Team

Rianna: I received my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Spanish, and a Master's in Biology, while affiliated with the Marquez-Lago lab (2023-2024). After graduation, I have continued supporting research efforts in the Marquez-Lago lab for human subjects studies, while I prepare to attend Medical School. I have an interest in learning and researching more about women's health. In my free time, I love watching movies, trying to perfect my chai latte recipe, and spending time with my loved ones!

Kira: I received my undergraduate degree in Genetic and Genomic sciences. I am interested in researching the correlation between genetic factors, the microbiome, and Parkinson's Disease. In my free time, I love listening to music, hanging out with my friends, and going to new restaurants.

Taryn: I am an undergraduate student in the Early Medical School Acceptance Program (EMSAP), double majoring in Neuroscience and Spanish. My research interests lie in the brain's healing processes following (chronic) traumatic brain injuries and how microbiome-targeted treatments may facilitate recovery in chronic diseases. In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting, reading, spending time with my family and my dog, and side-questing with friends.

Adrienne: I am an undergraduate in the Science and Technology Honors Program, studying Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Public Health. I’m interested in studying maternal and women’s health, and I hope to go into those fields after I graduate. In my free time, I love to listen to music, read, window shop, and hang out with my roommates—especially Elinor. She gives me cheese. 

Elinor: I am a student in the SciTech Honors program majoring in Genetics and Genomic Sciences. I am interested in studying the microbiome as well as the translational applications of arthropod research. In my free time I like reading, watching Ghibli films, speaking in random accents, and I love spending time with roommates - especially Adrienne.

Grace: I am a student in the Science and Technology Honors Program majoring in Biomedical Sciences. I am fascinated by how bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance and the strategies and mechanisms used to reverse resistance. In my free time, I love listening to music, drawing, playing video games, and hanging out with friends.

Ethan: I am an undergraduate in the Science and Technology Honors Program, double majoring in Bioinformatics & Genetics and Genomic Sciences. I am interested in antibiotic resistance and using bacteriophages to help treat superbug infections in humans. In my leisure hours, I like to play video games, watch anime, bake new things, and go to museums. 

Jordan: I am a student in the Joint Health Sciences Department pursuing a masters in Multidisciplinary Biological Sciences with a concentration in immunology. I'm interested in studying human microbiomes and how they relate to the overall health of individuals. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with friends and reading books. 

Jiung-Wen: I am a Ph.D. student in the Department of Biology at UAB. I am interested in the application of bioinformatics tools and machine learning techniques to address problems related to the microbiome. I am a tea enthusiast, hiker, and dog person.

Mei: I am a Senior Researcher with a PhD in Pharmacokinetics and Biochemistry. With my experience on processing and sequencing large amounts of clinical samples, I will contribute to a variety of projects in the lab. Outside of work I like reading, knitting, and trying out new cooking recipes.  (Mei will soon be joining the lab!)

Greg: I am a Researcher IV and have a PhD in biotechnology, bringing experience from the diagnostics industry. I will be assisting with various lab projects including bacterial multi-drug resistance, CMV transmission, and ribozymes. In my spare time I enjoy camping, cooking, making coffee, reading, and gaming.

Tatiana: I am an Associate Professor in the Departments of Genetics, Microbiology, CDIB, and Biology at UAB. I am also affiliated with the Cystic Fibrosis Center, the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science at UAB. My work revolves around building predictive models in translational science, particularly in the context of microbiome-metabolome-host interactions and antibiotic resistance. Outside the lab, I like to spend time with family and friends, travel, hike, DIY, read, watch movies ... and brew good tea or coffee  :)

Kate Mallery studied Immunology at UAB as an honors student and also received a Masters in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Sciences, while affiliated with the Marquez Lago lab (2021-2024). After completing her thesis in the lab and graduating, she remained a researcher in the Marquez-Lago lab and is now attending medical school at WashU / WUSTL (Washington University in St Louis). 

Bailey Shetter studied genetic and genomic sciences at UAB through the Honors Program and also received the Spanish for Specific Purposes Certificate, while affiliated with the Marquez-Lago lab (2023-2024). After completing her capstone requirements in the lab and graduating, she remained a researcher in the Marquez-Lago lab and later started the medical sciences graduate program at USF. 

Briana Gosberry assisted the lab (2024) as part of her undergraduate coursework at UAB.

Max Chapman studied Genetics and Genomic sciences at UAB, and also received a Master's in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in genetics, while affiliated with the Marquez-Lago lab (2023 - 2024). 

Erin Kueck assisted the lab (2022-2024) as part of her undergraduate coursework at UAB. 

Suhas Kellampali (Honors student 2021-2023) studied the gut-brain axis while in the Marquez-Lago lab, specifically the relation between the microbiome and Parkinson’s Disease. 

George Green (PhD student in the Marquez-Lago lab 2021-2023). After completing his thesis and getting his PhD from the Biology program (focus on bioinformatics), George started a very exciting postdoc mixing neuroscience and microbiome at UAB/CDIB in 2024.

Abby Nash (member of the Marquez-Lago lab 2021-2023). Abby completed her thesis in the Marquez-Lago lab and graduated from UAB in spring of 2023 with her bachelor's degree in in Genetics and Genomic Science and her master's degree in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Sciences. Abby currently attends Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University.

Vicki (Researcher/study coordinator in the Marquez-Lago lab 2021-2022). Afterwards Joined Stanford University as clinical coordinator.