The Research Team
Undergraduate researchers are the engine of this lab. Every project, every dataset, every publication carries their contributions.
Interested in joining? Get in touchCurrent Lab Members
4 members
Principal Investigator
Dr. Carl Hjelmen
Research Focus
Genome size evolution, sex chromosome differentiation, underreplication, forensic entomology
Since Fall 2023
Haylee Beck
Project
Survey of forensically relevant Diptera across Utah ecoregions
Since Spring 2024
Bailey Jannuzzi
Project
Developing genomic and bioinformatic pipelines for environmental DNA detection from Diptera samples
Since Summer 2025
Beth Larsen
Project
Genome size evolution of Paleopterous insects
Research Alumni
14 researchersFormer lab members have gone on to PhD programs, industry positions, and continued research. We're proud of every one of them.
Olivia Frary
Genome size differences between homogametic and heterogametic individuals and links to lifespan
Babs Jetton
Constructing a Diptera phylogeny and investigating karyotype evolution
Remington Motte
Evolutionary biology and comparative phylogenetic methods; Dscam1 evolution in Hymenoptera
Audrey French
Chromosome shape variation and evolution in fruit flies
Marissa Ohran
Assembling and assessing heterochromatin-rich genomes
Samantha Curnow
Genome size evolution in Drosophila species and relationships to temperature and climate
Texas A&M University
Alex McGuane
miRNA qPCR and RNA preparation
Entomology
Michelle Jonika
Immature blow fly sex identification using qPCR
Entomology / Genetics / Forensics
Elizabeth Piron
Genome size and underreplication estimates
Entomology / Genetics
Renee Holmes
Genome size and underreplication estimates
Entomology
Melissa Mynes
Genome size and underreplication estimates
Entomology / Genetics
Margaret Garrett
Genome size and underreplication estimates
Entomology / Genetics
Zoe Ward
Development of forensic entomology experiments
Entomology / Genetics
Anika Sharma
Fulbright Scholar — mRNA markers of development in Chrysomya rufifacies
Entomology
Alli Konstantinov
Phylogenetic trait simulations
Biology
Interested in Joining the Lab?
Undergraduate researchers at all levels are welcome. No prior research experience required — just curiosity and commitment. Projects are available in genomics, bioinformatics, field entomology, and more.
Carl.Hjelmen@uvu.edu