People

Principal Investigator

Dr. Nathan Law

Assistant Professor

College of Veterinary Medicine: School of Molecular Biosciences

Biological Life Sciences Rm 243
(509) 335-9817
nathan_law@wsu.edu

Tia Hoisington, B.S.

Fourth year Ph.D. Candidate
Joined the lab in January 2023
tia.hoisington@wsu.edu

From Appleton, Wisconsin, Tia is a fourth‑year Ph.D. candidate studying paternal epigenetic inheritance and its effects on pregnancy outcomes and fetal development. She plans to continue working in reproductive and developmental biology, with the goal of mentoring and supporting the next generation of scientists. In the Law Lab, she values the strong team dynamic, the changing cycles of her day‑to‑day work, and caring for her “monster” mice. A fun fact about Tia is that she has never purchased her own coffee mug; every one she owns has been a gift.

Jaqui Meza, B.S.

Ph.D. Student
Joined the lab in January 2026

jaqueline.meza@wsu.edu

Marika Van Slageren, B.S.

Ph.D. Student
Joined the lab in March 2026

marika.vanslageren@wsu.edu

From Granger, Washington, Marika is a second‑year Ph.D. student in the School of Molecular Biosciences studying reproductive and developmental biology, with a focus on male factors and fertility. She plans to complete her doctorate and remain in the reproductive science field, with interests in both industry and academia. In the Law Lab, she values the collaborative environment and enjoys hands‑on mouse work, as well as fetal and embryonic research. Outside of the lab, Marika grew up on a dairy farm with three sisters.

Haben Haile

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Joined the lab in November 2025

haben.haile@wsu.edu

Haben, a junior biology major from Fife, Washington, is on the pre‑physician assistant path. She aspires to become a physician’s assistant because she enjoys being challenged and wants to make a meaningful impact on patient care. In the Law Lab, she enjoys the methodical nature of PCR and working hands‑on with the “little guys,” which she finds both fun and rewarding. Outside of the lab, Haben is a former ballerina who trained in ballet for eight years.

Ellie Ikemura

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Joined the lab in November 2025

ellie.ikemura@wsu.edu

From Mililani, Hawaii, Ellie is a third‑year biology major on the pre‑medical track. She hopes to become a pediatrician because she enjoys caring for people, building relationships, and supporting individuals as they grow and develop over time. In the Law Lab, she values the strong sense of community and enjoys working hands‑on with the mice. Outside of the lab, Ellie loves running, hiking, and exploring new places.

Ari Wilson

Joined the lab in January 2026

aria.wilson@wsu.edu

From Aurora, Colorado, Ari is pursuing a degree in Genetics and Cell Biology with a minor in Biochemistry and is expected to graduate in the fall of 2027. She plans to continue her training by earning a PhD in genetics and pursuing a career in industry. In the Law Lab, she values the collaborative atmosphere and the generosity and support shared among its members. Beyond the laboratory, Ari has been playing the piano for nearly her entire life.

December Htoo

Joined the lab in November 2025

december.htoo@wsu.edu

Alumni

Kassie Stadler

M.S. Animal Science (August 2021-May 2023)

Current Animal Protection Officer

Blanca Biladeau

Scientific Assistant (August 2021-May 2023)

Jonah Wisen

Undergraduate Research Assistant (August 2021-May 2022)

B.S in Animal Sciences

Current DVM student at Washington State University

Petra Bernsten

Undergraduate Research Assistant (August 2023-May 2024)

B.S in Genetics & Cellular Biology

Current PharmD student at Washington State University

Marc Machuca

Undergraduate Research Assistant (September 2023-May 2024)

B.S in Animal Sciences

Current DVM student at UC Davis

Amanda Brown

Undergraduate Research Assistant (October 2023-May 2025)

B.S in Microbiology, Minor in Animal Sciences

Research Associate at Allen Institute

Carson Black

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Brayden Olsen

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Dr. Mustika Rahmawati

Ph.D. Molecular Biosciences (January 2021-May 2026)

Belicia Guzman

Undergraduate Research Assistant (September 2024-May 2026)

B.S in Animal Sciences, Minor in Biology

Current DVM student at Washington State University

From Pasco, Washington, Belicia holds a bachelor’s degree from WSU and is currently a first‑year veterinary student. She plans to become a mixed animal veterinarian with a goal of specializing in emergency medicine. In the Law Lab, she enjoys working with mice, analyzing H&E‑stained placental and embryonic histology, and being part of a positive, mentorship‑driven environment. Outside of the lab, Belicia loves playing indoor and outdoor soccer.

Danika Dalvi

Undergraduate Research Assistant (September 2024-May 2026)

B.S in Genetics and Cell Biology

From Sunnyville, California, Danika is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Genetics and Cell Biology. She is passionate about science and is exploring future paths in either medical school or graduate school, with a strong interest in scientific research. In the Law Lab, she values the people most and enjoys caring for stem cell cultures—especially SSC3, the first culture she learned on, affectionately named Sebastian Stan. Outside of the lab, Danika has dreams of one day owning a highland cow and a donkey, named Cheeto and Dorito.