The Keogh Lab - Meet the Team

Who we are

Rebecca Keogh, PhD, Assistant Professor

I am from Long Island, New York and completed my undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech where I got my first research experience in the lab of Dr. Clayton Caswell. I earned my PhD at Ohio University under the mentorship of Dr. Ronan Carroll, studying Staphylococcus aureus gene regulation. My postdoctoral research with Drs. Kelly Doran and Alex Horswill at the University of Colorado focused on how Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) adapts to chronic wound environments and evades innate immune defenses in hosts with diabetes. I’m especially passionate about building a collaborative, rigorous lab culture where trainees are supported in developing both as scientists and as leaders. Outside of the lab I enjoy hiking, playing volleyball, and trying local restaurants.

Norma J. Arbujas- Silva, DVM, Laboratory Technician

I am from Maracay, Venezuela, where I earned my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Universidad Central de Venezuela. My training focused on large animal medicine, public health, and biosafety. I later completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics under the mentorship of Dr. James Goss, studying the neuropathological consequences of diabetes. For more than twenty years, I have worked in biomedical research and translational medicine, supporting multidisciplinary teams in academic research environments. My work has centered on laboratory operations, biosafety compliance, and the responsible conduct of animal research. I am deeply passionate about molecular biology and mentoring the next generation of scientists. I value collaborative and well-organized laboratory environments where scientific discipline, safety, and mentorship are priorities. Outside of the laboratory, I enjoy playing tennis, cooking, and dancing, as well as visiting museums and having great conversations over coffee or wine.

Caden Mattingly, MPH Student

I am from Buchanan, Michigan, and I earned my bachelor's degree in Public Health Sciences from the University of Michigan. I am currently a first-year MPH-PEL student in the Infectious Disease and Microbiology department at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. My academic interests include bacterial pathogenesis and laboratory-based bacteriology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, hiking, traveling, and trying new and local coffee shops.

Sharayu Bolisetti, Undergraduate Student

I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and am a current undergrad within Pitt's School of Public Health. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in public health, a minor in law, criminal justice, and society (LCJS), and a potential bioethics certificate. My interests lie within the intersection of healthcare, policy, and research. I am passionate about combating healthcare disparities and addressing upstream factors through research and legislation that address systemic issues. Outside of the lab, I enjoy making and trying new coffee shops, playing pickleball, shopping, dining, and watching nostalgic 2000's tv shows.

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