Team

Kelly is a second year student at the University of South Florida studying cell and molecular biology. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she wants to pursue a PhD and a career in medical research. Kelly hopes to learn basic research skills while further exploring the field of microbiology. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking, working out, and swimming.

A graduate from USF, Logan Suits attained a B.S. degree in Microbiology and a B.A in World Languages and Cultures. Now, he's returned to USF to obtain a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Microbiology. As a senior grad student, Logan is studying how Staphylococcus aureus responds to cell wall stress and studying metabolism in Bacillus subtilis. On his free time, Logan likes to study Japanese, program, do judo, and play video games.

Lily graduated with a B.S. degree from the University of Florida's Microbiology and Cell Science program in 2022. Throughout her degree, she participated in undergraduate research in Dr. Anthony Maurelli’s laboratory, studying the iron transport system of Chlamydia trachomatis. She also worked under Dr. John Lednicky to engineer a reverse genetics system for notable viruses. Lily hopes to continue her passions at USF by learning new molecular approaches and investigating bacterial gene function. When outside the lab, Lily spends her free time cooking, playing video games and reading manga.

Erika graduated with a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology and a minor in Criminology from the University of South Florida in Spring 2021. Erika’s undergraduate research focused on tracking sources of fecal contamination and antibiotic resistance in public waterbodies throughout Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida. During her gap year, she worked as a research technician at the UCF College of Medicine. Here, Erika spent her time studying the human nasal microbiome to identify bacterial lineages that antagonize Staphylococcus aureus. During her time as a doctoral student, Erika hopes to continue applying molecular tools to further elucidate bacterial pathogenesis. Outside of the lab, Erika enjoys crocheting, video games, and practicing barre in her free time. 

In 2023, Carmella graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Economics. She always loved science, but decided to pursue a career in research while working in a genetics lab that studied horizontal gene transfer in archaea. She hopes to spend her PhD at USF studying the molecular mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistant pathogens. Her ultimate goal is to help create new medications and identify drug targets for recurrent bacterial infections. Outside of the lab, Carmella loves visiting the beach, trail running, and spending time with her family and friends.

Asher is a fourth-year student pursing a B.S. in cell and molecular biology and a B.A. in pure mathematics. He hopes to pursue a graduate degree while researching topics in cellular biology specifically related to cell topology and cell signaling. Asher joined the Eswara lab to learn important microbiology lab skills and to learn about the many proteins responsible for cell division. In his free time Asher likes to watch math videos, go to Starbucks and spend time with his friends, family, and dog.

Hiran obtained his M.D. from Ryazan State Medical University Russia in 2004 and his Executive Masters in Healthcare Administration from the International Institute of Health Sciences, Sri Lanka in 2018. Hiran is co-mentored by Dr. Eswara and Dr. Yu Chen and his research focuses on rational structure-based drug design using X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Currently, he is working on developing small molecule inhibitors against Staphylococcus aureus. In his free time, Hiran works with programmable circuits, enjoys working out, and playing rugby and other games.

Savannah is an undergraduate at the University of South Florida studying Cell and Molecular Biology as well as a paramedic student at Pinellas School of EMS. After graduating, she hopes to enter medical school where she can continue to research and provide emergency medical services to Tampa Bay. Savannah joined Eswara Lab in order to gain hands on experience and discover real-world applications of microbiology not found in the classroom. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching period dramas, and listening to jazz music with her three-legged cat, Hiro.

Juniper is a fourth-year student at the University of South Florida majoring in Microbiology. After graduating, she hopes to earn a Master’s researching bacterial pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. Her favorite hobbies include reading, creative writing, and baking.

Jason is currently a third-year Biomedical Sciences student at the University of South Florida. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue medical school. Jason aims to gain valuable laboratory experience and develop skills in genetics and biochemistry. In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing video games, and playing the guitar.

Pilar is a first year student at the University of South Florida studying cell and molecular biology. She intends to pursue a PhD and a career in biotechnology after receiving her bachelors degree. Pilar is committed to enhancing her research abilities by comprehending and exploring the processes examined in the lab. In her free time, she enjoys running, cooking, and engaging in outdoor activities.

Silviya is a second year student at the University of South Florida majoring in Microbiology. After earning her B.S., she plans on attending medical school to become a doctor. She joined the Eswara lab to learn lab skills and exploring her interest in microbiology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and going to the beach.

Briana is a third-year student at the University of South Florida majoring in biomedical sciences. Upon graduating she plans to go to medical school with hopes of becoming a dermatopathologist. Briana joined the Eswara lab to gain research skills and experience as well as learn about specific types of bacteria. In her free time she enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, and reading.

Kira is a senior undergraduate student at the University of South Florida pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology, and a double minor in Public Health and Infection Control. After graduating, she hopes to pursue a PhD in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, and establish a career in combating antibiotic resistant pathogens through the development of novel phage therapy techniques, with potential applications for astro-microbiology. Kira joined the Eswara lab to further explore the hidden microbial world of Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and develop her microbiology lab skills.

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