People
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John Aquadro Research Technician
Education BS, MIT
Interests Imaging, RNAi and automation
I'm currently studying persistors in tuberculosis using the methods of chemical genetics and tools such as the ones I listed under my interests. |
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Nikhilesh Chand Graduate Student
Education
Interests |
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Anne Clatworthy Research Fellow
Education PhD, Harvard
While studying quorum sensing in Y. pestis, I became interested in the notion that next generation of anti-microbials should target virulence as opposed to cell growth. In the Hung lab, I am looking to explore and expand that interest in the context of a P. aeruginosa infection model in zebrafish. Using this model, we hope to identify host and pathogen genes that are critical for in vivo infection using both classical and chemical genetics approaches. We hope to better understand the dynamic host-pathogen interaction and also identify viable targets for therapeutic intervention. In my spare time I really enjoy yoga, eating, and television. |
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Jim Gomez Research Scientist
Education BA, PhD, Johns Hopkins
Interests Bacterial pathogenesis
My research focuses on the survival strategies of microbial pathogens. Mycobacterium tuberculosis establishes persistent infections; host immunity is seldom sterilizing, and extended antibiotic treatment is necessary to prevent relapse. I am using chemical genetics to probe M. tuberculosis persistence, hoping to find ways to improve the clinical treatment of TB.
Outside of the lab, I'm an avid cyclist and runner, and a passable cook. |
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Sarah Grant Research Fellow
Education BA, Harvard; MD, Stanford
Interests
I am a pulmonary/critical care fellow at the MGH/BWH and am interested in the bacterial pathogenesis of respiratory infections. In the Hung Lab I am studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis persistence. Outside the lab, I enjoy skiing, rollerblading and reading.
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Erik Hett Research Fellow
Education PhD, Harvard
Interests Bacterial Pathogenesis
I am interested in the mechanisms by which pathogens subvert host cell processes to gain access, thrive, and cause disease. I am using chemical genetics to define host cell pathways that are exploited by anthrax lethal toxin, leading to cell death. I use classical and chemical genetics to further understand the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa. I enjoy traveling, playing squash, attempting to walk my cat, and eating good food. |
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Ben Kaufman Research Fellow
Education
Interests
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Jenny S.W. Lee Research Associate
Education BA, Boston University
Interests Pathogenesis, host-pathogen interaction, classical and chemical genetics, art
I am currently analyzing P. aeruginosa infection in the host zebrafish model. I will be using classical and chemical genetics screening methods to determine the impact of various virulence factors on pathogenesis; this will help in the pursuit of drug discovery and therapeutics. I am interested in understanding how the host provides the bacteria with sustenance while also combating the infection. I am a freelance artist and enjoy painting, photography, and traveling. My art exhibitions are listed on my website:
www.jennyswl-art.com. |
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Kathryn Levasseur Graduate Student
Education BS, UMass Amherst
Interests Reading and studying bugs
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Louise Slater Graduate Student
Education U. of Cambridge, MSci
Interests Chemical genetics, bacterial pathogenesis, and natural product chemistry
I am taking a chemical genetic approach to study the mechanisms by which anthrax lethal toxin causes cell death. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, rowing, dragonboating and playing piano.
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Elesha Smith Administrative Assistant II
Education BA
Interests Painting, music and reading
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Sarah Stanley Research Fellow
Education PhD, UCSF
Interests
I am interested in the ways in which pathogens exploit and influence host cell environments to establish and maintain infection. In the Hung lab I am taking a chemical genetic approach to study the pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis. Outside the lab I enjoy yoga, traveling, reading, and food.
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Yajie Wang Research Fellow
Education PhD, Leiden University
Interests
I am interested in developing high-throughput chemical genetic approaches to identifying small organic molecules that may be used as specific tools for studying the pathogenesis mechanisms of certain infectious diseases. Synthetic organic chemistry will play an essential role in developing this type of approach. |
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Carl Wivaag Graduate Student
Education BA, Colgate University
Interests Bacterial pathogenesis and virulence
I am using a genetic approach to understand the regulatory mechanisms of virulence on mycobacteria. Mycobacteria cause a variety of human afflictions. M. tuberculosis, for instance, is estimated to infect up to two billion people worldwide. |
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Desiree Yang Graduate Student
Education BS, Santa Clara University
Interests Scientific: understanding host/pathogen interactions, pathogenesis, and infectious diseases;
Non-scientific: cooking, baking, and eating
I am taking a chemical biological approach to study Vibrio cholerae virulence and pathogenesis in the host. |
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