Virtual Teaching Assistants (TAs)
The GEP’s Virtual TAs are a centralized core group of students that can provide real-time support to all GEP students seven days a week.
Select a TA’s name in the calendar for information on their expertise or scroll down to Meet the Virtual TAs.
See the Student Resources page for annotation tools user guides, student FAQs and Tips, and tool tutorial videos.
In order to prevent Zoombombing, students should obtain the link for the Zoom meeting room from their instructors (GEP Instructors can find the details on the password (generic) protected page).
Schedule
If you would like to connect with the Virtual TAs and no time slot matches your needs or are a faculty member wanting to schedule a class welcome, please feel free to send an email to gepvta@gmail.com, and we will assist you as soon as we can! On reply, you will get a response from a different email hosted by The University of Alabama.
If you are unable to see the calendar below, you can navigate to the Eastern Time Virtual TA Calendar.
If you are unable to see the calendar below, you can navigate to the Central Time Virtual TA Calendar.
If you are unable to see the calendar below, you can navigate to the Mountain Time Virtual TA Calendar.
If you are unable to see the calendar below, you can navigate to the Pacific Time Virtual TA Calendar.
Meet the Virtual TAs
D'Andrew
Virtual TA Since: 2019
Hello, I’m the Lead of the Virtual TA team. I am currently working towards my B.S in Computer Science with a dedication to Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at UNLV. As a CS major, I’m eager to continue collaborating with members of the Biology community.
Ayush Pathak
Virtual TA Since: 2025
I’m a rising junior at the University of Alabama, majoring in Biology. I’ve been involved with the GEP since my freshman year.
Elizabeth Wasson
Virtual TA Since: 2025
Hello! I am a fourth-year student at University of Alabama pursuing an accelerated master’s degree in biology. I began working in the Reed Lab with the Genomics Education Partnership in 2024, where I am working on a multi-ortholog project investigating the gene chico, and I have really enjoyed continuing to grow my research skills. In my spare time, I love writing my own music on guitar, playing pickleball, and going for runs.
Natalie Duncan
Virtual TA Since: 2026
Hello! I am a rising senior at The University of Alabama, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology on the Pre-Medical track. I am a member of the Reed Lab at The University of Alabama, and I have worked on the GEP Pathways project under Dr. Reed’s leadership. My hobbies include painting, cross-stitching, and hanging out with friends. I am looking forward to connecting with other members of the biological community!
Emie Vandiver
Virtual TA Since: 2025
Hello, I am a rising senior at the University of Alabama pursuing both my B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Biology through the accelerated master’s program. I became involved with the GEP in 2025, when I participated in curriculum-based gene annotations. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, working out, and spending time with my friends and family.
Quinn Zalamea
Virtual TA Since: 2026
Hello! I am currently a student at the University of Alabama pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology. My involvement in the GEP began in 2025 with the Pathways Project. In my free time, I enjoy playing french horn, bird watching, and rock climbing.
- Page Last Updated: April 15, 2026