People

Sarah Swygert, PI

I grew up in Atlanta, where I received a BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from a small but awesome women’s college, Agnes Scott. There, I studied the transcriptional regulation of the human LAT gene under the direction of Tim Finco. I went on to get my PhD at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (now UMass Chan) under Craig Peterson, where I learned the tricks of chromatin reconstitution and had fun with biophysics. I then went to Seattle to learn genomics from Toshi Tsukiyama at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (now the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center). I enjoy cooking, gardening, reading, music, being disappointed by horror movies, and hanging out in the lab when I’m supposed to be doing office stuff. You can download a copy of my CV here.

Ban Al-Kurdi, PhD student

Hi, I’m Ban Al-Kurdi, a PhD student from the cell and molecular biology program and my research experience and interest range from disease modeling utilizing stem cells and neurons to studying chromatin structure.  Currently I’m enjoying my time at the Swgert lab learning yeast genetics and the differences in chromatin structure between quiescent and log cells utilizing ChIP-seq and Micro-C to unravel these differences. I’m an international student from Jordan where I got my B.Sc. in biotechnology and genetic engineering and my M.Sc. in biology focusing on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation to urothelial cells. Outside the lab I like doing CrossFit, outdoor activities and developing new experiences.

Fisher Martenson, undergrad

Hi, I’m Fisher Martenson, a second-year biochemistry undergraduate. After taking a genetics class in my second semester at CSU, I discovered how passionate I was about this topic. This passion drove me to reach out to professors in the molecular biology field where I eventually came into contact with Dr. Swygert and Teagan Rockwood. I am currently working on a project focused on the Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes complex, Condensin. Currently, my goal is to find out more about its function as well as its binding sites.  Outside of school I love creating clothing and researching fashion, attending live music and listening to new genres, skiing backcountry or ridges, and working out and climbing. Pink Floyd, Modest Mouse, Hobo Johnson, JPEG Mafia, Alex G, Wu Tang Clan, Crowbar, The Cure, The Dead Kennedys, Synestia, and Johnny Cash are some of my favorite artists right now. 

Becky Lafferty, MS/PSM student

Hi, my name is Becky Lafferty and I am a graduate student earning my MS in Biochemistry and PSM in Data Analytics. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at Colorado State University in 2018. I am interested in proteins that are necessary for chromatin compaction, specifically involving entry and during quiescence in yeast. Outside of the lab, I love hanging out with friends, playing board games, and going to breweries. I have two dogs and a cat that I spend all of my time with. I just had a baby in February 2024.

Teagan Rockwood, PhD student

Hi, I’m Teagan Rockwood, a PhD student in the Cell and Molecular Biology program. While earning my Bachelors in Biochemistry from CSU, I spent two years in Tom Santangelo’s lab, where I delved into the fascinating world of archaeal metabolism and electron transfer. This undergraduate research experience ignited my passion for scientific exploration and propelled me toward pursuing a doctorate. Currently, my work in the Swygert Lab involves utilizing a yeast genomic library as an in vitro chromatin system to help us understand the 3D structure of in vivo chromatin. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy immersing myself in music, experimenting with new baking creations, and reading science fiction!

Lauren Snyder, undergrad

Hi, my name is Lauren Snyder. I am an undergraduate student at Colorado State University majoring in Biochemistry with minors in Molecular Biology and Chemistry. I am currently working in the Swygert Lab, where I am exploring chromatin compaction using yeast in quiescence. This research experience has strengthened my interest in molecular mechanisms that regulate chromatin structure. Outside of the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and spending time outdoors with friends!

Corey Teruya, lab manager

Hello, I’m Corey, lab manager. I have a BS from the University of Colorado. Generally, I’m responsible for ordering laboratory equipment and supplies, interacting with vendors, overseeing laboratory renovation and repairs, budgeting, setting up and maintaining biological reagent chemical stocks and supplies, washing/autoclaving glassware and running a sequencing drop box, among other things. Interests outside of work include guitars, audio-engineering, cooking, golf, occasional hiking and dogs. Current favorite artists are Jay Som, The Cure, Outkast, The Wipers, Omni, Spirit of the Beehive, and Frank Ocean.