Team
Lab members can expect to work in a highly supportive and interdisciplinary environment with active collaboration both within the lab and with colleagues around the world. There will also be cookies.
Assistant Professor
Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics
Alex S. Holehouse
Contact: alex.holehouse{at]wustl.edu (he/him)
Postdoc Washington University in St. Louis (Biomedical Engineering)
Ph.D. Washington University in St. Louis (Computational Biophysics)
Bioinformatician Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
M.Sc. Imperial College London (Computer Science )
M.Bioch. University of Oxford (Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry)
ORCID: 0000-0002-4155-5729
Hometown: “Northern Europe”
Favorite activity outside of lab: Playing ultimate frisbee and cooking for my hungry, hungry wife.
Favorite food: Ramen? Chicken Madras? Prosciutto? Too many options…
Random fact: I have auditory synesthesia (sounds have a 3D, textured colour associated with them).
Best Albums: Blackwater Park (Opeth), Transatlanticism (Death Cab for Cutie)
Joined: 2020
CORI FELLOWS
Cori fellows are fully independent research fellows with their own departmentally-funded research program who work alongside a host lab. In our case, we are lucky enough to host Dr. Jackie Pelham, her research technician Alex Keeley, and her staff scientist Matt Kent.
Dr. Jackie pELHAM (cori fellow)
Contact: pelham{at]wustl.edu (she/her)
Research Interests: The intersection of intrinsic protein disorder with the regulation of circadian and cellular physiology
Education:
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Ph.D. (Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2022) with Jen Hurley
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute B.S. (Biology, 2016)
ORCID: 0000-0002-2268-3012
Hometown: Upstate New York
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Spending time with my husband and walks with my dog. Cooking while having a good glass of wine.
Favorite Food: Charcuterie and cinnamon buns
Random Fact: I played the tuba in middle and high school band.
Best albums: Discovery (Daft Punk), Ramones (The Ramones)
Joined: 2022
Alex Keeley
(PELHAM LAB Research Technician)
Alex works directly with Dr. Pelham in her capacity as an independent fellow
Contact: alex.k{at]wustl.edu (he/him)
Research Interests: The evolution of cellular metabolism and biochemistry, and the roles and development of intrinsic disorder within the origins of life.
Education: University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, B.S. (Chemistry) 2022
ORCID: 0009-0007-4068-0652
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Rowing, cooking, or reading
Favorite Food: Anything Creole-adjacent
Random Fact: I collect uranium glassware and old radios
Best albums: The Best of Talking Heads (Talking Heads), Spend the Night (The Donnas)
Joined: 2023
matt kent
(PELHAM LAB staff scientist)
Matt works directly with Dr. Pelham in her capacity as an independent fellow
Contact: kent.m{at]wustl.edu (he/him)
Research Interests: The evolution of cellular metabolism and biochemistry, and the roles and development of intrinsic disorder within the origins of life.
ORCID: 0000-0002-8288-8714
Education:
PhD Biological Sciences from Vanderbilt University 2020 with Jim Patton
BS Genetics from The University of Georgia 2013
Hometown: Bogart, GA
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Video games and reading
Favorite Food: Buffalo wings or pizza
Random Fact: I played the alto saxophone in my high school marching band.
Best albums: Greatest Hits (Queen, 1981), Night Visions (Imagine Dragons)
Joined: 2025
INSTRUCTORS
Dr. Ryan emenecker (FACULTY Instructor)
Contact: remenecker{at]wustl.edu (he/him)
Research Interests: How the properties of IDRs impact various aspects of biomolecular condensates.
Education:
Washington University in St. Louis, Ph.D. (Plant and Microbial Biosciences) with Lucia Strader and Alex Holehouse.
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, B.S. (Plant Biology) 2016
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, B.S. (Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development) 2016
ORCID: 0000-0001-7055-2773
Hometown: Neenah, Wisconsin
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Reading or working out
Favorite Food: Pizza
Random Fact: I am extremely colorblind.
Best albums: Beatles For Sale (The Beatles), Celebrate (Tiny Moving Parts)
Joined: 2020 (day 1)
POSTDOCS
Dr. Emery Usher (postdoc)
NIGMS F32 Fellow (former W.M. Keck Fellow)
Co-advised with Carrie Partch at UCSC
Contact: usher{at]wustl.edu (he/him)
Research Interests: The impact and role of PTMs in tuning IDR conformational ensembles.
Education:
THE Pennsylvania State University, Ph.D. (Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology) 2022 with Scott Showalter
Clarkson University, B.S. (Chemistry) 2016
ORCID: 0000-0002-8303-9992
Hometown: Williston, Vermont
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Starting home improvement projects
Favorite Food: Cheese, broccoli, mini M&Ms
Random Fact: I play the guitar, electric bass, ukulele, drums, and piano below averagely.
Best Albums: The Planets (Gustav Holst), Pretty. Odd. (Panic! At The Disco)
Joined: 2022
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Aidan Flynn (Graduate student)
Graduate student in the Plant and Microbial Biosciences graduate program
Contact: aidanflynn{at)wustl.edu (he/him)
Research Interests: New methods for exploring evolution in IDRs
Education:
B.A. Washington University in St. Louis (Microbiology)
ORCID: 0000-0003-0607-9381
Hometown: The never-ending amorphous blob that is Phoenix, Arizona
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Playing ultimate frisbee and (much to my players' chagrin) occasionally coaching it
Favorite Food: Gumbo
Random Fact: I really like bluegrass music!
Best Albums: Renewal (Billy Strings), Cats [Original Broadway Cast Recording] (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
Joined: 2022
Stephen Plassmeyer (Graduate student)
Graduate student in the Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Structural Biology graduate program
Contact: stephenplassmeyer{at)wustl.edu (he/him)
Research Interests: Integrating high throughput experimentation and computation to predict and design biomolecular properties.
Education: Truman State University, B.S. (Chemistry and Biology)
ORCID: 0000-0002-8986-0650
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Running, biking, and hiking with my dog around local parks.
Favorite Food: Noodle soup, broadly defined
Best Album: Magdalena Bay (Mercurial World), Charli xcx (BRAT)
Joined: 2022
Ramiz Somjee (graduate student)
Vision Sciences T32 Fellow and MD/Ph.D. Graduate Student
Graduate student in the Medical Sciences Training Program
Contact: r.a.somjee{at]wustl.edu (he/him)
Research Interests: Intrinsically disordered proteins and their role in biology and disease
Education:
B.S. Rhodes College (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology)
ORCID: 0000-0003-1721-1616
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Eating and outdoor active things. A true stalemate.
Favorite Food: The Bibimbap (a Korean rice dish) or Ruben sandwich from Kwik Check in Memphis TN.
Best Albums: Positions (Ariana grande), Parachute (Coldplay)
Joined: 2023
Jeff Lotthammer (Graduate student)
FRONTERA Computational Sciences Fellow (and NSF GRFP Fellow)
Graduate student in the Computational and Systems Biology (CSB) graduate program.
Contact: j.lotthammer{at)wustl.edu (he/him)
Research Interests: Statistical Mechanics, Molecular Simulations, Protein Bioinformatics and Machine Learning. Currently interrogating IDR function through the integration of theory, computational modeling, and machine learning.
Education:
THE Ohio State University, Columbus Ohio, B.S. (Biochemistry)
ORCID: 0000-0002-5022-7006
Hometown: Springboro, Ohio
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Hiking, kayaking, spending time at the lake, board games, and hanging out with my friends.
Favorite Food: Chinese, Italian, or Indian food
Best Albums: A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out (Panic! At The Disco), Vessel (Twenty One Pilots)
Joined: 2022
Borna Novak (Graduate student)
MD/Ph.D. Graduate Student
Graduate student in the Computational and Systems Biology (CSB) graduate program.
Contact: bnovak{at)wustl.edu (he/him)
Research Interests: IDR-associated peptide protein interactions through simulations.
Education:
University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, BS, Biochemistry
ORCID: 0000-0002-5788-3786
Hometown: Čakovec, Croatia
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Playing tennis, other activities in the Forest park
Favorite Food: Döner kebab
Random Fact: Currently learning how to cruise on a skateboard
Best Albums: Filigranski Pločnici (Azra), Rumours (Fleetwood Mac)
Joined: 2022
Nick Razo (Graduate student)
Lucille P. Markey Pathway Fellow and Ph.D. Graduate Student
Graduate student in the Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Structural Biology graduate program (BBSB) graduate program.
Contact: n.j.razo{at)wustl.edu (he/him)
Research Interests: New methods to quantify uncertainity in disorder with applications to women’s health.
Education:
Missouri University of Science and Technology - BA Physics
Joliet Junior College – AS Science
ORCID: 0000-0002-4652-1149
Hometown: Joliet, IL
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Getting out and seeing nature by (including but not limited to) running, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, paddle boarding, photography, and climbing
Favorite Food: Green Bean Casserole (a requirement at all Thanksgiving spreads)
Random Fact: I play quite a few instruments like guitar, bass, uke, and lyre harp
Best Albums: Ashes of the Wake (Lamb of God), City of Gold (Molly Tuttle)
Joined: 2024
Freya Beinart
NSF GRFP Graduate Fellow
Graduate student in the Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Structural Biology graduate program (BBSB) graduate program.
Contact: b.freya{at)wustl.edu (they/them)
Research Interests: RNA recruitment to pathogenic and synthetic condensates
Education:
Kenyon College, BA in Arabic and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Richmond, IN
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: I love to draw, crochet, and lift weights!
Favorite Food: Sushi, döner, and corn pudding (a Hoosier staple)
Random Fact: I’m learning Taekwondo!
Best 2 albums: Masterpiece (Big Thief), Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit (Courtney Barnett)
Joined: 2025
Sarah Hoffmann-weitsman
Lucille P. Markey Pathway Fellow and Ph.D. Graduate Student
Graduate student in the Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Structural Biology graduate program (BBSB) graduate program.
Contact: hoffmann-weitsman{at)wustl.edu (she/her)
Research Interests: Molecular basis for IDR-associated human pathophysiology
Education:
Knox College – B.S. in Biochemistry (hons)
Hometown: Lancaster, OH
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Dancing, going on walks/hikes, and spending time with family & friends.
Favorite Food: Cheesecake!
Random Fact: I’ve been to 25 countries (and hoping to travel to more soon!)
Best 2 albums: Stick Season (Noah Kahan), Mamma Mia! (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Joined: 2025
Graham BACHMAN
Graduate student in the Computational and Systems Biology (CSB) graduate program.
Contact: bachman{at)wustl.edu
Research Interests: Protein interaction networks; complex dynamical systems; evolution, plasticity, and robustness; emergent phenomena in biology.
Education:
Data Science BS and MS at Maryville University of St. Louis
Hometown: Brighton, IL
Favorite Activity Outside of Lab: Restoring my century home.
Favorite Food: Depending on the hour, a fried English breakfast or a Cornish Pasty.
Random Fact: I thought I was going to film school and am still confused what happened.
Best 2 albums: 22, A Million - Bon Iver; Fleet Foxes - Self Titled
Joined: 2025
YOU?!?!?
For undergraduate students:
General: In general, we are looking for undergraduates with strong programming skills who want to apply their abilities to real-world biological questions. A range of projects (from software engineering to machine learning) are available, and we can tailor projects to your interests, goals, and long-term career objectives.
Current status for undergrads: As of June 2025, we are not looking to hire new undergraduate students for the foreseeable future due to limitations in space!
For graduate students:
Current status: The lab is looking to hire one or two grad students who will focus on experimental work in the 2025-2026 academic cycle. We have a range of burgeoning projects with particular areas of focus in in-cell protein:RNA interactions, biomolecular condensates, elucidating the principles underlying IDR-mediated signaling, and transcriptional regulation. If you’re interested, the most important factors are that you’re curious, excited about science, and willing to work as part of an interdisciplinary team! NB: We are currently fully booked for the 2025-2026 cycle.
General: Some experience in experimental biochemistry and/or molecular will be important. However, more important is a track record of inquiry, good quantitative skills, self-motivation, and strong communication skills. There is also an opportunity to expand into computational work to whatever extent a student might be interested.
Current graduate students at WashU: Students in any graduate program at WashU (DBBS/BME/Physics/CS etc.) should contact Alex to set up a time to meet and discuss rotation projects. Space in the lab is EXTREMELY limited, so if you are interested, please contact Alex early!
Prospective graduate students: If you would like to complete graduate work with Alex, you should apply to one of the DBBS programs. Feel free to contact Alex directly for more information on the graduate programs at Wash U.
THE DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 1ST THE YEAR BEFORE THE FALL START.
For postdocs/research scientists:
Current status: As of June 2025, we are not in a position to recruit postdoctoral scholars at this time due to space constraints in the lab.
General: If you believe you’d be a good fit for the lab, please contact Alex and clearly state:
Your prior work and projects, with an emphasis on your methods development experience.
Why you’d be a good fit for the lab, and
Types of questions/directions you’re interested in pursuing
LAB ALUMNI
Graduate students
Dr. Garrett Ginell (Millipore-Sigma Fellow)
Time in lab: 2020 – 2024 (2020-2023 as grad student, 2024 as postdoc)
Thesis title: Understanding the Chemical Context of Interactions in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Next steps: Associate at Momentum BioInnovation
Links: Google Scholar, LinkedIn
Dr. Dan “Daniel” Griffith (NSF-GRFP Fellow)
Time in lab: 2020 – 2024
Thesis title: Developing Computational and Experimental Tools for Investigating Intrinsically Disordered Proteins and Biomolecular Condensates
Next steps: Founding Scientist, Computational Biology at Prose Foods
Links: Google Scholar, LinkedIn
Dr. Jhullian “J” Alston (F99/K00 NCI Fellow)
Co-advised with the Soranno lab
Time in lab: 2020 – 2023
Thesis title: Combining simulations and single-molecule spectroscopy to understand SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein-RNA interactions
Next steps: Postdoctoral work with TJ Ha, and 2025 HHMI Hanna Gray Fellow.
Links: Google Scholar, Twitter
Bioinformatics research associates
Ishan Taneja
Time in lab: May 2020 to July 2021
Work in lab: Simulations of IDRs adjacent to folded domains
Next steps: Graduate work at Scripps with the Forli lab
Links: Google Scholar
Long-term undergrads
Shubhanjali ‘Shubh’ Minhas
Time in lab: May 2020 to August 2023
Work in lab: Impact of mutations on IDR behavior
Next steps: Medical student at the greatest medschool in the world (Washington University School of Medicine)!
Rotation students
Shannon Dohr (2025) - now in LeRoux lab!
Caelen Miller (2024) - now in Dantas lab!
Madison Stringer (2023) - now in Soranno lab!
Nathan Zelt (2021) - now in Robertson lab!
Isaac Plutzer (2020) - now in Major lab!
Undergraduates
Ethan Bartlett (June 2023 – August 2023)
Cydne Ratliff (June 2020 - Dec 2020)
Esther Faronbi (June 2020 - June 2021)
Previous lab pictures
Holehouse lab (October 2022)
Holehouse LAB (sPRING/fALL 2021 )
No in-person photo allowed…
