Team

Danielle Rux, PhD

Danielle completed undergraduate work in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where she was also a competitive swimmer. She discovered her passion for scientific research while working as a research technician at the University of Minnesota before pursuing her PhD at the University of Michigan. Her doctoral research led to the discovery that HOX genes, transcription factors essential for embryonic patterning, are reactivated following fracture injury to promote skeletal regeneration in adult animals. During her postdoctoral training at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, she focused on postnatal synovial joint development. In 2023, she launched her independent research program at UConn Health. Outside the lab, Danielle enjoys swimming, running, biking, and spending time with her dog, Lucy!

Marenn Ek

Marenn received her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont, where she majored in Biochemistry and was also a division I athlete. Here, she also discovered her interest in research while in the Doublie lab, working on structural characterization of cancer-associated mutations in DNA repair enzymes. In the Rux Lab, she is expanding her research experience by working with mouse models to investigate synovial joint development and disease as she prepares to pursue graduate studies. Outside the lab, she enjoys running, cooking, and just about any outdoor activity.

Ruupala Kalaiarasu

Ruupala is majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and minoring in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She joined the lab as an HRP student and has continued as a SURF fellow. Her project focuses on the role of the Hox genes in synovial joint development. Ruupala also volunteers at Connecticut children’s and is a UConn peer ambassador for undergraduate research! Outside of the lab and school, she enjoys reading horror and mystery novels, listening to music (especially to SZA, Beyoncé, Leon Bridges, and Hozier), and crocheting!

Sarah Stuhlmiller

Sarah is pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Molecular and Cell Biology. Sarah joined the lab through the HRP program and is using reporter mice to study Hedgehog signal patterning during postnatal articular cartilage maturation. Outside of research, she is catching up on must-watch shows and movies, reading in the sun, and exploring nature.

Annie Vincent

Annie (she/her) is pursuing a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology. She is a member of UConn's club running team and recently completed her first marathon! In the lab, Annie studies the postnatal activation of Hedgehog signaling in the hip joints of mice to better understand its role in the early development and progression of osteoarthritis.

Lucy

Lucy is the OG member of the lab. What she lacks in talent at the bench is more than made up for in butt wiggles and howls.

Isabelle Mondo

Jillian Vandlik

Krisztina Buzas

JP Yue

Michael Casanova