Principal Investigator
- Hwan Kim Ph.D.
- I am a microbiologist by training at the University of Chicago and Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory (many thanks to Drs. Schneewind and Missiakas!). I enjoy working with pathogenic microbial organisms and understanding various aspects of pathogenesis, immune evasion mechanisms, host immunity, and host-pathogen-vector interactions. I hope that our research provides insights into the development of vaccines and therapeutics for microbial pathogens of public health importance. Outside the laboratory, I enjoy eating delicious Asian food, reading science fiction books, playing video games with my sons, and watching superhero movies with my wife.
Research Assistant Professor
- Ilia Rochlin Ph.D., Center for Infectious Diseases
- I was trained as an entomologist and epidemiologist at Cornell University and Touro College, respectively. I have worked at various capacities as a bacteriologist through laboratory director for state and local public health agencies investigating mosquito and tick-borne diseases within the eco-epidemiological framework as a complex system of interacting environmental, social, and biological factors. My work has encompassed a broad range of subjects from molecular biology and virology to entomology, ecology, and sociology. The common denominator among these diverse interests is the focus on public health driven by a quantitative approach and statistical modeling. My professional interests overlap with my long standing fascination with "old fashioned" natural history and pursuits in macrophotography.
E-mail: ilia.rochlin at stonybrook.edu
Postdoctoral Associate
- Cody Kempen, Ph.D., Co-mentored under Dr. Pawan Kumar
- During my doctoral studies, I was trained as a mucosal immunologist in the lab of Dr. Pawan Kumar, at Stony Brook University. My dissertation research focused on the role IL-17 signaling to Paneth cells plays in regenerating the intestinal epithelium post irradiation induced injury. Prior to my doctoral studies, I received my MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. There, I studied mechanisms of lung epithelial cell death in response to Ricin toxin under the guidance of Dr. Timothy LaRocca. Throughout my scientific career, I have been interested in host responses to injury, toxicity, and infection. My postdoctoral work aims to elucidate the importance of IL-17 and IL-22 signaling during Rickettsia infection. In the future, I hope to build a career teaching and inspiring the next generation of scientific minds. During my free time I enjoy traveling with my wife, watching sports (go NY Giants!), reading fantasy and science fiction novels, and watching movies.
Graduate Students
- Luke Helminiak, B.S., Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
- I received my B.S. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. I then went and worked at the Next Generation Sequencing Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. For my dissertation, I study Rickettsia pathogenesis with a focus on hemolysin secretion and function. Following my graduation, I aim to work on infectious disease diagnostics and have the opportunity to have a direct role in helping patients. Thus, my goal is to work as a Laboratory Director in a clinical microbiology laboratory. I have a love of sports, and enjoy running, basketball, snowboarding, and archery. During my down time, I love listening to music and watching movies.
E-mail: luke.helminiak at stonybrook.edu
- Smruti Mishra, M.S., Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
- I am from Bhubaneshwar, India. I did my bachelor’s in Dental Surgery from Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, India and my MS in Molecular Biosciences from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. While at ACPHS I worked in Dr. Meenakshi Malik’s lab using an in vitro bioreactor infection model to study the evolution of daptomycin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. For my PhD thesis I am working on understanding the contribution of polysaccharide synthesis operon on tick-borne rickettsiosis as well as its role in shaping host immunity. My research interests lie in the field of bacterial pathogenesis and infectious diseases, specifically in understanding the host-pathogen interactions and molecular mechanisms involved in the same. In my free time I love travelling and exploring new places with my husband and learning to cook new Indian dishes. I enjoy watching movies and dancing as well.
E-mail: smruti.mishra at stonybrook.edu
Lab Manager
- Hara Seo, B.S.
- I have an interesting academic background where I fell in love with Music in my youth but learned the beauty of Chemistry as an undergraduate student. Interestingly, this unusual learning experience helped me raise two little monsters and sourdough starters! Over time, I became a microbiologist by self-teaching about the mysteries of sourdough baking. I started my career as an administrative assistant to the director of Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory at Argonne National Laboratory. Since moving to Stony Brook, I am learning whole new knowledge about tick-borne Rickettsia. I am quite excited about this new journey! And, I enjoy baking, listening music, and spending time with one big and two little monsters.
E-mail: hara.seo at stonybrook.edu
Research Technicians
- Yarim Lee, M.S.
- My biggest passion is science research! I have been doing research since high school and have not stopped since. My first research project investigated the pi-stacking interactions between amyloid proteins that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease. After studying drug design/delivery tailored to amyloid aggregation, I was able to synthesize a drug candidate that reversed the aggregation effects in vitro. Thanks to this project, MIT named a minor planet after me! I received my Bachelor’s in Biology at Columbia and my Master’s in Biomedical Research Technologies at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. I am currently aspiring to pursue research in the context of medicine, because translating research done on the benchtop to the patient’s bedside is my passion and goal. Due to my background in protein biochemistry (specifically protein aggregation), I am eager to study this phenomenon in any cellular context, as I believe investigating different perspectives can bring answers to our scientific questions. I hope to aid the Kim Lab’s efforts to unravel the molecular, genetic, and pathologic mysteries behind Tickborne Rickettsial Disease. My free time is dedicated to my family, as I could not have made strides as a person and scientist without their compassion and care.
E-mail: yarim.lee at stonybrook.edu
- Rhyan Mellett, B.S.
- I received a B.S degree in Biology from Coastal Carolina University. During my undergraduate degree, I took part in research on Alzheimer’s disease, using Drosophila melanogaster as the disease model. My research primarily focused on designing and generating 3-D printed courtship behavior mazes, which were then employed to test and analyze the behavioral traits of the flies. In my free time, I enjoy going for walks and car rides with my dog Nellie.
E-mail: rhyan.mellett at stonybrook.edu
Undergraduate Students
- Su Bin Back
- I am a biology major at Chung-Ang University in South Korea, and I am currently studying at Stony Brook University as an exchange student. My academic focus is on immunology and microbiology, with a long-term goal of uncovering the mechanisms behind diseases and contributing to the development of novel therapies and diagnostic tools. I am particularly excited to be involved in research on rickettsial pathogenesis, aiming to uncover and understand its hidden complexities. Having spent part of my childhood in the United States, I am thrilled to return and look forward to creating many more unforgettable memories during my time at Stony Brook!
E-mail: subin.back at stonybrook.edu
- Ana Barreira
- I am currently a junior at Stony Brook University. I am majoring in Biology and am planning on applying to medical school. This is my first time participating in research and I’m very excited to become a part of this lab. In my free time I like to read, paint and bake.
E-mail: ana.barreira at stonybrook.edu
- Ivy Lu
- I am currently a sophomore at Stony Brook University, double-majoring in Chemical and Molecular Engineering and Psychology BS. In the future, I plan to apply to medical school, but I’m also considering going into research related to healthcare. Since this is my first time being part of a wet lab, I’m looking forward to learning new skills and interests! In my free time, I love to ice skate, go for walks with my dog, and read fantasy novels/webcomics.
E-mail: ivy.lu at stonybrook.edu
- Franklin Zhang
- Hello! I am currently a sophomore at Stony Brook University majoring in Sociology. My interest in research here at Kim Laboratory comes from my desire to investigate the societal and socioeconomic impact of tick-borne diseases. I also aspire to attend dental school in the future. Outside of academics, you will most likely find me playing badminton in the recreation center or playing Call of Duty Zombies with my roommates.
E-mail: franklin.zhang at stonybrook.edu
Alumni
- Michelle Bok, Seoul International School (2021-2022), admitted to Dartmouth College (2023)
- Linda Chen, Biology, Stony Brook University (2021-2023)
- Dennis Chu, Biochemistry, Stony Brook University (2021-2023)
- Matthew Gmelin, Research Technician (2022-2024)
- Justin Le, Research Technician (2023-2024)
- JoAnn Mugavero, Laboratory Manager (2019-2023)
- Jonni Nazarian, Health Science, Stony Brook University (2021-2022)
- Lydia Sprague, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University (2019-2020), works at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (2022)
- Kayla Stern, John F. Kennedy High School (2020-2021), admitted to Binghamton University (2022)
- Adhara Tisha, Undergraduate Student, Biology and Psychology, Stony Brook University (2023)
- Molly Thompson, Research Technician (2023-2024)
- Kim-Le Tran, Clinical Laboratory Science, Stony Brook University (2023-2024)
- Wan-Yi Yen, Laboratory of Comparative Medicine (2020-2022)
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