Pamela is an evolutionary biologist and studies how human activities affect the evolution of species, focusing on the evolution of birds in urban environments and the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria in urban and agricultural areas. She is also interested in the role biology plays in public health, and how biological data and insights can both inform public health research as well as public health policy. She received her BA in Biology from Harvard-Radcliffe Colleges, her PhD in Evolutionary Biology from University of California at San Diego, and conducted post-doctoral work in the Center for Genomics Research at Harvard University and the Systems Biology Department at Harvard Medical School. She is currently an Associate Professor at UCLA. Pamela is also an External Faculty at Santa Fe Institute.
I am interested in developing deterministic models to better understand complex systems that are characterized by many components, whose interactions lead to properties that are not easily predicted based on the behavior of each component individually. These systems range from consumer-resource interactions in food webs, drug combinations used to treat bacteria and slow antibiotic resistance, as well as social interactions influencing strategies of individuals, decision-making processes, etc.
My dissertation work focused on understanding the impacts of sub-lethal concentrations of β-lactam antibiotics on the evolution of β-lactamase resistance genes. I have developed mathematical models to compute transition probabilities across adaptive landscapes and have collaborated in developing methods to calculated antibiotic resistance trends in the hospital using bacterial phenotypic data. I am interested in investigating the effects of combinatorial and cyclical antibiotic treatments on carbapenem resistant enterobacteriacea (CRE) in order to better understand the evolution of CRE resistance mechanisms.
Tina is interested in unveiling the properties of interactions between various types of perturbation on biological systems. She's currently using bacteria as a model and studying the effectiveness of combinatorial drug therapy and its evolutionary impact on the development of drug resistance. She's also working on bacterial growth response to temperature stress at the interface of biochemical stress from antibiotics.
I’m broadly interested in the intersection of anthropogenic change and avian behavioral ecology. In Pam Yeh’s lab, I’m working with dark-eyed juncos to unravel behavioral evolution in the urban environment, allowing us to not only see the affects of urbanization on avian behavior, but also to better understand behavioral evolution “in real time” as these birds are under a steep selection gradient between their urban and rural ecosystems. Previously, I completed an M.A. in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology at Columbia University and worked with hummingbirds to reconstruct the evolution of female-limited polymorphisms and begin determining the selective causes of the male-like female morph. In my spare time, I enjoy hikes with dogs, painting, exploring the LA art and film scene, and (quite unsurprisingly) staring at birds and other animals.
Natalie is interested in how populations evolve and what factors potentially effect the rate of evolution. In the Yeh Lab her research focuses on the synergistic and antagonistic effects of drug combinations and how that can contribute to the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. She received her BS in Biology at California State University, Long Beach and continued at CSULB to obtain her Masters degree. For her Masters thesis she used individual-based computer simulations to study the degree to which modular or non-modular genetic architectures may influence the ability of populations to respond to selection.
Vivien is a Ph.D. student in the Yeh Lab who is interested in animal host-bacteria interactions and environmental change. In the Yeh Lab, she is examining the gut microbiome of urban and wildland dark-eyed juncos and its implications for host ecology and evolution. Before attending UCLA, she received a BA in Anthropology from Beloit College, a liberal studies college in southern Wisconsin, with a focus on primate ecology and wildlife conservation. Additionally, she completed an MS in Physiology and Behavior from San Francisco State University studying the symbiotic relationship between Hawaiian bobtail squid and their bioluminescent bacterial symbiont. When not spending time with juncos or in the lab, Vivien is focused on building mentorship skills in STEM, re-reading Harry Potter or enjoying the Southern California sunshine.
Dan is returning to graduate school for a PhD after working as a program director for the National Audubon Society and launching a successful environmental consulting business in the Los Angeles area. He received a Bachelor's degree from Harvard and a Master's degree in Biogeography from University of California, Riverside, analyzing patterns of bird and plant distribution in the Puente-Chino Hills. He is interested in ways natural communities in urban areas develop and persist, and what causes some species to thrive and others to fail. He will study the distribution and ecology of native species within the modified landscape of the Los Angeles Basin, focusing on nesting raptors and colonial waterbirds. He is co-advised by Dan Blumstein.
Maral graduated from UCLA with a Bachelors in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Civic Engagement in June 2016. She now pursues a graduate degree in Biology investigating bacterial antibiotic cross resistance and how the parameter, known as the MPC (mutant prevention concentration), changes in these highly resistant bacterial strains. Following her graduate studies, Maral plans to attend medical school. In her free time, Maral enjoys spending time with family and exploring methods to decrease the influence of health disparities on medicine.
I am grad student in the Yeh Lab whose research focuses on the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, and strategies to restrict selection of resistant mutants. Broadly, I am interested in applying evolutionary and ecological principles to medicine. Eventually I aspire to a career in clinical research and practice.
Crystal is currently working towards her Masters in Evolutionary Medicine and has been a member of the Yeh lab since the summer of 2015, where she studies antibiotic cross resistance in various bacterial strains. She graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and a minor in Gerontology. She plans to go to medical school in the future. Outside of research, she heads a UCLA volunteering organization focused on empowering the underserved LA community and likes reading, practicing instruments, and playing with her dog.
I graduated from UCLA June 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a minor in Theater. I am particularly interested in studying the evolution of animal species in response to the ever-growing human population and the way we have significantly impacted the environment we share with these animals. I especially love observing the behaviors of birds around me and trying to identify their relationships to one another (and seeing how close I can get to them before they hop along!) In my free time, I dance, sing, play the piano, or just sit around looking at what birds are doing.
Kailie is a master’s student at the Fielding School of Public Health in the Environmental Health Sciences department. She received her bachelor’s in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Environmental Studies at North Central College in Illinois. She is interested in the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the environmental public health implications this may have. She aspires to work as a consultant after completion of her program. In her free time, she enjoys riding horses, traveling, playing with her turtle, Swimmi, and going for runs along the beach.
I am interested in all things birds, particularly avian distribution and ecology. When not studying or doing research, I enjoy birding the local parks and ecological reserves.
Cynthia just recently graduated from UCLA with a major in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. She has worked with Dr. Yeh for 4 years and plans to continue her research working as a laboratory technician for the next year. Cynthia is currently applying and plans to attend medical school next year.
I am a fourth year undergraduate biology major at UCLA. I am fascinated by the intersection of evolution and medicine, and I am excited be participating in such valuable research. Next year I plan to apply to medical school and one day become a pediatrician. In my free time, I love traveling, going to the beach, and exploring cute brunch places with my friends.
My name is Gina Jin and I am a fourth year undergraduate majoring in Biology. I am interested in studying the effects of different antibiotic combinations on various types of bacteria, and I plan on furthering my education by attending graduate school.
I am a third year undergraduate student majoring in Biology. I am interested in the effects of antibiotics on bacterial evolution, in order to effectively combat the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance. Outside of lab, I am a peer learning facilitator for Physics 6C, helping other undergraduate students excel in the course. My hobbies include going on hikes with my dog and going to the beach.
My name is Rina Watanabe and I am majoring in MIMG. I am interested in antibiotic resistance and the interaction between temperature and drugs on bacterial growth. I plan on becoming an ER physician or a researcher at WHO or CDC.
Nick is a fourth year student studying Biochemistry. In lab, he works on the Mutant Prevention Concentration (MPC) team to study the effects of antibiotics on Staph Epidermidis. Outside the lab, he is a member of Navy ROTC, and works as a Resident Assistant for UCLA. His hobbies include working out, country music, and playing pickup sports.
I am a third year undergraduate majoring in Physiological Science and I hope to work in the health field in the future. I am glad be a part of the Yeh lab’s research into antibiotic resistance in bacteria. My other hobbies include music, reading, and drinking boba.
I am a Human Biology and Society major with a concentration in Medicine and Public Health. I hope to attend medical school after I graduate from UCLA and become an orthopedic surgeon. My research interests include studying the dynamics between evolutionary biology and medicine. I love playing basketball, soccer, and beach volleyball.
I am a third year Biology undergraduate currently going to UCLA. I am interested in studying the differentiation of bacteria based on the presence of drugs added to their environments. More specifically, I want to utilize these studies of changes in bacterial growth going forward to aid in the development of medications or clinical design in the future. I enjoy spending my free time following or playing sports such as football and basketball.
I'm a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering at USC, and I've been in the Yeh Lab since the summer before my junior year of high school. Recently, I've also started collaborating with the Savage Lab to do some biomath! When I'm not doing research, I enjoy painting, solving escape rooms, and exploring the LA food scene.