Team

Clare arrived to her career in science via an English degree, followed by a short career in journalism. Thanks to California community colleges and the Cal State L.A. MORE Programs, she transitioned into physics. After studying condensed matter theory with Dr. Edward Rezayi, she studied experimental biophysics with Dr. Jeff Gore at MIT, predicting bacterial community outcomes in the lab with models. She then did a postdoc with Dr. Dmitri Petrov at Stanford, where she harnessed a DNA barcoding system to study experimental evolution in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer's yeast). 

Ave is a postdoc in the Abreu lab excited about how fluctuating environments and ecological interactions shape microbial evolution. He got his PhD in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior with Dr. Will Harcombe at the University of Minnesota, using a synthetic microbial system and mathematical modeling to predict the eco-evolutionary feedback between bacteria and their mobile genetic elements, bacteriophage and plasmids. When he’s not in the lab or running simulations, he enjoys playing piano, watching the WNBA (go Lynx!), riding his bike, and going on walks with his dog.

YJ is a postdoc in the Abreu lab excited about using experimental evolution and high-throughput genetics to understand how ecological interactions and environmental changes influence microbial memory and behavior. She earned her PhD from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and has since conducted research in microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, and bioinformatics at institutions including Colorado State University, MIT, and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing sports, taking aimless walks, and catching up on sleep.

Yihe recently completed her master's degree in biology at NYU. After taking Clare's Topics in Quantitative Biology class, she joined the Abreu lab to do theoretical work. She is modeling a community of cross-feeding yeast and bacteria. Yeast rely on bacteria to metabolize lactose and secrete galactose, while bacteria rely on yeast for amino acids. The bacterial strains are auxotrophic for different amino acids, and the yeast strains have distinct amino acid secretion profiles. 

Lily is an undergraduate student at the College of Arts and Sciences studying Biology with minors in Environmental Studies and Psychology. Her research interests lie in microbial ecology, botany, and climate science. She also serves as an active member in several ecology-related organizations at NYU including the NYU S.E.E.D.S. chapter and The Community Agriculture Project where you can find her gardening and observing native pollinators. 

If you are interested in joining the Abreu lab, contact Clare with a description of your research interests. If you are interested in a postdoctoral position, please also include a CV.

Madeline Lucas-Cedeno completed her Master of Science in Biology at NYU. In the Abreu lab, she studied how evolution of a yeast strain in the presence of environmental stressors is affected by competition with another strain. She is now a Research Assistant II in the Vosshall lab at Rockefeller.

Madeline previously earned her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology, with a minor in Chemistry, from Montclair State University. During her undergraduate studies, Madeline worked in Dr. Petroff’s lab, where she focused on studying the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in adrenal cancer cells, contributing to advancements in cancer research. Her research interests lie in molecular biology, microbiology, and exploring therapeutic approaches to combat diseases. As a first-generation college graduate, Madeline is passionate about fostering diversity in STEM and mentoring underrepresented students.

Trang Huynh-Dang joined the Abreu lab in Summer 2025 as an NYU SURP student. Trang is an undergraduate student double majoring in Biological Sciences and Classical Studies with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Her academic interests include microbial systems, host-microbe interactions, and craniofacial development, with a focus on oral health and biofilm formation.

She began her journey at Lone Star College, where she discovered her passion for research and community-focused science. Trang plans to pursue both a DDS and PhD to advance dental research and expand access to care for underserved communities. She’s also a skilled(ish) barista! With her favorite latte pours being stacked tulips and swans that sometimes resemble more like a duck.