I am studying the metabolic interactions of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae and the gut microbiota. I am especially interested in the production and utilization of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and amino acids.

In the Skaar lab, I'm interested in using advanced analytical technologies to answer questions related to the struggle for nutrient metals during bacterial infections.

Publications on

I am a graduate student in the Microbe-Host Interactions graduate program in the Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology Department. My research focuses on innate host defense and inflammation during sepsis. My focus is on the tumor suppressor protein, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which can modulate mitochondrial and cellular metabolism, as well as cellular effector functions via the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 pathways in macrophages. We aim to unveil a new regulatory axis involving different processes (phosphatase activation, bacterial killing, inflammasome activation, along with fatty acid generation and oxidation) that regulate homeostatic events and, when alternated, leads to an exaggerated inflammatory response that culminates in organ damage and mortality

I am investigating the mechanisms by which SRSF2P95H mutations in hematopoietic stem cells contribute to inflammatory signaling, bone marrow failure disorders, and myeloid malignancy using both molecular and computational approaches.

Publications on

I am interested in the micro RNA cargo of extracellular vesicles derived from allergic airway inflammation, and that cargo's delivery to immune cells which could modify inflammatory response.

Publications on

In the Olivares-Villagomez lab, I am investigating the role of the breastmilk protein osteopontin in the development of the infant gut microbiota.

Publications on