Nakata Lab Members

I received my B.A. in Chemistry from San Jose State University and my M.S. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Washington State University. My primary appointment at the USDA, ARS CNRC is as a USDA, ARS Research Molecular Biologist.  I also serve as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Director of the USDA-ARS CNRC Plant Growth Facility. In the lab, I enjoy making new discoveries, deciphering and engineering metabolic pathways, and interacting with others that have a genuine curiosity about our natural world. In my time away from work I enjoy outdoor activities (when temperatures permit), relaxing in cafes, and spending time with family and friends.

I earned both my bachelor’s and graduate degrees from Nanjing Agricultural University in China. Since graduating, I have gained extensive experience working in diverse environments, including public and private academic institutions, a private foundation, an industrial research institute, and a research center funded by the US Federal Government. Throughout my career, I have successfully investigated the genetic factors and mechanisms that control cellular physiological and biochemical processes using both conventional and modern technologies.

In 2018, I joined Dr. Nakata’s laboratory to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the catabolism of oxalate in plant foods. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, exercising, and spending time with my family.

Hello! Working at the Nakata Lab has been very rewarding. Learning new things every day strengthens my joy and excitement for research. My love for research started as an undergraduate at the University of Houston, from which I graduated with a major in Biology and a minor in Business Administration. I plan on going to graduate school in the pursuit of becoming a genetic counselor. During my free time, I like to take care of my strawberry and citrus plants. I also enjoy watching documentaries, hanging out with friends, and taking care of my cat, Sylvie.  

Hello, my name is Hannah Guehria, I am a senior at the University of Houston pursuing a double degree in Biomedical Sciences and World Cultures and Literatures, and I’m minoring in Medicine and Society and Korean. Working in the Nakata Lab, I really enjoy learning new skills every time I go to work. After graduating, I hope to attend graduate school. I enjoy reading, working out, traveling, and watching dramas!

Hello! I am a senior undergraduate at Rice University pursuing a dual degree in Integrative Biology (BS) and French Studies (BA), with a Certificate in Language and Intercultural Communication. I joined the Nakata Lab this year to study the conservation of oxalyl-CoA synthetases, and it has been nothing short of amazing. We have such a great team here! After graduation, I will be taking a gap year to explore some passion projects before moving on to graduate school. Between now and then, I’ll continue filling my time with my hobbies: traveling the world, reading fantasy series, and volunteering to help animals in need.

Hi! I’m Fayna, and I am a senior at Jordan High School. The knowledge and experience I’ve gained from working at the Nakata Lab has cemented my love for lab work and research. In my free time I enjoy to reading, building puzzles, and studying trees. After I graduate, I plan to pursue a doctorate in biochemistry and a career in biosynthetic research alongside public health and environmental policy.