The Petrie Dish
About The Petrie Dish
The Petrie Dish is a biology research lab at Drexel University that focuses on studying cell migration. Our team is comprised of 4 PhD students and several undergrads. With numerous publications and recognitions, we are dedicated to advancing the field of cell biology. We also love to share our favorite microscopy images from our experiments.
The Team
Our team is made up of PhD graduate students, masters students, and undergraduate student researchers.
Ryan J. Petrie, PhD
he/him
Principle Investigator
Dr. Petrie founded the lab at Drexel in 2015 after spending 7 years as a post-doctoral fellow at the NIH under Dr. Ken Yamada. He earned his doctorate in Quebec at McGill University in 2008. He and his wife Dr. Petrie enjoy spending time with their beloved dog Youppie. He boasts an impressive knowledge of trains and is dedicated to changing the world one fibroblast at a time.
Matt Cowan
he/him
6th Year PhD Candidate
Matt burst into cellular existence under a confetti shower of DNA strands that rained down from a passing comet. Choosing a career path on a whim, Matt blindly staggered into the world of cell biology. In addition to his research in cell migration, he regularly hosts future-themed microscopic disco parties with neighborhood amoebas and sundry entities who’ve become unstuck from time. The lab had gained notoriety as the go-to spot to high-five interdimensional laser cats. Post-Phd, Matt is interested in a career in science policy, where he plans to advocate for the diplomatic rights of migratory space whales, lobby to sequence full proteomes for all paleolithic megafauna, and push for legislation to ensure the ethical treatment of genetically modified sponge people.
Bre R. Hewitt
she/her
4th Year PhD Candidate
Bre joined the Petrie Dish in 2021 during her first year at Drexel. She hails from North Carolina and received her B.S. in Zoology with a minor in Genetics from NC State University in 2020. Bre's research interests focus on live single cell microscopy and migratory cell polarity. When she isn't in the lab, Bre enjoys fawning over her many pets. Bre looks forward to exploring professional opportunities in microscopy.
Jacob Duggan
he/him
4th Year PhD Candidate
Jacob Duggan is a dedicated biologist currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Drexel University, where he delves into the intricate world of cell biology. Born with an insatiable curiosity for the microscopic wonders of life, Jacob's academic journey has been marked by a passion for unraveling the mysteries of cellular processes. His research focuses on mechanotransduction in cell migration, with a keen interest in how these processes contribute to both health and disease. Jacob remains driven by a deep-seated desire to expand our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of life.
Ive-Anwuli Ralph-Uyalor
she/her
2nd Year PhD Student
Ive-Anwuli got her bachelors in biological science from Anambra State University now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Nigeria. She joined the lab in 2023. Besides research Ive-Anwuli loves to cook (which is how she won everyone over in lab 😏), music, movies, books, and visiting new places.
Our Undergraduate Team
The Petrie Lab is dedicated to extending the opportunity for undergraduate biology students to gain experience in active research. Students carry out their own individual projects and ask their own scientific questions.
MVPs
The real masterminds behind keeping the Petrie Lab up and running (and sane).
