URMC / Labs / Thornton Lab / Lab Members Lab Members Principal InvestigatorCharles A. Thornton, M.D.MCPhone: (585) 275-2542Email CharlesResearch Interest: Myotonic dystrophy, repeat expansion diseases, and therapeutic development for neuromuscular disorders.FacultyZhenzhi Tang, Ph.D.Research FacultyEmail ZhenzhiResearch Interest: Uses traditional transgenic and novel genetic engineering techniques to generate mouse models of DM. These models aid in our understanding of expanded repeat toxicity and serve as valuable tools for testing potential therapeutics.Research StaffSarah LeistmanLab TechnicianLinda RichardsonLaboratory ManagerRyan WisePhysician Support SpecialistPhone: (585) 275-2542Research AssistantsByron ArevaloUndergraduate StudentResearch Interest: Currently an undergraduate majoring in Neuroscience working in the lab. Byron’s lab duties consist of running electrophoresis gels, doing PCRs and assisting Dr. Tang with his projects.Julianna SavitzUndergraduate StudentResearch Interest: Currently an undergraduate majoring in Environmental Health working in the lab. Julianna works closely with technicians in the lab with DNA extraction and genotyping.