Charles Bou-Nader, PhD
Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator
Department of Biochemistry
Emory University School of Medicine
Charles is interested in all aspects of R-loop biology. His favorite molecules are ribonucleoprotein complexes.
Learn more about Dr. Bou-Nader.
Joelle-Ann Joseph
Research Specialist
Department of Biochemistry
Emory University School of Medicine
Though born and raised in Haiti, Joelle-Ann has been living in Georgia for the past 13 years. Thus, it is fair to say that Georgia is home after all these years. She obtained her bachelor’s in chemistry from Georgia State University. After completing her undergraduate degree, she spent four years working at a long-term care pharmacy thinking she wanted to pursue pharmacy school before realizing this was not the path she wanted to take. Thus, she re-enrolled in school and obtained her master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Miami. During her graduate studies, she investigated how the dual action of HIV and methamphetamine damages the blood-brain barrier and contributes to the progression of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. She also investigated the use of a dual CCR2/CCR5 receptor antagonist drug to suppress the inflammasome-mediated response in a hypoxic HIV-infected brain as a model for ischemic stroke. She is excited to be joining the Bou-Nader lab as this new role allows her to study and understand HIV from an entirely new angle. Her aim is to decipher, from a structural perspective, how HIV not only evades detection from the innate immune system, but also exploits the host machinery to promote infectivity. Joelle-Ann often says “Science is such a beautiful and vast art that can pull you in many directions”. Consequently, she hopes that this opportunity will expand her scientific abilities while also help her decide which area of study to focus on for her doctoral work. Apart from being in the lab, she confesses to not having numerous hobbies, but a good sip and paint and a good movie, she always finds, are the best ways to unwind.
Annalise Holland
Graduate Student
Genetics and Molecular Biology (GMB) Program, 2023
Emory University
Annalise is a PhD student in the GMB program at Emory University, and joined us in Jan 2024. She found her passion for science at a young age which motivated her to obtain a bachelor in Biochemistry and Microbiology at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. Her undergraduate research was on DNA damage repair pathways. Her work focused on understanding the regulation of Mms21 SUMO E3 ligase activity by components of the Smc5/6 helicase complex. These experiences in the lab helped cultivate her desire to pursue a PhD in science. Although her background is in biochemistry, she started graduate school with an open mind and excitement for any research that interested her. After obtaining her PhD, she plans to go straight into industry so that one day she can support her mother and family. Annalise is the third youngest out of 13 sisters, and she is a first-generation graduate student. Some hobbies she enjoys are working out, binge watching television, reading, and cooking.
Taylor White
Graduate Student
Genetics and Molecular Biology (GMB) Program, 2023
Emory University
Taylor is a PhD student in the GMB program at Emory and joined us in Jan 2024. She earned her bachelor's in genetics and biochemistry from Georgia State University in 2020. After working for a short time in industry, she moved back to academia as a research specialist in the cardiology division of the school of medicine at Emory in June 2021. Her research focused on deciphering the role of the small molecule Poldip2 in the endothelial barrier, specifically in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. She was promoted to a lab manager in the same lab before returning to school to start her PhD. Although her work has previously been in cardiology, her research interests lie in genetics. Specifically, she is interested in uncovering novel connections between genetics and neurological diseases and disorders, such as attention deficit and hyperactive disorder, schizophrenia, and autism. In the future, Taylor hopes to become a PI and conduct genetic research in her own lab. In her free time, Taylor enjoys role playing and puzzle video games, one of her many crafting hobbies, hanging out with her friends, and playing with/training her pet rats.
Taina Marcelin
Undergraduate Student
Biology and Psychology
Emory University
Taina is a sophomore undergraduate at Emory University. She was born in Haiti and spent two years in the Dominican Republic before moving to Florida at 3 years old. Taina is working towards a bachelor of science in biology and a bachelor of arts in psychology. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to attend medical school to obtain an MD. As an aspiring pediatric oncologist, Taina is interested in investigating the genetic pathways that promote tumorigenesis, especially in cases of pediatric cancers. Her research focuses on understanding how deregulation of R-loops trigger the innate immune response by looking at interactions of proteins with R-loops and R-loop-derived products. Outside of science, Taina works on promoting K-12 STEM education for students from underrepresented groups. She is involved with many mentoring and tutoring efforts and hopes to provide students with the same opportunities presented to her. In her free time, Taina enjoys spending time with friends, having movie nights, painting nails, and baking.
Joshua Pak
Undergraduate Student
Chemistry
Emory University
Joshua's journey began in Hong Kong, where he spent 15 years of his life. Despite being raised there, he has family ties in Southern California and Irvine. Currently residing in Dallas, Texas, Joshua attended the Hong Kong International School before joining the Emory class of 2025. Joshua is currently working towards a bachelor of arts in chemistry with a minor in media production. His future plans involve attending medical school to obtain a medical degree and aspiring to become a practicing physician. Within the realm of science, Joshua's interests lie in understanding and visualizing biochemical systems and how they impact human health. His research focuses on developing an enzymatic assay to measure the processing of R-loops by a wide range of enzymes. Joshua aims to quantify the kinetics and compare enzymatic activities of various mutants in combination to visualizing RNP assemblies with 3D model software. Beyond the lab, Joshua finds joy in diverse activities. From watching films and playing basketball to engaging in board and social deduction games, he also dedicates time to his creative side by crafting short animations and films. Cherishing moments with loved ones is an essential part of Joshua's life outside of academia and research.