Jonathan Pruneda, Assistant Professor. Our lab is seeking graduate researchers to join our effort to characterize how pathogenic bacteria evade and manipulate human ubiquitin signaling responses during infection. We use a combination of biochemistry, structural biology, and cell biology to analyze this remarkable host-pathogen interaction.

Isabella Rauch, Assistant Professor. In the Rauch lab we are interested in understanding how epithelial barrier tissues recognize pathogens and how they react to an infection after recognition. We use primary stem cells derived organoids in vitro and mouse models of infection in vivo to study these processes.

Fikadu Tafesse, Assistant Professor. The Tafesse lab is interested in studying the roles of cellular lipids in bacterial and viral pathogenesis and their significance on innate and adaptive immunity. We apply novel strategies such as the use of single-domain antibodies/nanobodies not only to unravel the intricate relationships of these pathogens with the host, but also to use as diagnostic and therapeutics tools.