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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 all week.

View the calendar below for drop-in availability 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 uninvited meeting disruptions, students should obtain the link for the virtual meeting room from their instructors (GEP Instructors can find the details on the password (generic) protected page).

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Chinmay (left) and Logan (right) pose with the Buc-ee's Beaver

Schedule

Select a time zone from the list below

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 GEPVirtualTAs@thegep.org, and we will assist you as soon as we can! On reply, you will receive a response from a different email hosted by the GEP.

If you are unable to see the schedule below, you can navigate to the Eastern Time Virtual TA Calendar.

If you are unable to see the schedule below, you can navigate to the Central Time Virtual TA Calendar.

If you are unable to see the schedule below, you can navigate to the Mountain Time Virtual TA Calendar.

If you are unable to see the schedule below, you can navigate to the Pacific Time Virtual TA Calendar.

Meet the Virtual TAs

Meme Eichner

Virtual TA Since: 2026

Hello, I am the Lead of the Virtual TA team. I have an A.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Molecular Biology and Genetics, and I am currently completing a Master of Business Administration degree at Penn State University. I started with the Genomics Education Partnership in 2023 while investigating the gene sns in Drosophila species. I love interdisciplinary studies and I am excited to continue collaborating with other members of the STEM community. In my free time I enjoy live music, native plants, and video games.

Erica Franke

Virtual TA Since: 2026

Hello! My name is Erica, and I am currently in the last year of completing my master’s degree in biology at Western Carolina University in North Carolina. I also have a bachelor’s degree in forensic science from WCU. I have been involved with the GEP program and have taken genomics courses since the fall of 2025. I am excited to continue to work with GEP and hope to expand my comparative genomics research skills.

Marie Dvorak

Virtual TA Since: 2026

Hello! I recently graduated with my B.S. in Biology from the University of St. Francis. I first got involved with GEP through my genetics course with the Pathways Project but then pursued independent research where I annotated the genes p38a, p38c, and whd in both D. ananassae and D. willistoni. I plan to pursue a PhD in immunology/microbiology. Outside of research, I love singing, camping, hiking, crocheting, and baking!

Mikayla Fields

Virtual TA Since: 2026

Hello! I recently graduated from the University of New Mexico with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I discovered GEP through an omics course this past spring, where I completed a research project involving D. pseudoobscura. That experience sparked my interest in genomics research. Outside of science, I enjoy baking, watching movies, and spending time outdoors on nature walks.

Nicol Rios Ortiz

Virtual TA Since: 2026

Hello! I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in genetics from the University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla and a master’s degree in biology from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, where I also worked as a Genetics Laboratory Instructor. I am now a first-year Genetic Counseling student at the University of Michigan. I joined the GEP in 2025 through the Pathways Project and also participated in the Puerto Rican Parrot Project. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and trying new foods.

Olu Olukoya

Virtual TA Since: 2026

Hello! I recently graduated from UTSA with a B.S. in Biology with Neuroscience Minor. I first learned about genomics through the GEP Course and was able to continue genomic research in the summer with the University of Washington. I think genomics is a really cool and fundamental science that applies to everything. Currently I am trying to get everything in order and prepare to apply for grad school but in the meantime, I spend most of my time binging comedies, reading manga, and trying to stay active.

Stephanie Carroll

Virtual TA Since: 2026

Hello! I am a junior at Colorado Mesa University studying biology. I am a bit obsessed with plants and have over 20 houseplants. Because of this, I want to eventually work with plants in some capacity. Currently, I am trying to figure out if genetics is something I want to study more in the future. In my spare time, I enjoy crocheting, knitting, hiking, taking care of my fish, and kickboxing.

  • Page Last Updated: August 20, 2026