Staff
Instructor
Head Teaching Assistant
Zoë Derauf
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Zoë and I am currently a first year PhD student in the Thachuk Lab. My research focuses on building programmable diagnostic systems using DNA nanotechnology and molecular programming to support more precise and accessible clinical decision-making. Broadly, I’m interested in designing systems that translate molecular innovations into practical diagnostic tools that can improve care across a range of clinical and resource-limited environments. Outside of the lab I enjoy hiking and backpacking with my dog Monet, baking sweet treats, crocheting new accessories, and I recently started a little garden on my roof. Super excited to work with you all this quarter!
Teaching Assistant
Sophia Contos
she/her
Hi everyone, my name is Sophia and I am a senior majoring in Bioengineering. I am very excited to be helping out in the wet lab this quarter. Currently, I am working on an in vitro system to study HIV integrase-mediated DNA integration. More broadly, I’m fascinated by biomaterials, molecular self-assembly, and DNA nanotechnology, and how they can be used to design responsive systems for diagnostics and regenerative medicine. Feel free to email me with any questions, I would love to get to know you all! When I’m not in the lab, I love reading, trying new foods, and going to the gym.