Our Team. |
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CGIBD |
| In the microbiome field, the association of microbial dysbiosis with intestinal inflammation is generally accepted, but the functional consequences of this altered microbial community on the development of inflammation-associated co-morbidities such as fibrosis and colorectal cancer are essentially unknown. My research has contributed to a greater understanding of mechanisms by which resident intestinal microbes can influence inflammation, fibrosis, and neoplasia. This work has been published in Science, Nature Communications, and Immunity, among others. Currently, we continue to evaluate the relationship between the gut microbiota, intestinal inflammation, and inflammation-associated co-morbidities with the ultimate goal of identifying novel microbial targets for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of digestive diseases.
In my free time, I enjoy: breeding freshwater snails, late-night cooking, gardening, traveling (not so much lately!), and my four cats. Yes four. |
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Post Doctoral Researcher
JuHyun Ahn, PhD
juhyun_ahn@med.unc.eduM.S. and PhD in Biomedical Science
Ajou University Graduate School, South Korea B.S. in Biological and Science Education Kongju National University, South Korea |
I am studying how adherent/invasive E. coli (AIEC), abundant in Crohn’s disease patients, alter macrophage activation and promote inflammation-associated fibrosis. I am also interested in how intestinal microbes are involved in the progression of colorectal cancer.
In my free time, I like walking on trails, and in the summer I enjoy spending time at the beach and in the pool with my family. |
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Gastroenterology FellowTyler Culpepper MD, PhDtyler_culpepper@med.unc.eduMD, PhD in Microbiology & Cell Science
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I am a microbiologist and internist by training with a background in environmental microbiology, particularly intestinal microbiota. My clinical practice is within the specialty of gastroenterology. In the past, I have functioned as a clinical trials manager/study coordinator (specifically nutritional interventions), a basic scientist in both academia and industry, and a university instructor. Currently, I am in a combined clinical and basic science post-doctoral fellowship.
In free time, I enjoy distance running and obstacle courses. Though I rarely make the time to practice, I enjoy playing drums and other percussion instruments. I also enjoy college football (and the tailgating and other get-togethers that surround the season). Previously a four-time Florida Gator, I am now excited to wear a new shade of blue at the University of North Carolina. Go Tar Heels! |
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Post-Doc Research AssociateMarlus Pedrosa, DDS, PhDmarlus@email.unc.eduPhD in Oral Biology
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I am a Dentist with Ph.D. in Oral Biology with a background in energetic metabolism, oxidative stress, diabetes, biomaterials, stem cells, and immune-inflammatory host response. The methodological approaches mainly involve the study of enzyme kinetics, the quantification of proteins, and molecular biology techniques. To have a more solid experience in research and looking forward to pursuing an academic career, I started working in Arthur’s lab. Currently, I am studying how E. coli influences macrophage and fibroblast metabolism and lead to the development of fibrosis.
In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, fishing, and reading books not related to my field. Also, drinking beers and talking science. |
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Post-Doc Research AssociateChuang Li, PhDChuang_Li@med.unc.eduPhD in Microbiology
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My current research is mainly focused on gut microbiomes, involved in utilizing omics-based techniques to identity molecular features of adherent and invasive E. coli (AIEC) that required for colonization of the inflamed intestine. This study is likely to help identify patients harboring high-risk E.coli strains that contribute to Crohn’s disease, and reveal novel microbial targets for a therapeutic strategy.
In free time, I enjoy traveling with my family, and particularly like spending the leisure time at the beach and in the mountain. |
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Undergraduate ResearcherJoanna Jeyachandranjnjey@ad.unc.edu |
I am an undergraduate student pursuing a BS in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish for the Medical Professions. Under the direction of Lacey Lopez, I have evaluated how different mutations of streptomycin-resistant and non-resistant clinical E. coli isolates alter bacterial behavior, particularly regarding antibiotic resistance.
In my free time: I enjoy hiking, running, baking, traveling, playing board games with friends and family, and watching UNC basketball :) |
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Undergraduate ResearcherKrithika Senthil
kithu@ad.unc.edu |
I am an undergraduate student pursing a BSPH in Nutrition, Science & Research with minors in Chemistry and Spanish for the Medical Professions. Previously, I studied the effects of high fat diets on the gut microbiome and serum chemistry in humanized mice under the direction of Dr. Angela Wahl. My research interests include evaluating the effects of nutrition and the gut microbiome on the pathogenesis of chronic diseases.
In my free time, I enjoy running half marathons (hoping to run a full marathon soon!), biking, cooking, reading, and watching new shows on Netflix & Hulu! |
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Undergraduate Researcher
Simone Khandpekarskhandpekar@unc.edu |
I’m an undergraduate student majoring in Nutrition Science and Research, with minors in Health and Society and Chemistry (class of 2025).
I am an undergraduate researcher here at the Arthur lab. Currently, I'm looking at colibactin expression in various medias through GFP reporter assays focused on clbB and clbR. In my free time, I love to exercise, do art like pottery and making cards, watch tv, and spend time with family and friends. |
Previous Lab Members
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Graduate Student
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My research focus is to understand how the E. coli siderophore, yersiniabactin (Ybt), drives IBD-associated fibrosis in a relevant mouse model. I evaluate how Ybt manipulates host metals and influences fibrosis-associated cell types, using cell culture-based techniques, mass spectrometry, and immunofluorescence.
In my free time: I enjoy mountains/hiking, the art community, yoga, and random adventuring :) *Lacey is the recipient of a Royster Fellowship |
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Undergraduate Researcher
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I am the lab's designated shadow and undergraduate student currently working under the direction of Lacey Lopez. I am pursuing a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and my research interests are in microbiology and pathology. My current project is to evaluate conservation of streptomycin-resistance-induced changes using streptomycin-resistant and non-resistant clinical E coli isolates.
In my free time: I enjoy going on long walks/hikes, drawing, writing, and attempting to train my cat to do tricks. |
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Lab Research Technician
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I am the lab's administrative staff, rodent wrangler, research assistant, and all around jack-of-all-trades. My project is to determine specific nutrient requirements for our strains of interest. I also support everyone in the lab.
In my free time: I enjoy trail running, rock climbing, getting lost in the mountains, and naming house plants. * I am currently a Research Associate at Locus Biosciences |
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Research Associate
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I am interested in how bacteria manipulate their surroundings to promote microbial survival, how this results in a diseased state in the host, and how this can be manipulated to prevent the onset of disease and control infections. I began research as an undergraduate working on bacterial metabolism of environmental contaminants.
I joined the Arthur Lab to apply varying techniques to understand how bacterial regulation of metal homeostasis, for both the host and microbe, impact the initiation and progression of inflammatory bowel disease. *Currently in the UNC Department of Chemistry |
