Loic Fort, PhD – PI
Hello & Welcome to our website! I established my lab as an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington in September 2025. I earned my B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Claude Bernard University Lyon I, during which I conducted research with Dr. Sébastien Carreno at IRIC in Montréal, Canada. I then completed my Ph.D. in cancer biology at the University of Glasgow with Dr. Laura Machesky before pursuing my postdoctoral training with Dr. Ian Macara at Vanderbilt University.
Outside the lab, I enjoy running around campus, climbing—a passion I picked up in 2019—and exploring new restaurants. True to my French roots, I also love experimenting with both sweet and savory recipes in the kitchen.
Ginger Clark, BSc – Lab technician
Hello, I am Ginger. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Health Sciences. My research background includes 7 1/2 years assisting mycology research at the Noble Research Institute, two years assisting quality control at AgBiTech, and 5 1/2 years as a laboratory manager in Dr. Piya Ghose’s lab at UTA. I love spending time with my family, along with crafting, cooking, playing the flute, and twirling my flag.
Abishikth Chirayath – Undergraduate
Hi, I am Abi. I am currently majoring in Biology at UTA, with hopes of going to medical school and becoming a forensic pathologist. I grew up in Arlington, TX for the majority of my life, and graduated from Martin High School in June 2025. My fun fact: I did archery when I was in high school.
Kasen Espinosa – Undergraduate
I’m a first year student at UTA studying for my Bachelor degree in biology. I was born on Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio. I proceeded to move around until I was 12. I graduated from V.R.Eaton High School. My hobbies are exploring the outdoors, mountain biking and animals.
Nishi Modi – Undergraduate
I am a sophomore majoring in Biology and pursuing a minor in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Arlington. I am passionate about research in stem cell biology, neuroscience, and genetics, with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy reading books in my free time.
Dylan Wackerman – Undergraduate
Hello–my name is Dylan Wackerman! I am a freshman Biology major who was born in Southern California and raised here in Mansfield, Texas. After graduation, my goal is to pursue an MD to practice anesthesiology. I LOVE writing–from professionally and creatively to even just venting, writing has always been my favorite pastime