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Cornell University

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Transcriptional Regulation and Expression Facility (TREx)

Jen Grenier

Director, Genomics, Genomics Innovation Hub, and TREx

After receiving her Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she worked in biotechnology research in both the for-profit and higher education settings before coming to Cornell in 2009.  She has led the launch of two core facilities, the Transcriptional Regulation and Expression (TREx) Facility and the Genomics Innovation Hub (GIH). Jen assumed the directorship of the Genomics Facility in Summer, 2023. To read more about Jen’s expertise and experience, see the leadership page.

Christine Butler

Lab manager

Chrissy Butler has been the lab manager for TREx since 2014, when it was previously known as the RNA Sequencing Core lab.  She performs library preparations from total RNA, small RNA, or rRNA-subtracted samples for the Illumina TruSeq system. The TREx lab provides the above services, sequencing, and data analysis as a complete package in addition to ATACseq services. Prior to TREx, Chrissy worked for 22 years in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics for Dr. Thomas Fox studying translational controls of mitochondrial gene expression in yeast. When not working in the lab, she enjoys her two cats, hiking around central NY with her 2 rescue dogs, exploring nature, and finding new vegan recipes to try out.

Ann Tate

Project Manager

Ann Tate received her Bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher College, double majoring in Biology and Adolescent Education, and her Master’s degree from Cornell in Plant Breeding and Genetics.  Starting in 2011, she worked for several years in the BRC Genomics Facility, specializing in Illumina sequencing and Oxford Nanopore support.  In early 2019 she accepted the position of Project Manager for TREx, where she handles experimental design, input requirements, status updates, and future planning, as well as utilizing her expertise in Illumina sequencing to provide guidance on technology, BRC offerings, and Novogene services. 

Faraz Ahmed

Bioinformatics Analyst

Faraz received his Bachelor's degree in Biomolecular Science and his Master's degree in Bioinformatics from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. As the Bioinformatics Analyst for TREx, he is actively developing and maintaining open-source workflows for RNA-seq, sRNA-seq and ATAC-seq services. Apart from this he provides consultation and collaboration on research grants and Genomics Innovation Hub projects for adaptability of new tools and data analytics approaches for scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq experiments. His hobbies include drone cinematography, UX design, golfing, riding electric skateboards and making R-shiny apps.