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Luiz Passalacqua, Ph.D. - P.I.
Raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Luiz studied pharmacy and biochemistry at the University of São Paulo where he became a pharmacist and a biochemist. After 6 years working in the industry, Luiz embarked to California to get his Ph.D. at University of California, Irvine. From one coast to another, Luiz went to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his postdoctoral studies. Finally, in August 2024, Luiz joined the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.
Kathleen Monahan - Ph.D. student
Kathleen is a first-year Microbiology and Cell Science PhD student. Originally from Maryland, she graduated from the University of Maryland in 2024 with a dual bachelor’s in biochemistry and microbiology. After graduating, Kathleen spent a year as a research assistant in the Military HIV Research Program before coming to UF. In the Passalaqua lab, she aims to investigate the structure-function relationship of viral nucleic acids.
Morgan Overstreet, M.S. - Ph.D. student
Morgan is a Ph.D. graduate student with a bachelor's degree in biology from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida. With a professional background in clinical research, her interests center on connecting cellular data with clinical outcomes.
José Cleydson Ferreira da Silva, Ph.D. - Postdoctoral fellow (shared with the Dias lab)
An interdisciplinary scientist from Minas Gerais, Brazil, he has a background in Information Systems, a master’s in Computer Science, and a Ph.D. in Genetics. Currently, his work integrates artificial intelligence, data science, and molecular biology, focusing on genomics, protein science, and biomolecular structure–function relationships. He also leads the SpaceBio project (https://www.spacebio.space/), a platform combining scientific literature mining, biological databases, and AI models to advance space biology and astrobiology. Recently, he received multiple University of Florida awards, including Excellence in Research, UF Innovate – Innovations of the Year (Tech Licensing Favorites), and Standing Innovation, recognizing the impact and translational potential of his work. Outside of research, he enjoys eating pão de queijo and playing soccer.
Paula Nino-Garcia - Undergraduate researcher
Raised in Bogota - Colombia, Paula completed an AS in biotechnology and laboratory sciences- BACE in Tampa Fl, where she developed her passion for genetic disease research. Currently, she is a third-year Microbiology and Cell Sciences student at the University of Florida, with a minor in Pathogenesis. Following graduation Paula wants to contribute her knowledge and experience in biotechnology and genetics-based research that will allow the development of new solutions to diseases.
Katherine Canev - Undergraduate researcher
Katherine is a second-year biochemistry student at the University of Florida. A Gainesville native, she plans to pursue a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Sydney Rogers - Undergraduate researcher
Sydney is currently studying microbiology and cell science at the University of Florida. She desires to pursue a career in the biotechnology industry. Outisde of science, she enjoys going to church and being outdoors with friends and family.
Amber Carpio - Undergraduate researcher
Amber is a second-year Microbiology and Cell Science major at the University of Florida, also pursuing a certificate in Dance in Medicine. She plans to attend medical school after graduation with the goal of becoming a physician. Outside of the lab, Amber is a Performance Coordinator for Genesis Dance Crew.
Max Cardone - Undergraduate researcher
From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Max moved to Florida in 2019. Currently, Max is a first-year Microbiology & Cell Science major, also pursuing a minor in Bioinformatics. He is interested in fields such as genetics, structural biology, bioelectricity, and regeneration. Outside of academics, he enjoys being in nature, exercising, and reading.
Maci Cole - Undergraduate researcher
Maci is a second-year Microbiology and Cell Sciences major and a Bioinformatics minor. She plans to continue her education in microbiology and cellular biology. Outside of academics, she enjoys walking, watching movies, and playing flag football.
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Lana Heganovic
Sade Thomas
Kiana Fleary
Jana Cordero
Isaac Klarberg
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