Olivia Frary

About

I am a PhD student studying evolutionary biology at the University of Rochester. I am interested in the evolution of sex and the broad evolutionary consequences of sex chromosome formation across the tree of life. Biological sex is weird! And I want to talk about it.

Bioinformatician

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

I grew up in Utah where I got to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains and national parks. I attended Utah Valley University where I received a Bachelors of Science in Bioinformatics. There I had the opportunity to do research under Dr. Carl Hjelmen, growing my experience in comparative phylogenetics and bioinformatics. I now work in Dr. Mark Hibbins lab at the University of Rochester where I am developing a dissertation project in evolutionary biology. I am passionate about accessible science communication and hope to become a professor in the field of evolutionary biology.

Outside of study, I enjoy:

Dancing: I'm trained in ballet and modern dance and still love to choreograph pieces.
Painting: I enjoy painting small figurines and clay characters that I make.
Reading: My recent favorites are Weyward by Emilia Hart and A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Stats

Here are some numbers to demonstrate my current progress in research and computer science.

Months of Experience in programming and lab work

Current R Projects to do with gemonics and phylogenies

Paper in progress

Awards in scholarships and grants

Projects

Here are some projects I've been a part of:

Do the differences in size between heteromorphic sex chromosomes influence organism longevity?

The purpose of this project is to consider the predictors of longevity in organisms across the tree of life. I am particularly interested in whether there is a correlation between the degree of difference in size of heteromorphic sex chromosomes and organism lifespan. Work done in Hjelmen Lab at UVU.

Investigating genome size variation through Hymenoptera phylogeny

The purpose of this project is to utilize available genome size data in Hymentoptera and see if phylogenetic relationships or species traits display correlation to genome size. Work ongoing in Hjelmen Lab at UVU. I will be presenting this research at the Entomological Society of America's National Conference this November.

Sex Determination in New Zealand Mud Snails: Identifying Genes and Chromosomal Regions with Sex-limited Features

How do asexual species produce male offspring? What is the sex determination system that allows this? Click on my face in the link to find my poster and video explanations of the project. Work done in the Logsdon Lab at the University of Iowa's Research Experience for Undergraduates.

Resume

Click here to view my updated CV

Bio

Olivia Frary

Current PhD student in biology at the University of Rochester

Hutchison Rd, Rochester, NY 14620
ofrary@ur.rochester.edu

Education

PhD in Biology

Fall 2025 - Present

University of Rochester, Rochester, NY

Evolution, Ecology, Genetics, & Genomics

Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics

Fall 2022 - Spring 2025

Utah Valley University, Orem, UT

Graduated Summa Cum Laude

GPA: 4.0

Experience

Hibbins Lab Research

Fall 2025 - Present

University of Rochester, Rochester, NY

Focus in evolution of sex chromosomes and bioinformatics

Hjelmen Lab Research

Fall 2023 - Spring 2025

Utah Valley University, Orem, UT

Researching heteromorphic sex chromosomes and their relationship to organism longevity
Working on a reproducible pipeline to produce large-scale phylogenies in R
Gaining experience in bioinformatic skills

Logsdon Lab Internship

Summer 2024

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Researched the sex system and sex determining genomic regions of an asexual species
Presented research at the University of Iowa's Summer Undergratuate Research Conference
Instructed colleagues in Linux programming, virtual environments, and supercomputing

Biology Study Abroad

Summer 2023

Aeolian Islands, Italy

Immersed in culturally rich environment to learn about the biology and geology of the Aeolian Islands
Learned how locals and endemic plants and animals coexist with active volcanoes
Researched and presented on the population genetics of the islands

General Biology Teaching Assistant

Spring 2023

Utah Valley University, Orem, UT

Worked with students to answer questions and provide support
Reviewed and graded college-level work and provided constructive feedback
Gave insights into ways to improve the material for students

Stability Intern

2022

doTERRA Quality Control, Pleasant Grove, UT

Gained experience in lab work and safety procedures as I tested the quality of products
Regulated various reports through Microsoft Office Suite and Information Management Software
Managed numerous studies and samples