PEOPLE
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
ABHIJIT MAJI, Delhi, India. Postdoctoral Fellow
Abhijit earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from CSIR-IGIB, Delhi, India, where he investigated the role of gut microbiota in tuberculosis patients. Following his Ph.D., he pursued his first postdoctoral training at IISER-Bhopal, India, where he studied the influence of gut microbiota on colorectal cancer (CRC) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). He then moved to the USA for his second postdoctoral training as a Senior Researcher at South Dakota State University (SDSU). There, he employed a bottom-up approach to cultivate a library of healthy microbiota and tested various simple to complex synthetic microbial communities in vitro (bioreactor) and in vivo models.
Besides his research on gut microbiota, Abhijit enjoys spending his free time with his two princesses and has a passion for cooking.
NOHA AHMED, Cairo, Egypt. Postdoctoral Fellow
Noha got her PhD from The University of Cincinnati where she worked on organic azides and studied their photolysis in solution and in solid state. She also studied the photodynamic behavior of crystalline organic azides. Afterwards, she joined Borch MCMP department at Purdue university where she worked on methyltransferases inhibitors. Outside the lab, Noha enjoys reading, watching movies, and listening to music.
TULASI RELANGI, West Godaviri, India. Postdoctoral Fellow
Tulasi obtained his PhD in Microbiology from Madurai Kamaraj University where he studied the genetic traits of Livestock-Associated Staphylococcus aureus using comparative genomics and computational biology. He then moved to Dr. Manisha Goel’s lab as a Research Associate to work on comparative structural variations of proteins in pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in the Department of Biophysics, University of Delhi South Campus. He then joined as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Microbiome Research Laboratory at UT Southwestern Medical Center to work on microbial DNA signatures in the blood of pediatric populations. His major research interests include data analysis, integrating Machine Learning models into biological data and developing computational frameworks for big data in biology.
He enjoys watching movies and web series. He likes reading fiction and non-fictional novels, and playing cricket. He loves spending time with his two handsome sons and exploring scenic attractions.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
KRISTINA SHIPMAN, Moscow, Russia. Grad Student (Yr 5)
Kris received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Baylor University and is now pursuing her Ph.D. in Biology. Her research is focused on the mechanisms of fiber metabolism in the gut microbiome and correlations with pathogenesis. Outside of the lab, she likes to read, embroider, and collect house plants. Kris and her husband Jake have 3 adorable cats.
AMELIA SLUSSER, Baltimore, MD, USA. Undergrad (Yr 4)
Amelia earned her undergraduate degree in Environmental Biology from Liberty University where she studied the effects of herbicide runoff on freshwater ecosystems. She is now pursing a PhD in Biology with the Wright group at Baylor. Her research focuses include microbial ecology driven by cobalamin transport and cofactor-protein interactions in bacteria, and the impacts of host psychological stress on gut microbial metabolism. Outside of lab, Amelia enjoys swimming, hiking, reading, going to church, and spending time with her husband.
CHINENYE NWIKE, Nigeria. Grad Student (Yr 4)
Chinenye holds a B. Sc. degree in Biochemistry, from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She is currently enrolled for her PhD in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department. Within the Wright’s group, her interests surround probing the roles that human gut microbes play in xenobiotic metabolism. Her core focus lies on examining the gut microbial enzymes that are implicated in drug metabolism, as well as the molecular and biochemical transformations they execute. Through these, she intends to shed more light on mechanisms underlying variations in how different individuals respond to certain drugs; based on the diversities in the gut microbiome. Outside of lab, she loves cycling, soccer, collecting memes, hanging out with friends, and binge-watching TV series, when she can.
HARRISON HALL, Fort Worth, TX, USA. Grad Student (Yr 4)
Harrison got his degree from Trinity University in Biology with a
concentration in cellular and molecular biology. He is from Fort Worth,
Texas, and his project looks at the use of microbes in plastic degradation. In
his spare time, Harrison enjoys activities that let him be creative.
JACK RUSSO, Jupiter, FL, USA. Grad Student (Yr 4)
Jack received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Hobart and William Smith College. He is a second year graduate student. His research with the Wright lab will focus on Design and Synthesis of Novel Activity Based Probes. In his time outside of the lab he enjoys baking, playing videogames and spending time with his dog.
LaRAE HUDSON, Richland, WA, USA. Grad Student (Yr 4)
LaRae Hudson is pursing her PhD in Biology at Baylor University. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Northwest Nazarene University. Following graduation, she worked at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in her hometown of Tri–Cities, WA. At Baylor, LaRae is currently working on a project investigating the functional mechanisms connecting artificial sweeteners and the gut microbiome. Outside of work, LaRae loves to take road trips, bake, and browse antique shops.
SHITTU OLUWATOSIN, Nigeria. Grad Student (Yr 4)
Oluwatosin (Tosin) received her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Biology. Her research interests lie in investigating how early-life exposure to chemical contaminants impacts the gut microbiome and the host’s metabolic capacity. She loves singing and watching sitcoms.
EMMANUEL TOBECHUKWU UGWUOJI, Nigeria. Grad Student (Yr 3)
Emmanuel graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with an M.S. in Microbiology. He earned his undergraduate degree at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria. At Baylor, he is pursuing a PhD in the Wright Group. His research focuses on the development of novel phenotype-enabled, targeted microbiome therapies. His work aims to enhance the efficacy, safety, and precision of FMT through microbial and functional profiling. Outside the lab, Emmanuel enjoys spending time with friends, biking, kayaking, running, and playing soccer.
SAM JOSEPH, Hartshill, England. Grad Student (Yr 3)
Sam received his Bachelor’s degree in Physiology with a minor in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota. Sam’s undergraduate and postgraduate research was conducted in the lab of Dr. Laurie Parker, where he profiled kinase substrates using proteomics to develop synthetic peptide probe assays. At Baylor, he is pursuing a PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry in the Wright Lab. Sam is working on developing activity-based probes to elucidate the effects that xenobiotics have on the gut microbiome, and their interplay in relation to IBS and IBD. His other research interests include method development for the optimization of microbiome proteomics, and the biotechnological applications of microbiome-derived metabolism. Outside of the lab, Sam loves to play and watch football (soccer!), being an avid supporter of Leicester City and England. He also enjoys cooking and trying new foods, playing volleyball, reading, playing video games, and watching movies.
TIFFANY HOLLAND, Austin, TX. USA Grad Student (Yr 2)
Tiffany received her undergraduate degree from Concordia University Texas with a major in chemistry and a minor in biology. Her research will focus on the synthesis of activity based probes and assessing the utility and activity of natural products in the gut microbiome as probes. Tiffany is an old soul at heart and feels the most comfortable when listening to 1930s jazz.
MAHMUD SHOJIV, Noakhali, Bangladesh. Grad Student (Yr 2)
Mahmud Shojiv (Mahmudul Hasan Shojiv) completed his Bachelors in Biochemistry and Biotechnology at the University of Science and Technology. Afterward, he moved to Norway to pursue a Master’s in Experimental Biotechnology at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences. He later moved to the United States to pursue a second Master’s in Biology, with a concentration in Bioinformatics and Genomics, at Ball State University in Indiana. He is set to begin his PhD in Biology in the Fall of 2024. In the Wright Lab, his research focuse is metagenomics, metaproteomics, and bioinformatics. He enjoys watching and playing football (soccer) and traveling in his free time.
MORENIKEJI ADEDAYO, Nigeria. Grad Student (Yr 2)
Morenikeji (Keji) received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). While at NYU Abu Dhabi, she conducted research conducted research spanning population genomics, microbiology, and sexual & reproductive health. Now a first-year PhD student, Keji is interested in exploring how the gut microbiome modulates drug and xenobiotic metabolism and how gut-associated diseases influence these processes. Outside the lab, she enjoys experimenting with new recipes and spending time outdoors.
UCHENNA CALISTUS OKPE, Enugu State, Nigeria. Grad. Student (Yr 2)
Uchenna received his bachelor’s in microbiology from Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and holds a masters degree in biomedical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, New York. His research interest is designing in vitro disease models to understand the mechanism of diseases. In the Wright group, Uchenna’s interests are creating an in vitro synthetic community to study functional gutdysbiosis and how it leads to the degradation of tight junction proteins. Outside the lab, Uchenna enjoys reading, meditating, and playing soccer.
IGNACIO MORALESP, San Juan, PR. Graduate Student (YR1)
Ignacio received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. During his undergraduate research, he studied an archaeal virus using recombinant DNA techniques. Now pursuing a PhD in Biology with the Wright group, Ignacio is interested in exploring the consequences of bacteriophage infection on host metabolism and competitive adaptation within the human oral microbiome. Outside of the lab, he loves to skateboard, cook Spanish and Puerto Rican dishes, listen to music, and play board/video games with friends.
RIVER KAVENEY, Hewitt, TX, USA. Grad Student (M.S.)
River is currently working towards his Master of Science. He received his undergraduate degree from Baylor and later began working in the Biology Department, where he is continuing as the graduate program coordinator. As his Master’s thesis project, River is using omics technologies to test the efficacy of certain compounds at neutralizing toxins found in snake venom. Outside of work, River enjoys playing video games and spending time with his wife and dogs.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
AYDEN THOMA, San Antonio, TX, USA. Undergrad
Ayden is a senior University Scholar major with a concentration in Biology on the pre-dentistry track. He is interested in the effects of foreign chemicals and stress on the function of the gut microbiome. After graduating, Ayden hopes to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry.
BEN BURKE, Houston, TX, USA. Undergrad
Ben is a junior University Scholar with concentrations in Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish. He is interested in the gut microbiome and the application of chemical probes, as well as connections to cancer and disease. After graduating, Ben hopes to pursue medical school and a career in the crossroads between Radiology and Oncology while also furthering his research interests.
DANNY LE, Fort Worth, TX, USA. Undergrad
Danny is a junior Science Research Fellows major with biochemistry and math minors on the pre-medical track. He is interested in the use of chemical probes in gut microbiome research and the application to human treatments. After graduation, he hopes to further pursue both research and medicine through an MD-PhD program.
EVAN ROOS, Robinson, TX, USA. Undergrad
Evan is a sophmore Science Research Fellows Major with a concentration in chemistry and a secondary major in mathematics. He is interested in the development and use of chemical probes for microbiological research. After graduating, he plans to pursue a PhD in chemistry.
ISABELLE MORIN, Fort Worth, TX, USA. Undergrad
Isabelle is a sophomore Public Health student that hopes to pursue a PhD combining public health and biomedical sciences, with a focus on Inflammatory Bowel Disease. She is an IBD patient herself and hopes to contribute to the necessary efforts to both create supportive programs and better treatments for IBD patients. Outside of academics, she also spends her time as a patient advocate and is heavily involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation- particularly as part of their National Council of College Leaders (NCCL).
JACKIE BURKE, The Woodlands, TX, USA. Undergrad
Jackie is a junior University Scholar with concentrations in Biology and Spanish on the Pre-medical track. She is interested in the relationship between early-life exposures and development of the gut microbiome and understanding these molecular relationships. She has interest in disease prevention as well and the understanding of how the gut microbiome interacts with disease mechanisms. After graduating, Jackie wishes to pursue medical school with a career in Anesthesiology and holistic health.
KALEB PATTERSON, Spartanburg, SC, USA. Undergrad
Kaleb is senior health science major on the pre – med track. He is interested in the organic synthesis of the probes being used to study micro biome behavior. Kaleb desires to attend medical school after graduation
MADISON ANDREWS, Chanhassen, MN, USA. Undergrad
Madison is a senior Science Research Fellow with a concentration in biochemistry and a minor in economics. She is interested in the application of chemical probes to explore the connections between the immune system and gut microbiome. Upon graduation, she intends to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry.
MAGDALENE HERNANDEZ, Dallas, TX, USA. Undergrad
Magdalene is a senior Health Science Studies major on the pre–medical track. She is interested in how diet, the environment, and microbial interactions affect different conditions in health care, and the Wright Lab gives her the opportunity to explore microbiome research while developing her research skills to pursue her interests later on. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school while furthering her research interests, by pursuing an MD-PhD.
MICAH MILLS, Tulsa, OK, USA. Undergrad
Micah is a junior University Scholar with concentrations in Economics and Biology and a Biochemistry minor. He is interested in the function of the gut microbiome in the metabolism of artificial sweeteners. He hopes to help apply research on this interaction to human health. After graduating, he plans to attend medical school.
RAYYAN MOMIN, Houston, TX, USA. Undergrad
Rayyan is a junior Biology major on the pre-medicine track. He is interested in research involving gut microbiomes and how computational biology can be used for further data analysis. Once he graduates, Rayyan plans to earn a Ph.D. or pursue a medical career as a physician.
TRENT JOHNSON, Orange County, CA, USA. Undergrad
Trent is a sophmore majoring in Business Fellows, Economics, and Biochemistry with a Mathematics minor on the Pre-Medical track. He is fascinated by the impact of environmental toxins and nutrition on the gut microbiome and how that affects overall health and wellness. After graduation, he hopes to pursue both research and medicine through an MD-PhD program.
TYLER EARP, Marblehead, TX, USA. Undergrad
Tyler is a sophomore Science Research Fellows Major with a concentration in chemistry and biochemistry with minors in French and Business Administration. He is interested in the role of microbes in plastic degradation. After graduation, he plans to pursue a PhD in chemistry.
