![](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/blake-about-people-page.jpg)
Meet Blake Meyers
The lab’s work with next-gen sequencing stretches back to ~2001, when Blake was funded by the NSF to apply “MPSS” to the analysis of gene expression in Arabidopsis. This led to the development in the Meyers lab of the first publicly-accessible browser for next-gen data. After moving to the University of Delaware in 2002, we continued to develop the application to mRNA and small RNA analyses of first MPSS, then 454, and finally the still-current Illumina SBS sequencing.
In 2005, with collaborator Pam Green, we were the first to use next-gen sequencing for the analysis of small RNAs, and in 2008, our labs co-developed “PARE” for the genome-wide analysis of cleaved mRNAs (PARE = Parallel Analysis of RNA Ends). The Meyers lab has widely applied these methods to study plant genomes and their RNA products, and the lab continues to develop and apply novel informatics approaches for the analysis of RNA function in plants.
Interviews with Blake
Lab Members
Post-doctoral & Research Scientists
![This is Chong Teng, but you can call me TC. I'm a post-doc in the Meyers Lab, and in my plate there are Dcl5 and 24-nt meiotic phasiRNA in the maize anther. The big idea is that the Dcl5 controlled 24-nt meiotic phasiRNA help the maize anther get by hot and humid summer to maintain the male fertility. Other than science, I'm the dumpling maker of the Meyers lab family. Chong Teng](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/TC.jpg)
Chong Teng
Research Scientist - Laboratory
![Jo-Wei holds a Ph.D. in Genome and Systems Biology from National Taiwan University, with a specialization in bioinformatics. Her recent research interests are primarily focused on computational analyses of epigenomic and transcriptomic regulation in plant development and stress response. Prior to obtaining her Ph.D., Jo-Wei completed a Master's degree in Plant Biology from National Taiwan University and a Bachelor's degree in Soil and Environmental Sciences from National Chung Hsing University. Jo-Wei](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/jo-wei.jpg)
Jo-Wei Hsieh
Postdoctoral Associate - Bioinformatics
![I joined the Meyers Lab where I am studying the roles of small and tiny RNAs involved in communication between plants and microbes. Small RNAs appear to play an essential role in plant resistance and I believe that a better understanding of their mode of action will allow us to reduce crop losses and improve productivity. When I am not in the lab, I love to travel and discover new places, play sports, and enjoy nature with my family. How does a nice day look to me? Good music, good friends and good wine. Patricia Baldrich](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Pat_sq.jpg)
Patricia Baldrich
Research Scientist - Laboratory
![I joined the Meyers lab in September 2021 as a Visiting student from Brazil. I am enrolled in a plant science PhD program at Federal University of Lavras and I am developing my thesis on regulatory networks in coffee. In my free time I enjoy reading, listening to music and watching movies. Thales Cherubino](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Thales441.jpg)
Thales Cherubino
Postdoctoral Associate - Bioinformatics
![Ximena492 Ximena](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ximena492.jpg)
Ximena Anleu Gil
Postdoctoral Associate - Laboratory
Graduate students
![I joined the Meyers Lab in May of 2021 following a post-baccalaureate research fellowship at the National Cancer Institute. I received my B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Puget Sound in 2018. I am interested in the genetic and epigenetic regulation of development. In the Meyers lab, I will be working to better understand reproductive phasiRNAs, their function and their regulation in plant anthers. When I am not in lab, I love to play soccer, cook, and spend time with friends and family. Lily O'Connor](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Lily425.jpg)
Lily O'Connor
PhD Student - Laboratory
![Rachel Jouni](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Rachel404-scaled.jpg)
Rachel Jouni
PhD Student - Laboratory
![I joined the Meyers Lab in June of 2017 following the completion of my MS degree at the University of Delaware with Prof. Janine Sherrier, where I studied phasiRNAs in the legume-Rhizobium symbiosis. Currently, I am involved in the construction of a genetic engineering tool aimed to improve selection of successful products of homologous recombination. I am also interested in nuclear-cytoplasmic export of small RNAs. In my free time, I engage with the local STL community in many STEM outreach activities, as well as volunteer with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. For fun, I play softball, music, and laugh, a lot! Ryan DelPercio](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ryan.jpg)
Ryan DelPercio
PhD Student - Laboratory
![I joined Meyers lab in June 2021 after earning an MS in bioinformatics and computational biology. My research interests lie broadly in the development and application of computational approaches to understand epigenetics and small molecule biogenesis in diverse plant species. In my free time I enjoy running, listening to music, and cooking for my friends and family. Scott Lewis](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Scott.jpg)
Scott Lewis
PhD Student - Bioinformatics
![Tell Tell Mathieu](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Tell489.jpg)
Tell Mathieu
PhD Student - Bioinformatics
Staff & Associates
![Caroline Caroline Henry](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Caroline.jpg)
Caroline Henry
Laboratory Assistant
![Deepti Ramachandruni](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Deepti.jpg)
Deepti Ramachandruni
Technical Specialist - Computational
![Gus Vogt](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Gus-1.png)
Gus Vogt
Laboratory Technician
![I joined the Meyers lab in January 2020. I earned my Ph.D in Genetics from UC Davis in 2004, focusing on DNA repair in Arabidopsis. Since 2006, I've led the North American Arabidopsis Steering Committee (NAASC), and I first worked with Blake in 2009 when he was a NAASC member. My primary responsibilities are to assist with Blake's duties as Editor in Chief of The Plant Cell; I will also help with lab publications, grants, and other projects. I continue to manage NAASC, including organizing North American Arabidopsis conferences. In my spare time I go to the gym, spend time with my family, and work on progressive political causes. Twitter: @DiversifyPlants and @ICAR_2020. Joanna Friesner](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Joanna.jpg)
Joanna Friesner
Editorial Associate
![mackenzie Gus Vogt](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/mackenzie-1.jpg)
Mackenzie Kasarda
Laboratory Technician
![madison Madison McGregor](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/madison.jpg)
Madison McGregor
Laboratory Assistant
![Screen Shot 2019-04-26 at 10.54.30 AM Julie Pelletier](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Screen-Shot-2019-04-26-at-10.54.30-AM-1.png)
Julie Pelletier
Lab Manager
![I joined the Meyers Lab in July 2004 at the University of Delaware. I started working remotely after I moved to California in May 2008, and I continued doing so after Blake moved to the Danforth Center in January 2016. My responsibilities include facilitating and overseeing different aspects of bioinformatics projects in the lab by establishing guidelines and policies, training, instructing and assisting coworkers from both biology and computational sides. I also develop and manage various web resources used by lab members, collaborators as well as the wider scientific community, including Plant MPSS Database projects. Mayumi Nakano](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Mayumi59.jpg)
Mayumi Nakano
Computational Group Manager
![Nicole Nicole Burkett](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NicoleB.jpg)
Nicole Burkett
Laboratory Assistant
![Patric Patrick Minx](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Patric.jpg)
Patrick Minx
Laboratory Technician
Visitors
![NicoleS Nicole Szeluga](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NicoleS.jpg)
Nicole Szeluga
Visiting Scientist - Laboratory
See the list of Former Lab Members
![](https://www.meyerslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2014-Meyers_Maize_Research_Group-001.jpg)
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Genome Center
UC Davis
UC Davis
Genome Center