bay!

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EARLY CAREER SCIENTISTS

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I recently graduated from Oregon State University in December of 2023 where I earned a B.S. in Zoology.  I am a screening technician here at Tanguay Lab, working closely with embryonic zebrafish. In the future, I plan to earn a master’s degree and I hope to go on to work in species conservation and specialize in marine animals.

I am a third-year Biochemistry & Molecular Biology undergraduate student at Oregon State. In the Tanguay Lab, I am currently working as a zebrafish screening technician. I’m incredibly passionate about molecular biology and education and plan to pursue both throughout my academic journey and career. Outside of the lab, I enjoy kayaking, hiking, and exploring new places. 

I am a sophomore in the Dual Partnership Program, majoring in Marine Studies and Sustainability at Oregon State University. I grew up in Hawaii and my future interests surround sustainable aquaculture and culturally important species. I am a screening technician here at the Tanguay Lab working with zebrafish embryos. Outside of work, I enjoy homemade food, the outdoors, and rockclimbing. 

I am in my last year of undergrad at Oregon State getting my B.S. in biology with an option in ecology. In the future I plan to go to grad school for ecotoxicology. In the lab I work in screening as well as the fish room taking care of the fish. Outside of the lab I love cooking, dancing, and crafting.

I am an undergraduate student pursuing a major in Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences as well as a minor in Biological Data Sciences. I have always loved sharks and marine mammals, but recently developed an appreciation for fish after taking an Ichthyology class at OSU. I also have some experience in wildlife rehabilitation and SCUBA diving, which I hope to use in the field of marine conservation and research after I graduate. Outside of work and school, you can find me rock-climbing, at a concert, or just reading.

I recently graduated from Oregon State University, earning a B.S. in Biology, with an option in marine biology & ecology, and a minor in chemistry. In the future, I plan to pursue an M.S. in toxicology and apply it to better understand the impacts of environmental contaminants on marine ecosystems. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, surfing, and just being outdoors in general.

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THE ENGINEERS

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I’m a Computer Science Master’s student at Oregon State University, transitioning from an Electrical Engineering background at the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. As an Electronics Engineer at Tanguay Lab, I focus on leveraging my technical skills in new and challenging contexts within electronic engineering. My academic and professional journey reflects a commitment to growth and adaptation in the evolving fields of computer science and electronics.

My name is XF, and I am a second-year Master’s student in Computer Science, specializing in visual and simulation development. I am confident in using simulation tools such as Unreal Engine and Blender, and I also have experience with full-stack development. I am committed to developing real-world skills and gaining hands-on experience in the field. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing badminton and exploring role-playing video games.

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