Tyler Dangerfield, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry

Tyler earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin, where he discovered his passion for uncovering how enzymes copy and control genetic information. He went on to complete his Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 2021 in the laboratory of Professor Kenneth Johnson, focusing on how RNA and DNA polymerases achieve selectivity during replication. As a postdoctoral researcher, Tyler explored the molecular rules that make CRISPR-Cas9 such a powerful gene editing tool and investigated how Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) drives rapid DNA detection. He then turned his attention to mobile genetic elements, developing the first complete kinetic model of R2 retrotransposon integration—a project that opened new possibilities for using these elements in biotechnology. In 2025, Tyler launched his independent lab at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where his group studies the molecular machines that move, copy, and edit genetic material, with an eye toward harnessing them for innovative applications in gene therapy and biotechnology.

Robert Soriano

Ph.D. Student

Robert graduated from Nevada State University in 2024, where he earned his BS in Biology with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology, and a minor in Chemistry.  Participating in programs such as INBRE, UROP, and being involved in Dr. Abel-Santos BSL-2 lab studying effects of CDI in murine models, Robert was fortunate to get a strong background in biomedical science during his undergrad that he would continue to pursue into his graduate career. Outside the lab, Robert enjoys spending time with his family – especially going out to eat – spending time with his dogs, building computers, playing video games, and binge-watching TV shows.