Dr. Horvath obtained his B.Sc. from Brown University. He pursued graduate studies at the University of Chicago earning his Ph.D. in 1994. Martin loves research and is passionate about undergraduate research and education, especially how to teach critical thinking & communication in science. In the fall, Martin teaches Biol 3525/Chem 3525: Molecular Biology of DNA Lab. Every spring, he co-instructs Biol 3510/Chem 3510: Biological Chemistry I. Outside of the lab or the classroom, he enjoys spending time with family, trail running, reading and learning new things! Currently, Martin is invested in learning all things astrobiology! Fun fact: Martin abandoned two of his children above the arctic circle and uses this story as a metaphor for mentoring and teaching.

Vincent graduated from Missouri State University as a biology major emphasizing in microbiology and biotechnology and a minor in chemistry. Vincent joined the Horvath lab in May of 2021. Broadly, his research interests are centered around how organisms simultaneously maintain and evolution their biological information. Specifically, he focuses on MutY and its role in DNA repair. Outside of devoting countless hours in the lab, Vincent enjoys jiu-jitsu, programming, weight training, and outdoor adventuring! Fun fact: Vincent has a tattoo written in Quenya, an elvish language from Lord of the Rings!

Lauren is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah pursuing a bachelors degree in Biology with an emphasis in anatomy and physiology and a minor in Chemistry, expected to graduate in Spring 2026. She is working to pursue a career in medicine as an MD. Lauren joined the Horvath lab in November 2023 researching the targeting mechanisms of tailocins, a bactericidal protein complex produced by a wide variety of bacteria and used against phylogenetically closely related strains. Outside of lab, she enjoys her work with neonates in the Newborn ICU, wake-surfing, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Alexa is an undergraduate honors student at the University of Utah pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biology with an emphasis in anatomy and physiology, alongside minors in Chemistry and an Honors Integrated Minor in Health; expected to graduate in Spring 2026. She is planning on attending medical school after graduating to pursue a career as a surgeon. Alexa joined the Horvath Lab in August 2024 and is working on the Talocin Project to research how talocins find and target specific bacterial pathogens. Outside of her research, Alexa is an active volunteer at different healthcare facilities in Salt Lake City. She also enjoys playing on the University Club Soccer Team, snowboarding, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Alex earned his bachelor's degree in Biology with a Biochemistry emphasis and a Chemistry minor from the University of Utah. He joined the Horvath Lab in December 2022 and is currently pursuing a Professional Master’s of Science and Technology with a specialization in Biotechnology. Alex aspires to attend medical school and train as an MD/PhD. His research focuses on the function of carotenoids and their incorporation into Retinal Pigment Epithelium 65 (RPE65) and potential partner proteins. Outside the lab, Alex enjoys competing in video games at both professional and collegiate levels nationwide, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Abby is an undergraduate student at the University of Utah pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology and a minor in Chemistry. She is on track to graduate in Fall 2025 and plans to attend medical school. Her fascination about the DNA repair enzyme MUT Y began in CHEM 3510, where Dr. Horvath introduced the topic. Having many unsolved questions, Abby joined the Horvath Lab to further explore her curiosity. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading, working out, and spending time with friends and family.