RESEARCH
We study how gene regulation has shaped human evolution, phenotypes and diseases
RESEARCH
Exploring the genetic changes that made us human
RESEARCH INTERESTS
OUTSIDE THE LAB
Dr. David Gokhman
Principal Investigator
Uncovering what makes us human. Particularly interested in the gene regulatory changes that underlie human-specific traits and diseases. My focus is on our closest extinct (Neanderthal and Denisovan) and extant (chimp and bonobo) relatives.
Can never resist an opportunity to swim or kayak with whales. Love hiking, snorkeling, woodworking, gardening and cat/dog-raising.
Dr. Simon Fishilevich
Senior Bioinformatician
I am fascinated with the human genome, specifically with discovering functional aspects of its non-coding regulatory parts, such as promoters and enhancers. I enjoy integrating and analyzing biomedical data to drive discovery in the fields of human genetics, evolution and gene regulation.
Proud and tired parent of two cute monsters, shower philosopher & Netflix fan. Love to travel and hang out with my family.
Adi Rozenblatt
Research Associate
I’m fascinated by the diverse realms of biology, especially from a genetics and molecular perspective. I’m intrigued by how small changes at the molecular level can have a significant impact on our lives across various fields.
I'm a proud mother to an amazing daughter and two adorable dogs. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, baking spending quality time with my family, and practice sports.
Aya Kigel
Research Scientist
I’m deeply fascinated by molecular biology, particularly the genomic adaptations of humans throughout evolution, and I hope to contribute to uncovering new insights through the use of molecular techniques.
Proud mother of a sweet boy and girl. In my free time, I enjoy music and cooking. I also love traveling to new places and exploring their unique cuisines
Gal Bodek
Data Analyst
I enjoy diving into complex biological questions using computational and statistical techniques. I am specifically interested in the integration of genomic data and computational methods to study how gene regulatory changes drive human evolution.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, crafting, and getting lost in a good book. I also like to practice yoga, go for runs, and experiment with cooking (hoping to improve that skill).
Ryder Easterlin
PhD Student
Studying the role of non-coding variation in archaic and modern human evolution, specifically regarding phenotypic divergence between the lineages. Co-advised by Prof. Nadav Ahituv (UCSF).
Some of my favorite things to do outside of the lab are climbing, sailing on San Francisco Bay, and playing strategy boardgames and videogames. Always looking for new passions/hobbies as well!
Omer Ronen
PhD Student
I’m interested in discovering the role of selection as a driving force for evolution. Excited to use and build statistical models to unravel hidden patterns.
I love watching Israeli football, going to concerts and practicing yoga. Trying to stay sane by reading when taking public transportation.
Noam Priel
PhD Student
I’m interested in the way evolution shaped the human skeleton for bipedalism, walking and running. Combining molecular biology, tissue culture and computational tools to elucidate human-specific expression patterns leading to skeletal morphological changes.
I enjoy traveling, hiking, running and an occasional visit to the gym. Love spending time with the family, cooking vegan meals, and playing with my boy and the dog.
Nachshon Egyes
MSc Student
I am fascinated by the evolutionary processes that governed how humans came to be. By utilizing diverse computational tools, I hope to contribute in bridging the genotype-to-phenotype knowledge gap and deepen our understanding of the human story.
I love to climb mountains and observe the world from above. I also enjoy learning new languages from time to time, reading good novels, and spending time with friends and family.
Nadav Mishol
MSc Student
I am fascinated by the human past – the different forms and ways of life of our predecessors. I’m especially passionate about studying the evolutionary forces that shaped our biology and behavior. I believe that through studying evolutionary genomics we can gain profound insights about ourselves and our place in the world.
I enjoy spending my time with my family and friends. In my spare time you’ll find me taking a walk with my dog, watching Netflix, reading a book, and occasionally participating in an archeological excavation. My favorite thing to do is traveling to new places and seeing new cultures.
Lihi Erez
MSc Student
I'm fascinated by how genomic changes at the molecular level have shaped modern humans. I'm especially interested in understanding how we’ve come to develop beneficial traits, as well as traits that are puzzling from an evolutionary perspective. What are the molecular mechanisms behind this, and what can they reveal about our evolutionary path?
When I'm not in the lab, I love hiking in Israel and traveling around the world. I’m also an animal lover, especially when it comes to my dog, Jack, who never fails to brighten my day.
Itamar Nini
MSc Student
I'm deeply interested in the fitness landscape that shaped the human species, and the
forces that helped turn us into such a successful species. I love the process of uncovering
small insights from vast amounts of genomic data and linking those discoveries to the needs
of humankind across different environments.
In my leisure time, I enjoy anything that involves sports or nature. Most days, I do CrossFit,
maintain my reef aquarium, and watch sports. But when I have a day off, I like to get
outdoors - to fish, watch birds, or go for a hike.
Omer Mozer
Lab Assistant
I am enthusiastic about deepening my understanding of the connections between evolution and genetics, and I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the lab’s experimental projects. As an undergraduate student, I’m eager to gain hands-on research experience and observe how the concepts I study in class translate into real scientific practice.
Outside the lab, you can usually find me getting lost in a good book, hiking up a new trail, or getting way too competitive over a board game.
ALUMNI
Nitzan Haim, MSc
Amit Philosoph, Research Assistant
Guy Hirsh, Lab Manager
Tal Sharon, Programmer
Katharina Lange, MSc
Yarden Weiss, MSc