Matthew Romero – Principle Investigator
Matt Romero was born and raised in southeastern New Mexico where he attended New Mexico State University and studied exercise physiology. The majority of Matt’s graduate research was focused on the molecular mechanisms of exercise signaling in skeletal muscle. Matt’s postdoctoral work focused on chromatin folding during human skeletal muscle development.
Favorite muscle: Soleus muscle AKA the “slow-leus”
Favorite activities outside the lab and hobbies: Outside of the lab you can find Matt spending time with his wife and daughter, attempting to lift heavy weights in the gym and/or overanalyzing basketball schemes and movies.
Mehernaz Haque – Phd Student
Mehernaz was born and raised in Islamabad, Pakistan. She earned her B.S. in Human Biology from the University of California, San Diego, and her M.S. in Biology from California State University, Long Beach. Favorite Muscle: Rhomboids. Outside the lab, Mehernaz enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and paddle boarding. In her free time, she loves traveling, attending music festivals, and reading.
Kate Mendenhall – Junior Specialist
Kate was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. Kate received her B.S. in Biology from UCSC. She has previously worked in the biotechnology sector, predominantly within antibody production. Favorite muscle: Superior rectus. Favorite activities outside the lab and hobbies: Yoga, reading, playing with my cat, baking, and camping.
Emma McGraw – Junior Specialist
Emma grew up in Santa Cruz and received her B.S in Plant Science from UCSC. Favorite muscle: Sartorius (the longest muscle in the human body). Favorite activities outside the lab and hobbies: Emma loves to enjoy nature by running, backpacking, and surfing, she also does ceramics, and enjoys spending time with her cats.
