The Laboratory was established in 1980 by Dr. Michael Melnick and his then postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Tina Jaskoll. Over the last three decades, we have deliberately limited our eclectic laboratory to a modest number of persons; we have successfully trained bright students, many of whom hold tenured professorships at our and other universities. Melnick and Jaskoll are somewhat singular, solitary scientists who believe that the joy in observing and comprehending the natural world is one of God's most beautiful gifts. Our collaboration has been guided by two principles: science is done for the sake of science, not ambition; the work benefits from the perspectives and styles of women and others who historically have been largely excluded. If one wants to judge our success, ignore "ABOUT US" and fix your attention to our deeds.
Dr. Michael Melnick is a tenured Professor of genetics and developmental biology at the University of Southern California. He has earned degrees at New York University (BA, DDS) and Indiana University (PhD). Dr. Melnick has published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and five books. Dr. Tina Jaskoll is also a tenured Professor of developmental biology at the University of Southern California. She has earned degrees at Yeshiva University (BA) and City University of New York (PhD). Dr. Jaskoll has published more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific papers, as well as invited contributions to edited works in her specialty. Drs. Melnick and Jaskoll have received "distinguished alumnus" awards from their respective alma maters; Drs. Melnick and Jaskoll have been elected as Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Drs. Melnick and Jaskoll are grateful to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for their encouragement and continual financial support since 1980, and to the University of Southern California for providing a congenial home in which to study the complexities of embryonic development. |
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1989: Dr. Melnick with Students Kavita Shankar and Violet Smallhorne
2012: Drs. Jaskoll and Melnick with Students (L-R) Nicole Rottjakob, George Abichaker, Ryan Mott, Krysta Deluca, Giovanni Bermudez, and Khine Htet. |
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