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Microbiology & Cell Science

Microbiology & Cell Science

Faculty

Karim Asghari (Square)

Karim Asghari

Senior Lecturer

352-392-5226

asghari@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Karim Asghari is a senior lecturer in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Science, specializing in General Microbiology, Microbilogy Laboratories, and Immunology Laboratories.

BIO

Jo Marie Bacusmo is an experienced Research Associate with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry.   

Marc G. Chevrette

Assistant Professor

352-273-4921

mchevrette@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

Our research focuses on the ecology and evolution of the genes that encode secondary metabolism and how microbial metabolites shape microbiome interaction networks. We deploy both computational and experimental approaches to describe the eco-evo dynamics of bacteria and the genes that assemble their secondary metabolites. 

Brent Christner Profile Image

Brent Christner

Professor

352-392-1179

xner@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

The Christner Research Group is interested in the physiology, ecology, biogeochemistry, and molecular adaptations of microorganisms inhabiting environments of the cryosphere and atmosphere. 

Daniel Czyz Profile Image (Square)

Daniel Czyz

Assistant Professor

321-392-0237

dczyz@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

Dr. Czyz is interested in two topics: antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and protein conformational diseases (PCDs).  

Crecy Profile Image (Square)

BIO

The study and implementation of “accuracy” is the general theme unifying the different components of my research program.  

Raquel Dias

Raquel Dias

Assistant Professor

352-392-5925

raquel.dias@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

The Dias lab develops and applies cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to examine important research questions across multiple fields of biological sciences and biomedical research.

Sarah Doore Profile Image

Sarah Doore

Assistant Professor

352-846-0953

sdoore@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

The Doore lab is interested in viruses of bacteria—known as bacteriophage or phage—and how they interact with their bacterial hosts.   

Jennifer Drew Profile Image

Jennifer Drew

Senior Lecturer

321-693-5485

jdrew@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

Jennifer C. Drew is a genomics lecturer and STEP program professor in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Science.  

new_fernandez

Jessie Fernandez

Assistant Professor

352-294-9167

jessie.fernandez@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

My research interest is based on understanding how plant pathogens grow inside the host cell, suppress, or evade host defenses and cause disease.    

Mariola Edelmann Profile Image

Mariola Ferraro

Associate Professor

352-846-0954

medelmann@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

The Edelmann Lab is investigating the novel host-directed therapies against Gram-negative infections and the functions of exosomes and other extracellular vesicles in enteric infections.  

Jamie Foster

Jamie Foster

Professor

321-525-1047

jfoster@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

The overall objective of Dr. Foster’s research program is dedicated to examining the interactions between microbial communities and their surrounding environments to improve our understanding... 

Claudio Gonzalez Profile Image

BIO

We are especially interested in a big group of enzymes called esterases that includes carboxylesterases, arylesterases and thioesterases.  

William Gurley Profile Image

William Gurley

Professor

352-392-1568

wgurley@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

Research in my laboratory is focused on two main topics of study: one involving heat shock transcription factors, and the other, transcription factor IIB (TFIIB).   

Melissa Jones Profile Image

Melissa Jones

Assistant Professor

352-392-5923

mmk@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

Dr. Jones is currently teaching the Virology lecture course for undergraduate and graduate students.  

 NEMAT O. KEYHANI Profile Image

BIO

Our laboratory performs research in two main areas. (1) Tripartite interactions between Beauveria bassiana, a fungal pathogen of arthropods, their insect hosts, and plant partners with which the fungus forms associations, and (2) Chemical communication in insects.     

Peter Kima Profile Image

Peter E. Kima

Associate Professor

352-392-0384

pkima@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

My laboratory is interested in the mechanisms by which intracellular pathogens evade immune detection.  

Joseph Larkin III Profile Image

Joseph Larkin III

Associate Professor

352-392-6884

jlarkin3@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

The basic goals of the immune system are to mediate effective defense against infectious microorganisms, and the elimination of defective/cancerous self tissues.  

Kevin Lee Profile Image

Kevin Lee

Lecturer

352-392-1906

km.lee@ufl.edu

BIO

Kevin is a CLAS Microbiology majors (traditional and transfer) advisor.  

Graciela Lorca Profile Image

Graciela Lorca

Professor

352-273-8090

glorca@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

The Lorca Laboratory a diverse group of researchers whose main focus currently is investigating a probiotic strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2. 

Willm Martens-Habbena

Assistant Professor

954-577-6372

w.martenshabbena@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

The Martens-Habbena lab uses molecular biological, microbial physiological, and biogeochemical methods to investigate microbial activities in aquatic and terrestrial environments and their impact on major biogeochemical cycles.

Julie Maupin-Furlow Profile Image

BIO

The Maupin-Furlow lab is investigating extremophiles of the domain Archaea. 

ZHONGLIN MOU Profile Image

Zhonglin Mou

Professor

352-392-0285

zhlmou@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

We study these signal transduction pathways and their activation mechanisms using the model plant Arabidopsis. 

WAYNE L. NICHOLSON Profile Image

Wayne L. Nicholson

Distinguished Professor

321-261-3773

wln@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

Dr. Nicholson’s laboratory studies mechanisms of bacterial spore resistance and longevity, the survival and proliferation of microorganisms in extreme extraterrestrial environments, and microbial evolution in novel environments. 

Monika Oli

Master Lecturer

352-392-8434

moli@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

We developed a state of the art microbiology lab and teach a creative curriculum that allows students to understand the importance of microbes in their every day live and at the same time prepares them with skills and tools hat are important for their diverse future careers.

Rice_profile

Kelly C. Rice

Associate Professor

352-392-1192

kcrice@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

My research program focuses on aspects of bacterial physiology and cell communication that contribute to biofilm development of pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. 

Uli Stingl Profile Image

Uli Stingl

Assistant Professor

954-577-6326

ustingl@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

My lab is focusing on analyzing and understanding the structure and function of aquatic microbial communities. 

Luiz Roesch

Luiz Roesch

Associate Professor

352-294-9136

roesch@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

Our research group uses molecular analysis to test fundamental hypotheses in microbial ecology.

BIO

Students should contact Leandro if they are CALS Microbiology undergraduates interested in general academic advising. Including, course scheduling, registration issues, holds, major/minor changes, advanced lab sign up, etc.

Eric Triplett Profile Image

Eric Triplett

Professor and Chair

352-392-5430

ewt@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

The overall goal of the Triplett lab is to determine the drivers of microbial diversity in a wide range of environments. 

 WILFRED VERMERRIS Profile Image

Wilfred Vermerris

Professor

352-273-8162

wev@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

Research in Dr. Vermerris’ lab is focused on elucidating biochemical and physiological processes relevant for the genetic improvement of crops that can be used as feedstocks for renewable fuels and chemicals. 

Nian Wang Profile Image

Nian Wang

Professor

863-596-8828

nianwang@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

Molecular genetics and functional genomics of plant-bacteria interactions and methods to control citrus diseases caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Citrus Greening) and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Citrus Canker). 

square image of meixa zhou

Meixia Zhao

Assistant Professor

352-273-3715.

meixiazhao@ufl.edu | Publications

BIO

The Zhao laboratory uses a combination of computational and functional genomic, genetic and epigenetic approaches to study the mechanisms underlying genome evolution, transposon silencing, and epigenetic regulation of meiotic recombination and plant-microorganism interactions. 

Emeritus Faculty

Howard Johnson Profile Image

Howard Johnson

Emeritus Faculty

352-846-0968

johnsonh@ufl.edu

BIO

Our studies are focused on understanding the mechanism of action and modulation of cytokine function in the immune system. 

James Preston Profile Image

James Preston

Emeritus Faculty

352-392-5923

jpreston@ufl.edu

BIO

James Preston researches the selection of bacterial enzymes and the evolution of molecular mechanisms.

Tony Romeo Profile Image

Tony Romeo

Professor

352-392-2400

tromeo@ufl.edu

BIO

We study regulatory mechanisms by which microbes sense changes in the environment and respond by modifying their behavior and metabolism. 

K. T. SHANMUGAM Profile Image

K. T. Shanmugam

Professor

352-392-2490

shan@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Shanmugam’s research at the University of Florida, Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels (FCRC) is focused towards metabolic engineering of bacterial biocatalysts for production of chemicals and liquid fuels at high yield and purity.

Edward Hoffman Profile Image

Edward Hoffman

Emeritus Faculty

emh@ufl.edu

Graduate Students

Samuel Akinsuyi

Samuel Akinsuyi

Roesch Lab
o.akinsuyi@ufl.edu 

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Rocio Amorin De Hegeues

Foster Lab
ramorin@ufl.edu 

Jill Babor

Jill Babor

de Crecy Lab
jbabor@ufl.edu 

Hailey Barker

Hailey Barker

Edelmann Lab
haileybarker@ufl.edu

Adrian Barry Sosa

Adrian Barry Sosa

Christner Lab
abarrysosa@ufl.edu

Shannon Barry

Wang Lab
shanbarry@ufl.edu 

 

Reagan Beliakoff - Card

Reagan Beliakoff

Lorca Lab
reaganbeliakoff@ufl.edu

Meghan Berryman

Meghan Berryman

Triplett Lab
meghan.berryman@ufl.edu 

Saloni Bhimani

Saloni Hitesh Bhimani

Edelmann Lab
sbhimani1@ufl.edu

Chelsey Bomar

Chelsey Bomar

Christner Lab
chelseybomar@ufl.edu 

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Shannon Brown

Martens-Habbena Lab
shannonbrown@ufl.edu  

Jose Becerra

José D.D Cediel-Becerra

Chevrette Lab
jcedielbecerra@ufl.edu

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Xi Cheng

Zhao Lab
xicheng@ufl.edu

Ricardo Rodriguez

Ricardo Couto-Rodriguez

Maupin Lab
r.coutorodriguez@ufl.edu   

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Alexandra Estefania Cuaycal Bastidas

Gonzalez Lab
acuaycalbastidas@ufl.edu 

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Danilo Rodrigues da Silva

Lorca Lab
danilos90@ufl.edu   

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Javier Dalmendray

Wang Lab
jdalmendray@ufl.edu 

Keaira Davis

KeAira Davis

Rice Lab
ke.davis@ufl.edu 

Autumn Dove

Autumn Dove

Czyz Lab
autumn.dove@ufl.edu 

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Justin Ellena

Christner Lab
jellena@ufl.edu 

Garrett Ellward

Garrett Lee Ellward

Czyz Lab
glee.ellward@ufl.edu 

Lisa Emerson

Edelmann Lab
lisa.emerson@ufl.edu 

 

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Joseph Emhof

Foster Lab
emhof.joseph@ufl.edu 

Samantha Enslow

Samantha Enslow

Edelmann Lab
samanthaenslow@ufl.edu 

Quincy Faber

Christner Lab
qfaber@ufl.edu 

 

Gal,Daniel

Daniel Gal

Maupin Lab
danielgal@ufl.edu 

Fiona Harris

Fiona Harris

Mou Lab
fharris@ufl.edu 

Mahmood Hasan

Mahmood Hasan

Zhao Lab
m.hasan1@ufl.edu 

Matthew Hauserman

Rice Lab
m.hauserman@ufl.edu   

 

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Jacob Hourihan

de Crecy Lab
jhourihan@ufl.edu  

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Nina Infantado

Martens-Habbena Lab
ninfantado@ufl.edu   

Placeholder Photo - Gator

KO Irving

Christner Lab
ko.irving@ufl.edu  

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Zia Islam

Raquel Dias
islamz@ufl.edu

Rachel Ivester

Rachel Ivester

Foster Lab
rachel.ivester@ufl.edu

Jaroch,Marshall

Marshall Jaroch

de Crecy Lab
mjaroch@ufl.edu  

Timothy Johnson

Timothy Johnson

Fernandez Lab
timothy.johnson@ufl.edu 

Ross Joseph

Keyhani Lab
josephr1@ufl.edu   

 

Rachel Kalicharan

Rachel Kalicharan

Fernandez Lab
rkalicharan@ufl.edu
   

Hailey Kerns

Hailey Kerns

Doore Lab
hailey.kerns@ufl.edu

Ladner, Taylor

Taylor Ladner

Doore Lab
taylor.ladner@ufl.edu

Kelley Lobean McKinley

Triplett Lab
pposse@ufl.edu   

 

Connor Mennan

Connor Meenan

Rice Lab
meenanc@ufl.edu   

Merritt, Benjamin

Benjamin Merritt

Mou Lab
b.merritt@ufl.edu   

Ocampo, Jonna

Jonna Ocampo

Rice Lab
jonnaocampo@ufl.edu  

Amanda Ojeda

Amanda Ojeda

Roesch Lab
ao12345@ufl.edu  

Colbie Reed

de Crecy Lab
creed212@ufl.edu   

 

Rios Glusberger,Paula

Paula Rios Glusberger

Triplett Lab
priosglus@ufl.edu   

Brooke Ritchie

Brooke Ritchie

Jones Lab
brookeritchie@ufl.edu 

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Tracoyia Roach

Larkin Lab
troach13@ufl.edu   

Jonathan Rodriguez

Martens-Habbena Lab
jrod23@ufl.edu   

 

Javier Rosero

Javier Rosero

Kima Lab
jrosero@ufl.edu   

Nicole Ross

Nicole Ross

Lorca Lab
nicole.ross@ufl.edu  

Sanchez, Karol

Karol Sanchez

Maupin Lab
ksanchezsanchez@ufl.edu   

Santelices,John

John Santelices

Edelmann Lab
jsant@ufl.edu   

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Lauren Stafford

Larkin Lab
lauren.stafford@ufl.edu   

Sullivan, J

Joseph Sullivan

Jones Lab
josephsullivan1@ufl.edu   

Thompson,Sharon

Sharon Thompson

Lorca Lab
sharon.thompson@ufl.edu   

Turpin,Patricia

Patricia Turpin

Triplett Lab
pturpin@ufl.edu  

Placeholder Photo - Gator

Kelly Ugarelli

Stingl Lab
kugarelli@ufl.edu   

Wassel,Paul

Paul Wassel

Maupin Lab
jpwas2@ufl.edu  

Katy Weber

Maupin Lab
weberk1@ufl.edu   

 

Jessica Xhumari

Jessica Xhumari

Roesch Lab
jessicaxhumari@ufl.edu     

Akwasi Yeboah

Akwasi Yeboah

Zhao Lab
akwasiyeboah@ufl.edu   

Yu, David

David Yu 

Maupin Lab
jomamill7@ufl.edu   

Zhao, Guanqi

Guanqi Zhao

Jones Lab
g.zhao@ufl.edu  

 

Post Doctoral Associates

Post Doctoral Associate Email Lab
Ahrens, Angelica a.ahrens@ufl.edu Triplett
Bansal, Kamaldeep kamalbansal89@ufl.edu Keyhani
Einarsson, Sveinn seinarsson@ufl.edu  Chevrette
Ellington, Adam ellingtona@ufl.edu Christner
Jia, Huiyong huiyongjia@ufl.edu Maupin 
Lee, Gwonjin lee.gwonjin@ufl.edu Zhao
Li, Qi qi.li@ufl.edu Mou
Liu, Cheng cheng.liu@ufl.edu Mou 
Mosby-Haundrup, Chanel c.mosby.haundrup@ufl.edu Jones 
Quaiyum, Samia samia.quaiyum@ufl.edu de Crécy
Seaton, Kinda kseaton@ufl.edu de Crécy
Torrez Lamberti, Monica Florencia m.torrezlamberti@ufl.edu Lorca 
Walker, Alyssa awalk1@ufl.edu  Czyz

Research Lab Staff

Name Email Address Title Lab
Ahn, Sang-Joon zinaahn@ufl.edu Research Associate Scientist Rice
Ardissone, Alexandria lexi88@ufl.edu Assistant Scientist Drew
Best, Jacob jacob.best@ufl.edu Lab Manager Czyz
Butler, Sarah  butler.s@ufl.edu OPS Keyhani
Choi, Chang Jae changjae.choi@ufl.edu  Biological Scientist II Stingl & Martens-Habbena 
Davis, Alyssa alyssa.davis@ufl.edu  OPS Vermerris
Donahey, Melinda mchue@ufl.edu  Associate Scientist Chevrette
Fajardo-Cavazos, Patricia pfajardo@ufl.edu  Associate Scientist Nicholson
Garcia, Nalleli ngarciarodriguez@ufl.edu Biological Scientist II Fernandez
Huber, Julie julie.huber@ufl.edu  OPS Fiscal
Hutinet, Geoffrey  ghutinet@ufl.edu  Biological Scientist III de Crécy
Kairalla, Emily ekairalla@ufl.edu  OPS Reisch
Mejia, Catalina catalinamejia@ufl.edu  OPS Reisch
Nguyen, Jane jane.nguyen@ufl.edu  OPS Keyhani
Ou, Mark  markie@ufl.edu  Sr. Biological Scientist Chevrette & Zhao
Pannuri, Archana archanap@ufl.edu  Biological Scientist II Doore
Schuster, Layla layla.schuster@medicine.ufl.edu  Data Management Analyst II Chevrette, Dias, & Zhao
Valdiviezo, Mateo mvaldiviezo@ufl.edu  OPS Teaching
Zhang, Xudong xdzhang@ufl.edu  Biological Scientist III Mou

 

Staff

Fiscal and Administrative Office

Sean Davis Picture

Sean Davis

Financial Analyst II
352-392-0212
sfdavis@ufl.edu

Renee Patterson

Renee Patterson

Fiscal Assistant II
352-846-0944
jimmie@ufl.edu

lukas_M

Mary Jane Lukas

Administrative Specialist II
352-846-0945
m.lukas@ufl.edu

Holly Freitas

Holly Freitas

Accountant III
352-392-7108
hfreitas@ufl.edu

Joey Romano

Fiscal Assistant III
352-294-7573
jromano514@ufl.edu

Sean York

Sean York

Research Administrator II
352-273-0499
swyork@ufl.edu

 

Computer and Technology Support

Javier Real

Javier Real

IT Professional II
352-392-5926
jreal@ufl.edu

Thomas Allain

Thomas Allain

Web Designer I
352-392-1906
thomasallain@ufl.edu

 

Teaching Laboratory

alam_munoz

Alam Muñoz

Scientific Laboratory Manager
352-392-4096
amunozberistain@ufl.edu