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Microbiology & Immunology

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Trainees

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Post-Doctoral Associates/Fellows and Graduate Students

Alaa Ahmed,
Alaa Ahmed

Email AlaaAhmed

Graduate Student
Dewhurst Lab

Research Interest:

Improving LAIV Efficacy and Understanding Methods Underlying HIV Silencing in Astrocytes

Sara Ahmed,
Sara Ahmed

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Graduate Student
Yarovinsky Lab

David Barnard, M.S.
David Barnard, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Pavelka Lab

Sara Blick-Nitko, M.S.
Sara Blick-Nitko, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Morrell Lab

Research Interest: The Multifactorial Roles of Platelets in Malaria Infection

Zachary Boodoo,
Zachary Boodoo

Email ZacharyBoodoo

Graduate Student
First Year

Sebastian Bosch,
Sebastian Bosch

Email SebastianBosch

Graduate Student
Dewhurst Lab

Research Interest:

Understanding the Interaction of HIV With Human Microglial Cells, and its Relevance to HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND)

Justin Brennan,
Justin Brennan

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Graduate Student
Sun Lab

Emily Britt,
Emily Britt

Email EmilyBritt

Graduate Student
First Year

Tina Bui,
Tina Bui

Email TinaBui

Graduate Student
Gill Lab

Research Interest: Chronic inflammation in obesity/type 2 diabetes exacerbate S. aureus osteomyelitis. By examining gut microbiota-associated mechanism(s) which can restore immune homeostasis in obese/type 2 diabetics, we can identify potential therapeutics and prognosis markers to improve infection outcomes.

Darline Castro-Melendez,
Darline Castro-Melendez

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Graduate Student
Sheible Lab

Kiana Chen, M.S.
Kiana Chen, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Schwarz Lab
Rahimi Lab

Research Interest:

The mechanism behind sexual dimorphism in TNF-induced erosive inflammatory arthritis

Yuexuan Chen,
Yuexuan Chen

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Graduate Student
Serra-Moreno Lab

Jessica Ciesla, MS
Jessica Ciesla, MS

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Graduate Student
Munger Lab

Research Interest:

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFα) Induces Metabolic Reprogramming to Promote an Anti-viral Cell State

Amelia Clark, M.S.
Amelia Clark, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Altman Lab

Research Interest:

Modulation of the cell-autonomous molecular clock by metabolic stress, and its role in the anti-tumor immune response. 

Adam Cornwell,
Adam Cornwell

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Graduate Student
Thakar Lab
Samuelson Lab

Research Interest: Leveraging genetic tools in model systems alongside computational tools to explore mechanisms of aging, toward understanding how we might promote healthier aging in humans.

Ankit Dahal, BS
Ankit Dahal, BS

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Graduate Student
Minsoo Kim Lab

Dionysia Dimitrakopoulou, Ph.D.
Dionysia Dimitrakopoulou, Ph.D.

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Postdoctoral Fellow
Robert Lab

Megan Dunagan, M.S.
Megan Dunagan, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Takimoto Lab

Research Interest: Mechanism of host shutoff induced by influenza virus

Sophia Eliseeva,
Sophia Eliseeva

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Graduate Student
Yarovinsky Lab

Research Interest:

T. gondii-induced peripheral tissue reprogramming

Abdul Embong,
Abdul Embong

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Graduate Student
Topham Lab

Research Interest: Analysis of Human Memory B Cell Expansion After Influenza Vaccination: Assessing The Vaccine Efficacy of Licensed Flu Vaccines in the United States and the Influence of Original Antigenic Sin in Mounting Humoral Immunological Response

Katherine Escalera-Rivera, M.S.
Katherine Escalera-Rivera, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Anolik Lab
Jonason Lab

Research Interest:

Inflammatory processes involved in the onset and development of Osteoarthritis

Kristina Fenner,
Kristina Fenner

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Graduate Student
Lawrence Lab

Research Interest:

Studying the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells during viral infection 

Rebecca Fox,
Rebecca Fox

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Graduate Student
Gill Lab

Zanah Francis, M.S.
Zanah Francis, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Pavelka Lab

Erin Gibbons,
Erin Gibbons

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Graduate Student
Hammes Lab

Christie Gilbert ,
Christie  Gilbert

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Graduate Student
Jin Xiao Lab
Gill Lab

Research Interest: Understanding the ecological shifts within the oral microbiome of infants/pregnant women, and how that plays a role in the development of Early Childhood Caries (ECC). With this information, we aim to identify new diagnostics or preventative methods for ECC.

Shilpi Giri, Ph.D.
Shilpi Giri, Ph.D.

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Postdoctoral Associate
Yarovinsky Lab

Research Interest: Role of IFN-gamma in host resistance to T. gondii and IFN-gamma mediated pathology in the intestine

Gary Hannon, PhD
Gary Hannon, PhD

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Postdoctoral Associate
Gerber Lab

Kala Hardy,
Kala Hardy

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Graduate Student
Takimoto Lab

Alicia Healey,
Alicia Healey

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Graduate Student
Lawrence Lab

Research Interest: Investigating how AHR activation modulates neutrophil recruitment to the lung during viral infection

Clare Heffernan,
Clare Heffernan

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Graduate Student
First Year

Yeonsun Hong, Ph.D.
Yeonsun Hong, Ph.D.

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Postdoctoral Associate
Minsoo Kim Lab

Research Interest: Identification of key factors for immune cell activity (ex. T cell migration and MDSC differentiation) using the CRISPR-CAS9 system

Cassandra Houser, M.S.
Cassandra Houser, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Lawrence Lab

Research Interest: Exposure to environmental factors that bind the AHR regulates the differentiation and function of T follicular helper cells: a CD4+ T cell subset that is essential for the antibody response.

Ma Rie Kim,
Ma Rie Kim

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Graduate Student
Minsoo Kim Lab

Research Interest: Role of the blood microbiota in systemic inflammation

Bailey Kinn,
Bailey Kinn

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Graduate Student
First Year

Raj Kumar Mongre,
Raj Kumar Mongre

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Postdoctoral Associate
Minsoo Kim Lab
Program for Advanced Immune Bioimaging

Research Interest: Host inflammatory responses that regulate sepsis prognosis

Justin Leach,
Justin Leach

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Graduate Student
Dewhurst Lab

Research Interest:

Elucidating the Molecular Basis of the Temperature Sensitivity of the Live-Attenuated Influenza Virus (LAIV) and Using that Knowledge to Create a Safer and More Effective Influenza Vaccine

Maggie Lesch,
Maggie Lesch

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Graduate Student
Gerber Lab

Chen Li, M.S.
Chen Li, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Morrell Lab

Research Interest:

The role of platelets in immune system

Alison Livada, M.S.
Alison Livada, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Morrell Lab

Research Interest:

Megakaryocytes and platelets roles' in immunity and Origin of lung megakaryocytes and their roles in shaping immune responses

Adina Longyear,
Adina Longyear

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Graduate Student
Sant Lab

Vania Lopez-Ruiz, MS
Vania Lopez-Ruiz, MS

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Graduate Student
Robert Lab

Research Interest:

Investigating ligand presentation by XNC4, a non-polymorphic MHC class I-like molecule that confers resistance to infections by non-TB mycobacteria in Xenopus

Michael Lutz,
Michael Lutz

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Graduate Student
Takimoto Lab

Research Interest: Host adaptation of influenza virus

Ferralita Madere,
Ferralita Madere

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Graduate Student
Monaco Lab

Research Interest:

Elucidating Complex Interactions Between Viral and Bacterial Components of the Female Reproductive Tract Microbiome in AIDS-Associated Immunosuppression and Bacterial Vaginosis

Dexin Mao, Ph.D.
Dexin Mao, Ph.D.

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Postdoctoral Fellow
Yiping Zhu Lab

Andrew Martin,
Andrew Martin

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Graduate Student
Yarovinsky Lab

Research Interest: The effect of IFN-gamma on monocyte’s ability to eliminate Toxoplasma

Elysia Masters,
Elysia Masters

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Graduate Student
Awad Lab
Schwarz Lab

Preeti Maurya, Ph.D.
Preeti Maurya, Ph.D.

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Postdoctoral Associate
Morrell Lab

Briaunna Minor, BS
Briaunna Minor, BS

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Graduate Student
Hammes Lab

Research Interest:

Tumor Immunology; Estrogen signaling in immune cell infiltrate of a mouse model for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).

Sana Mir,
Sana Mir

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Graduate Student
Minsoo Kim Lab

Mary Moran,
Mary Moran

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Graduate Student
Beck Lab

Research Interest: Role of S. aureus virulence factors in promoting epidermal viral infectivity: Relevance for atopic dermatitis

Isreal Moreno, M.S.
Isreal Moreno, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Munger Lab

Research Interest:

The Role of Enolase 2 During Human Cytomegalovirus Infection

Yugo Morita, M.D., Ph.D.
Yugo Morita, M.D., Ph.D.

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Postdoctoral Fellow
Schwarz Lab

Janiret Narvaez Miranda ,
Janiret  Narvaez Miranda

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Graduate Student
Monaco Lab

Research Interest: Contribution of enteric virome to the development of allergies in urban Rochester communities and rural Old Order Mennonites.

Ashley Nelson,
Ashley Nelson

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Graduate Student
Järvinen-Seppo Lab

Molly Niska,
Molly Niska

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Graduate Student
Topham Lab

Karli Norville, M.S.
Karli Norville, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Frelinger Lab

Raven Osborn,
Raven Osborn

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Graduate Student
Dewhurst Lab
Thakar Lab

Research Interest:

Using Applications of Network Theory to Understand How SARS-CoV-2 Evades the Innate Immune System

Matthieu Paiola, Ph.D.
Matthieu Paiola, Ph.D.

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Postdoctoral Fellow
Robert Lab

Research Interest: The role of T cells and innate-like T cells in the host resistance against Mycobacteria infection

Mukta Palshikar, MS
Mukta Palshikar, MS

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Graduate Student
Thakar Lab

Research Interest:

Executable Models of Pathways Built Using Single-cell RNA-seq Data Reveal Atherosclerosis-associated Signaling Dysregulations

Charkira Patrick,
Charkira Patrick

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Graduate Student
First Year

Yue Peng, M.S.
Yue Peng, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Schwarz Lab

Research Interest:

Investigating Lymphatics in Inflammatory-Erosive Arthritis

Tyrus Perdue,
Tyrus Perdue

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Graduate Student
Monaco Lab

Shelby Peres,
Shelby Peres

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Graduate Student
Pavelka Lab

Melanie Perkins,
Melanie Perkins

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Graduate Student
Anolik Lab

Research Interest:

Investigating the role of B cells in autoimmune disease

An (Andy) Phan,
An (Andy) Phan

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Graduate Student
Yiping Zhu Lab

Catherine Pizzarello, BS
Catherine Pizzarello, BS

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Graduate Student
Järvinen-Seppo Lab

Research Interest:

The role of human milk oligosaccharides in the regulation of intestinal epithelial cell cytokine expression

Christina Post, Ph.D.
Christina Post, Ph.D.

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Postdoctoral Fellow
Lawrence Lab

Research Interest: Effects of exposure to perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) on antiviral immunity

Traci Pressley,
Traci  Pressley

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Graduate Student
Georas Lab

Zahira Quinones Tavarez,
Zahira Quinones Tavarez

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Graduate Student
Gill Lab
Ossip Lab

Research Interest: Effects of electronic cigarette flavorings on the interplay between the respiratory microbiome and innate immunity, and how that translates into health and disease.

Saloni Ramani,
Saloni Ramani

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Graduate Student
Mosmann Lab

Matthew Raymonda, MS
Matthew Raymonda, MS

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Graduate Student
Munger Lab

Research Interest:

Identifying the Mechanisms of UL38-Mediated Metabolic Rigidity

Carlos Reyes-Sepulveda,
Carlos Reyes-Sepulveda

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Graduate Student
First Year

Allison Ryan,
Allison Ryan

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Graduate Student
Minsoo Kim Lab

Alexandra Safronova, Ph.D.
Alexandra Safronova, Ph.D.

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Postdoctoral Associate
Yarovinsky Lab

Research Interest: Gut microbiota, host defense and immunity: analysis with integrative omics approach

Cooper Sailer, M.S.
Cooper Sailer, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Minsoo Kim Lab

Research Interest: Using optogenetics to explore chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell effector function in solid tumors

Noah Salama, BS
Noah Salama, BS

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Graduate Student
Calvi Lab

Research Interest:

To characterize long-term, post resolution polarized resident macrophage cell types and ascertain their phenotypic role in maintaining the tissue polarized state

Tyler Scherzi, M.S.
Tyler Scherzi, M.S.

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Graduate Student
Jarvinen-Seppo Lab

Jordana Schmierer,
Jordana Schmierer

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Graduate Student
Takimoto Lab

Yuhang Shi,
Yuhang Shi

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Graduate Student
Serra-Moreno Lab

Lucas Simpson,
Lucas Simpson

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Graduate Student
Munger Lab

Research Interest:

Defining the vulnerabilities of HCMV’s metabolic landscape 

Michael Sportiello, BS
Michael Sportiello, BS

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Graduate Student
Topham Lab

Research Interest:

Resident memory T cells, influenza immune response, influenza vaccine development, applied bioinformatic methods

Ian Stone,
Ian Stone

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Graduate Student
First Year

Karli Sutton,
Karli Sutton

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Graduate Student
First Year

Katharine Tomberlin,
Katharine Tomberlin

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Graduate Student
Dziejman Lab

Research Interest: Identifying the minimal genetic elements carried within the V. cholerae T3SS island that are required for colonization.

Megan Ulbrich,
Megan Ulbrich

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Graduate Student
Dziejman Lab

Research Interest: Using multidisciplinary approaches to uncover novel effector protein (VopX) functions.

Tara Vrooman,
Tara Vrooman

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Graduate Student
Gerber Lab

Nicole Waild,
Nicole Waild

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Graduate Student
Munger Lab

Research Interest:

CRISPR-mediated Functional Dissection of the HCMV Interactome

Ruoqiao Wang,
Ruoqiao Wang

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Graduate Student
Thakar Lab

Chantelle White ,
Chantelle White

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Graduate Student
Sant Lab

Research Interest: Investigating the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic viral factors on the development of CD4 T cell mediated immune responses to infection

Zirui Zhao,
Zirui Zhao

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Graduate Student
Dziejman Lab

Zhinian Zhou,
Zhinian Zhou

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Graduate Student
Sun Lab