Our team
Jess Sheu-Gruttadauria, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Hanna Gray Fellow of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Jess received her B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Rochester followed by her Ph.D. in Structural Biology at Scripps Research under the mentorship of Ian MacRae, where she focused on elucidating the structural architecture and molecular mechanisms of complexes involved in microRNA mediated gene regulation. She went on to pursue postdoctoral training with Ron Vale and Stephen Floor at the University of California San Francisco and Janelia Research Campus, where her research focused on understanding how the emergent biophysical features of the nucleolus relate to its molecular role in ribosome biogenesis, through the development of novel live-imaging tools for systematically identifying factors that regulate biomolecular condensate dynamics. Jess is passionate about pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery, but also of how we build supportive and accessible scientific communities.
Outside of the lab, Jess can be found spending time with family, painting, volunteering in the community, and seeking out the best preparation of the humble potato.
Email Jess - CV
Jesslyn Park, Ph.D.
Postdoc
Jesslyn studied chemistry at Winthrop University and biochemistry/molecular biology at the University of California, San Francisco, where she investigated the impact of RNA-interacting proteins on mRNA translation and cellular fitness. Building upon prior research involvements in protein biochemistry, tunable synthetic biology, and connecting genetic interactions to cellular pathology, she is excited to further explore the nuances of dynamic, higher-order protein assemblies that sequester biomolecules and their roles in facilitating fundamental processes. As the first in her family to attend college, Jesslyn is also motivated by the importance of outreach and supporting others in science and higher education.
In her free time, she is often coveting the next ice cream spot to try, attempting to empirically interpret the behaviorisms of her cats, and working on finally committing to real hobbies.
Riley Ogrean
Graduate Student (Weill Cornell BCMB)
Riley graduated from Ohio State University in 2023 with a major in Molecular Genetics and a minor in Spanish. As an undergraduate, she completed an honors research thesis focused on the post-transcriptional regulation of Notch signaling genes. Her project specifically investigated the role of the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) in the cyclical expression of the central Notch gene Hes7 and its impact on translational efficiency. She is broadly interested in transcriptional regulation, particularly within the enigmatic nucleolus.
Outside of the lab, Riley enjoys rock climbing, thrifting, and attending as many concerts as her budget allows.
Sophia Guitar
Research Technician
Sophia graduated from Lafayette College in 2025 as a neuroscience major and WGSS minor. She conducted a senior honors thesis researching the role of transcription factor klf17 in zebrafish lateral line development. This project focused on cell development as well as klf17’s role in the gene regulatory network of the zebrafish migratory primordia. She is passionate about connecting with her research and understanding what drives development.
Outside of the lab she tends to be reading, running, doing yoga, or spending time with friends!
Diana Buchman
Administrative Assistant
Diana received a BS from the University of Michigan with a triple major in Anthropology, Zoology and Art History. Working with Dr. Diana Reiss at the New York Aquarium, she received her Master’s from Hunter College in Psychology with an emphasis on the evolution of cognition and communication. She has been working at MSK since 2016.
Diana spends her time outside of work trying to find ways to help her community. She runs the NYC branch of Rational Animal, which is dedicated to making enrichment items for shelter animals. She is also makes quilts and winter wear items that are donated to low income families in NYC.
You?
We are hiring! If you are excited by question-driven science and human-driven scientific community, please visit our open positions page.