Farhan Anwar
I graduated from the University of Arizona with my B.S. in Microbiology in 2012. Currently, I am continuing my studies in the Master’s program in Microbiology in Dr. Vedantam and Dr. Viswanathan’s laboratory. My focus is on the organism, Clostridium difficile, and its virulence factors. Specifically, my focus is doing an epidemiologic study on the prevalence of this organism in Tucson. Additionally I am looking into the difference of toxin between epidemic and nonepidemic strains of C. difficile.
Michelle Chu
I received my B.S. in microbiology at the University of Arizona in 2010. I decided that I wanted to continue my education in microbiology through the Master of Science Program. Currently, I am working on a nosocomial pathogen, Clostridium difficile, with Dr. Gayatri Vedantam and Dr. V.K. Viswanathan as my mentors. More specifically, I am interested in looking at the cell surface polysaccharides of C. difficile. Vedantam and Viswanathan Labs
Andrew Clark
I graduated from the University of Arizona Microbiology program in 2006, and then completed my Masters in Microbiology with Dr. B. Helen Jost in 2009. While completing my master’s degree I worked in the clinical microbiology laboratory at Tucson Medical Center, and then as a research specialist for Dr. Donna Wolk in the Department of Pathology in the UA College of Medicine.
I currently am pursuing a Ph.D. under the mentorship of Drs. Gayatri Vedantam and V.K. Vishwanathan investigating the molecular mechanisms by which the pathogenic bacterium Clostridium difficile is able to colonize host tissues and subsequently establish infection. I am particularly interested in the contribution of bacterial colonization factors their interaction with the innate immune system in the context of C. difficile infection. Vedantam and Vishwanathan Labs
Shivanna Johnson
Shivanna obtained her bachelors degree from The University of Arizona in veterinary science and microbiology in May 2012. She is a first year Microbiology graduate student in the Joens laboratory. As a Master's student, Shivanna will work closely with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae while aiming to develop a vaccine for Swine Dysentery using a salmonella vector.
Alix McCloskey
I received my bachelor’s in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona in 2006. During my time as an undergraduate I worked in a plant pathology microbiology lab. In that lab I studied the toxin producing fungus Aspergillus flavus. I worked on ways of improving the efficacy of a non-toxin producing strain of the fungus in out-competing the toxin producing strain in agricultural fields.
I am now a PhD student in Dr. Joens’ lab where my work focuses on virulence factors of Campylobacter jejuni.
Rebecca Mcquade
I graduated from the University of Arizona’s Nutritional Sciences program in 2008. Though I enjoy nutrition, I found that I’m most interested in the fascinating world of microbes.
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to return to the UofA, where I’m currently studying the hospital-acquired pathogen Clostridium difficile under the guidance of Drs. Gayatri Vedantam and V.K. Viswanathan. In particular, I’m interested in antimicrobial resistance in C. difficile, and the host cell response to C. difficile infection.
Xeeroy Rada
I graduated from The University of Tampa, FL in 2011, where I received my B.S. in Biology. While at The University of Tampa, I realized that I had a great interest in Microbiology. Currently, I am working under Dr. Ravishankar, where I am studying the survival and control of foodborne pathogens in organic leafy greens. I hope to continue my research and develop robust markers in foodborne pathogens for detection in complex food and environmental matrixes.
Liliana Rounds
PhD student in Dr. Viswanathan and Dr. Vedantam's laboratories.
I am originally from Tamaulipas, Mexico, where I graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. I joined the department as a graduate student in 2009 and one of my goals is to obtain a PhD in Microbiology. Ultimately, I would like to apply to work for a worldwide organization researching infectious diseases, and communicating to the population their importance and prevention.
Jennifer Roxas
Jennifer Lising Roxas obtained her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Campus. While on a J1 research scholarship at the University at Illinois at Chicago under the supervision of Dr. VK. Viswanathan, she discovered her passion for understanding the intricacies of bacterial pathogenesis. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology under the tutelage of Dr. V.K. Viswanathan and Dr. Gayatri Vedantam. Her field of interest is in pathogen/host interactions.
Shelby Wendel
I am currently an Accelerated Maters student here at the University of Arizona. While finishing my under graduate studies in Microbiology I am also starting work on a Masters in Microbiology as well. I will graduate with my B.S. in the spring of 2013 and will continue working towards my Masters degree. I am part of Dr. Lynn Joens lab where I am studying the organism Campylobacter jejuni. Specifically I am working on identifying and studying the role of cytotoxins as virulence factors in several C. jejuni strains.
