Our Team

Mike Grupe is originally from Nebraska. He has been in research labs at Washington University since 2017 after teaching biology at the high school level for 34 years. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, following the Cardinals, brewing beer and going to craft breweries and traveling to Wisconsin and Canada to see his children and grandchildren.

Emily’s interest in the natural world first led her to a BS in science from UMKC and then a Master’s in native plant conservation genetics from University of Colorado Denver & the Denver Botanic Gardens, where she learned molecular biology and bioinformatics. She also likes to garden and see live music.

Caitlyn Chitwood’s background includes working at breweries across the country, a journey that brought her to St. Louis. She completed a MS in biostatistics with a focus in statistical genetics at Washington University School of Medicine, where she also served as a research assistant to gain experience in bioinformatics. During her free time she enjoys cycling, video games and board games with friends and crafting elaborate meals and drinks with her husband.

Anton Sokolic is originally from Barnhart, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a BS in Biological Engineering. He has spent time working in labs at Bayer, USGS-CERC, and the University of Delaware gathering a variety of experiences in biological research. In Anton’s free time, he enjoys trail running, watching sports and spending time on Table Rock Lake.

Jaeden Flury is originally from San Diego, California. She obtained her BS in biology at California State University, San Marcos, where she also spent two years as an undergraduate researcher in molecular microbiology. Jaeden plans to pursue a biomedical PhD studying the genetic basis of pediatric disease. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to visit her family and friends, playing tennis, baking, reading and trying new coffee shops.