Dr. Leon Grayfer, Ph.D.
George Washington University
Department of Biology
Associate Professor
Hometown: Edmonton, Canada

I have been fascinated with comparative immunology since my undergraduate days at the University of Alberta, Canada. From my undergraduate research and all through my graduate studies, I focused on gaining a better understanding of how bony fish regulated their antimicrobial immune responses. During this time, my work focused on immune cells known as macrophages, which are the cornerstone of all vertebrate immune responses and are in fact indispensable to most physiological processes. My profound interest into macrophage biology of aquatic animals led me to a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Rochester, USA. During my time at U of R, I espoused the Xenopus laevis frog model towards the study of amphibian macrophage development and functionality. Presently, I am an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the George Washington University, USA. Here at GWU, my research group (see below) and I are investigating many different facets of amphibian immune development, functionality and the molecular mechanisms responsible for the immunological susceptibility and resistance of amphibians to several emerging pathogens.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Chrissy Garvey Griffith, 4th Year Ph.D. Candidate
Cornell University, B.S.
​Hometown: Westport, CT
Thesis: Xenopus laevis skin regeneration & scarless wound healing

Chrissy earned her bachelor’s of science degree from Cornell University CALS in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Marine Biology. After a year and a half of working at PwC in healthcare consulting, she joined the Grayfer group in fall 2021. Her research in the lab is focused on the cellular mechanisms involved in scarless wound repair and skin regeneration. When she is not in the lab, Chrissy can be found sewing, embroidering, painting, or thrifting (with an iced coffee in tow for all of the above).

Ryley Crow, 2nd Year Ph.D. Student
University of Virginia, B.S.
​Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Thesis: Mast cell degranulation 

Ryley studied biology and environmental sciences at the University of Virginia. Before joining the Grayfer lab, Ryley worked for two years in Dr. Courtney Smith's lab (next door!) where he studied sea urchin immunology. Ryley can often be found listening to Lady Gaga and saying things like "that's crazy town" when something very minor happens.

Hamerenoah Tesega, Incoming Ph.D. Student

​Hometown: 
Thesis: TBD!

Hamere's bio

Ellie Chapkin, MSc, Laboratory Technician
UC Davis, B.S.
Oregon State University, MSc.
​Hometown: College Station, TX
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Ellie joined our lab in the spring of 2024 and has been an excellent addition to the team! Before joining the Grayfer lab, Ellie earned her Master's in The Honey Bee lab at Oregon State University.
Ellie can usually be found blasting Taylor Swift or making T-Swift friendship bracelets for everyone.

MASTER'S STUDENTS

Daniel Messmer, MS Student
George Washington University, B.S.
​Hometown: Charlotte, NC (+Solon, OH)
Thesis: TBD!

Daniel joined the Grayfer lab in Spring 2024, while completing his bachelor’s of science in cellular and molecular biology here at GW. His current project focuses on adaptive immunity in response to immunization with chytrid fungus. Outside of the lab, Daniel enjoys reading comics and nonfiction books, playing badminton, and crafting elaborate lies to confuse his friends and strangers.

UNDERGRADUATE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Ana Clark

Sanjana Mddipudi
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Chris Tekola

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FORMER LAB MEMBERS

Riad Hossainey, Ph.D.
Current position: Post-doctoral fellow at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
​

After completing a MSc in Parasitology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Riad began his research career at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh.  Before joining the Grayfer lab, Riad also accrued considerable experience researching malaria and anti-malarial drugs. Riad is investigating the functional development of amphibian macrophage subsets and their roles in various pathogenic infections. He claims that the micropipette is his favorite lab instrument and he enjoy pipetting a lot! Apart from research activities, he loves listening to heavy metal music and hanging out with friends. Apparently, he also enjoys collecting prescription glasses, especially in the lab...

Kelsey Hauser, Ph.D.
Current position: Post-doctoral scientist at Noblis, Inc.

Kelsey received her bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College in neuroscience and psychology. After a year working at an investment consulting firm, she joined the Grayer group in 2019 (what a year!). Her research is focused on exploring the the development and functionality of frog immune cells known as granulocytes.  She is particularly interested in how these cells contribute to anti amphibian anti-fungal defenses as well as the physiology of these animals. Outside of the lab, you’ll often find her running, fly-fishing, or taking advantage of the District’s museums. 

More previous Grayfer groupies:
​Amulya Yaparla
Zoë Ilgenfritz
Netra Ranganathan
​Mira Zelle
Namarta Kalia
​Tyler Moore
​Daphne Koubourli
Emily S. Wendel
​Milan Popovic
Aishani Patnaik
Zarafsha Uzzaman
​America Lugo
​Julia Singer
​Phillip Reeves
​Grace Chong
​Aashish Batheja
Hannah Doctor-Loeb
Mattie L.S. Melnyk