Kenny Chiou
Principal Investigator · Assistant Professor · UAB Biology
My name is Kenny Chiou (he/him) and I am the principal investigator of the PrimAL Lab and an Assistant Professor of Biology at UAB. I am interested in the wide-ranging information encoded in genomes and how it sheds light on health and evolution in primates. My research combines tools and perspectives from evolutionary biology, anthropology, genomics, and geroscience to investigate links between the environment, aging, health, and survival. Unrelated to my research, I am learning woodworking, gardening, and aquascaping. You can learn more about me by visiting my website, by emailing me at kchiou@uab.edu, or by following me on X (formerly Twitter).
Isabelle Shinn
Researcher · UAB Biology
My name is Isabelle Shinn and I’m a Researcher with a BS in Biology from the University of Washington and an MS in Evolutionary Genetics from the University of Edinburgh. I’m broadly interested in the evolutionary genetics of senescence, life history trade-offs, and sex-specific aging. In my free time, you can find me hiking, playing the fiddle, or gathering recommendations for the best BBQ in town.
Serena Finger
PhD Student · NSF Graduate Research Fellow · Blazer Fellow · UAB Biology
My name is Serena Finger, I am a Biology PhD student in the PrimAL Lab at UAB. I completed my BS in Anthropology and Psychology from the University of New Mexico. I study how behavior shapes gene expression patterns and neuroanatomy in macaques. My research examines how these molecular signatures vary across brain regions, change across the lifespan, and vary depending on the social environment. My enduring hobbies are reading, cooking, and enjoying transient third hobbies.
Saerimam Markus
PhD Student · UAB Biology
My name is Saerimam Markus and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, where I honed my passion for animal behavior, ecology, and conservation biology. Throughout my academic career, I’ve maintained a commitment to understanding the intricate relationships between wildlife and their environments, with a particular focus on how human activities—for example, intensive farming practices—impact biodiversity.
Anna Nguyen
Bioinformatics Technician · UAB Biology
My name is Anna Nguyen (pronounced “Win”) and I am a bioinformatic technician with a B.S. in Bioinformatics from UAB. I am passionate about utilizing computational approaches to investigate biological problems, such as the mechanisms underlying age-related diseases. My overall goal in the research field is to advance genomic research and use clinical data analysis to promote human welfare. Outside the lab, I frequently will be at the UAB recreation center working out and playing basketball or volleyball. When I’m not active, I’ll likely be immersed in a book!
Violet Morin
ABM Student · UAB Biology
Hi! My name is Violet Morin and I’m a junior double majoring in Biology and Philosophy pursuing the Accelerated Bachelors to Masters program in Biology. I’m interested in learning bioinformatics techniques to enlighten my research with ancient DNA from Ice Age mammals. Using comparative genetic strategies with fossilized organisms and modern species, I hope to understand how the environment affected these animals on a genetic level, and how this knowledge can aid conservation initiatives regarding global warming today.
Samuel Wu
BS Student · UAB Biomedical Sciences
My name is Samuel Wu, and I am pursuing a Biomedical Sciences degree at UAB. I am interested in the intersection of genetics and the environment, specifically investigating how these forces shape the mobility and performance of primates. In my spare time, I’m usually out moving myself, at a tennis/pickleball court or trekking through Alabama’s winding hiking trails!
You?
We are currently recruiting! Visit our Join Us page to inquire about joining the lab.