Team
Our Team
Prahathees Eswara
Dr. Eswara was born in Tamil Nadu, India. Before coming to the US, he earned B.S. Applied Sciences and M.S. Bioinformatics degrees in India. He received his Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry from the University of Houston in Houston, TX. After that, he performed postdoctoral research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Dr. Eswara joined the University of South Florida in 2015 as a tenure-track Assistant Professor. He was promoted with tenure to Associate Professor in 2021. Apart from research, he enjoys teaching and training the next generation of scientists and other professionals. During his spare time, he enjoys watching documentaries, movies, and sports. He listens to ASM podcasts during his commute to keep the latter interesting. He enjoys ziplining, hiking, camping, swimming and other outdoor activities.
Principal Investigator
PhD: University of Houston (2005-2009)
Postdoctoral Fellowship: National Institutes of Health (2010-2015)
Kelly Resendes
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.
Ph.D. Student
B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology
University of South Florida
Logan Suits
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.
Ph.D. Student
B.S. Microbiology | B.A. World Languages and Cultures
University of South Florida
Lily McKnight
Ph.D. Student
B.S. Microbiology and Cell Science
University of Florida
Erika Valdespino
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.
Ph.D. Student
B.S. Microbiology and Cell Science
University of Florida
Carmella Testa
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.
Ph.D. Student
B.A. Biological Sciences | B.A. Economics
University of Connecticut
Asher King
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.
Ph.D. Student
B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology | B.A. Mathematics
University of South Florida
Hiran Malinda
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.
Ph.D. Student
M.D.
Ryazan State Medical University
Savannah Woods
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.
B.S. Student
(B.S.) Cell and Molecular Biology
University of South Florida
Juniper Lewis
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.
B.S. Student
(B.S.) Microbiology
University of South Florida
Jason Carroll
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.
B.S. Student
(B.S.) Biomedical Sciences
University of South Florida
Pilar Horigian
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.
B.S. Student
(B.S.) Cell and Molecular Biology
University of South Florida
Silviya Dimitrova
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.
B.S. Student
(B.S.) Microbiology
University of South Florida
Briana Boyer
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.
B.S. Student
(B.S.) Biomedical Sciences
University of South Florida
Kira Ruiz-Houston
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.
B.S. Student
(B.S.) Microbiology
University of South Florida
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