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Luiz Passalacqua, Ph.D. - P.I.
Raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Luiz began his scientific journey at the University of São Paulo, where he earned degrees in Pharmacy and Biochemistry. After spending six years in industry, he relocated to California to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of California, Irvine. He subsequently completed postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) before joining the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida in August 2024 as an Assistant Professor.
Kathleen Monahan - Ph.D. student
Kathleen is a 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. 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.
Varshini N. Sudhakar - Ph.D. student
Born and raised in India, Varshini is a Microbiology and Cell Science PhD student. She graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2026 with a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology. After working with RNA thermometers in her undergrad, she hopes to expand that work in the Passalacqua lab to discover applications of temperature-sensitive stress in the environment.
Connor Meenan, Ph.D. - Postdoctoral fellow
Connor is a postdoctoral fellow who received his Ph.D. at the University of Florida in Microbiology and Cell Science where he studied the impact of nitric oxide synthase on the global transcriptome of Staphylococcus aureus under different metabolic growth states. In Dr. Luiz Passalacqua’s lab, Connor is currently studying R-loop formation and RNA thermometers. In his spare time, Connor enjoys golf, SCUBA, and watching Gators sporting events.
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. 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 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 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 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 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.
Emjay Floyd - Undergraduate researcher
Emjay is a Microbiology and Cell Science major at the University of Florida. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Florida in 2019 and completed an A.A. at Chipola College in Marianna, FL. Following graduation, she plans to apply to medical school. Outside of academics, Emjay enjoys watching movies, playing video games, and recreationally ice skating.
Aida Canetti - Undergraduate researcher
Aida was born and raised in Florida and is studying biotechnology with a minor in bioinformatics at the University of Florida. She plans to attend graduate school to study molecular genetics and research in AAV. Outside of school, Aida enjoys reading, knitting, and spending time with her two dogs, Alpheus and Yogi.
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