Meet the PI
In 2025, Aaron Joiner joined the faculty at the University of Cincinnati as an Assistant Professor and Hanna Gray Faculty Fellow in the Department of Chemistry. He obtained his B.S. at Beloit College before earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Cornell University. He completed postdoctoral training as a Miller Fellow and as a Hanna Gray Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley.
Mission
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We are building an interdisciplinary group of scientists excited to illuminate the structures and functions of macromolecular complexes involved in fascinating biological processes by using a combination of structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology approaches.
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In addition to our pursuit of scientific excellence, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive learning environment for all of our members by prioritizing curiosity-driven exploration, communicating expectations clearly, and valuing our individual strengths.
Science is hard, and we believe in supporting each other to achieve impactful scientific discoveries.
Meet Our Team
Ava Garrett
Graduate student
Joined the lab in 2026
B.S. from University of Indianapolis
​Hometown: New Palestine, Indiana
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3 favorite things in desk drawer: my Miss Piggy sticker, two brown napkins, and my loose miscellaneous sauce packets
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Fun fact: I have a 7-year-long Duolingo streak in 3 languages, I'm always down for hair-dye and food parties, I have 4 big dogs, and I am the mayor of Yap City
Cassidy Ryan
Graduate Student
Joined the lab in 2026
B.S. from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Hometown: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
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3 favorite things in desk drawer: random Lego pieces, broken 3-hole punch, and my miscellaneous pair of sweatpants
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Fun fact: I love any form of dairy (specifically cheese), beaches, Nike, Legos, and cats