Cristina Landeta
I am a microbiologist, basically interested in the unseen majority, organisms that account for ∼1030 cells in our planet and that date back to the origin of life at least 3.8 billion years ago. I am fascinated by this invisible world and their role in supporting life in the biosphere as well as their role in human health and disease. Find my Google Scholar, LinkedIn, ResearchGate, or ORCID.
Franco Birocco
I earned my PhD. in Biological Sciences at Universidad Nacional del Litoral Argentina, focusing on thiol-based redox proteins and antioxidant metabolism in anaerobic protozoan parasites. Currently, I'm investigating disulfide bond formation in bacterial pathogens. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling and immersing myself in new cultures. I also have a strong interest in biotechnology entrepreneurship and blockchain applications for decentralized science.
Adrian Mejia-Santana
I am currently a graduate student, pursuing a PhD in Microbiology. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in Cell and Molecular Biology with international distinction from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I have always been fascinated with biology at a young age and the continuous pursuit of knowledge it has to offer.
Gwendolyn Nita Amarquaye
I am interested in how microbes develop strategies to overcome conditions that are rather harmful to them. The DNA of an organism tells us a lot and tweaking it can change the identity of the organism. Part of my motivation as a student stems from the burden that I cannot give up because I have others, some I am yet to meet, looking up to me. In my free time, I like to read novels or watch movies.
Sally Abulaila
In my eyes, amongst all organisms, bacteria are the most interesting in terms of cell structure and function. Since BSc, the vast spread of antibiotic resistance around the world has made me more determined to study bacteria and not any other microorganism. By reading research articles, reviews or textbooks, one can sense how complex and smart bacteria are despite their micro-size. Utilising disulfide bond formation systems as new therapeutic targets is one of the most attractive research topics to my mind. Therefore, as a graduate student, I am looking forward to studying and understanding this system in the well-known pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and hopefully contribute to benefit mankind.
Rebecca Collins
I am currently a Research Assistant in the lab. I was part of the ASURE Genome Engineering Program and have also been part of the Medical Scientist Training Program at the IU School of Medicine. I'm looking forward to learning more lab techniques and how they can be used to gather information that we can apply to medicine. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, hiking, and playing sports.
Lindsey Good
I am currently a senior majoring in Biology with a concentration in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics and minoring in Psychology and Chemistry. I was part of the ASURE Biotechnology Program at IU, where I studied the disulfide bond formation system and potential targets in E. coli for antibacterial development. I'm interested in learning more about microorganisms and how they are utilized in research and drug discovery. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and spending time with friends and family.
Abinaya Ganesan
I am currently a sophomore studying Biochemistry and Biotechnology with a minor in Global Health Promotion. I was part of the ASURE Chemistry Program at IU, where I studied quorum sensing inhibitors for Vibrio bacteria. I'm interested in learning more about new forms of antibacterial medicine and its applications in healthcare. In my free time, I love to read, travel and spend time with my friends.
Former lab members
If you don't see your name or changed place, please contact Cristina. She'd like to hear from you!
Jack Markus @ Medical Program in Marian University
Dariana Chavez @ Washington University in St. Louis, Molecular Microbiology PhD Program
Hannah Chung @ IU Medical Assistance Program
Dyotima @ Singota Solutions
Daisy Robles-Magallanes @ IU Biotechnology Masters Program
Kayley Ryan @ IU School of Medicine MD program
Ryley Aquilano @ Codelicious.
Carolina Lopes @ IU Biotechnology Masters Program
Jocelyne Mendoza @ Hines Medical Laboratory Science Program
Grace Mosley
Elijah Walker @ University of Cincinnati MD program