Liyun Miao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University, where she leads the lab studying early development and chromatin regulation.

She received her Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from Qingdao University, completed her PhD with Dr. Jian Zhang at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, focusing on translational regulation of sex determination, oogenesis, and oocyte maturation, and then pursued postdoctoral research with Dr. Antonio Giraldez at Yale University, where she studied how pioneer factors regulate chromatin to activate a silent genome and orchestrate early development.

Avrea Boothe is a Ph.D. student in the Cell and Molecular Biology program in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University

Avrea received her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she conducted undergraduate research to elucidate the role of cancer-associated mutations on cell growth and survival. She joined the Miao Lab in February 2026, where she studies how pioneer transcription factors and chromatin regulatory mechanisms are aberrantly redeployed to rewire gene regulatory networks in cancer. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading and spending time in nature.

Hanna Crouse is a undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences at FSU.

Hanna graduated from H.B. Plant High School before coming to Florida State University, where she developed a strong interest in molecular biology and early developmental processes. Hanna joined the Miao Lab through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) in November 2025. She is particularly interested in exploring how genetic and molecular mechanisms shape early development and hopes to continue to pursue research in related fields. In her free time, Hanna enjoys playing on the women’s club basketball team at FSU and being involved in the Chi Omega Gamma Chapter as well.

Nicole Karwowski is an undergraduate senior dual-majoring in Biological Sciences and International Affairs at FSU.

Nicole is interested in molecular biology and biotechnology-driven approaches to improving human health, as well as the ways biological research can be applied to real-world challenges. She joined the Miao Lab in January 2026, where she is gaining experience in technical lab skills and research foundations. In addition to her work in the lab, Nicole is a member of FSU’s 2025 iGEM team, served as the Overall Director of FSU Homecoming, is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, and works as a Teaching Assistant.

Kamilat Mustapha is an undergraduate student majoring in Computational Biology at Florida State University.

Kamilat graduated from American Heritage School and continues to pursue her interest in applying biological research and computational approaches to real-world challenges. Kamilat joined the Miao Lab through the Direct Independent Study program in January 2026. Outside of the lab, she is a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society and the African Student Association, and she swims and plays tennis recreationally in her free time.

Owen Long is an undergraduate student majoring in Biological Science at Florida State University.

Owen graduated from Vero Beach High School and is currently pursuing his interests in genomics and molecular biology. He began research mentorship with Dr. Miao in January 2026. Owen is particularly interested in how genomic tools can be used to identify molecular mechanisms underlying cellular reprogramming and cancer development, and how these insights may inform gene therapy approaches. In his spare time, he enjoys working out at the gym.

Grayton Humphrey is a undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry at Florida State University.

Grayton is interested in molecular approaches to medical treatment and genetic processes. He began research mentorship with Dr. Miao in January 2026 and aims to develop hands-on experience in molecular biology research methods, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. Beyond his research activities, Grayton is a member of the Phi Delta Epsilon pre-medical fraternity, works as a Medical Assistant, and leads a pre-health colloquium for first-year FSU students.