Hung Lab
People
   

People


  Nikhilesh Chand Graduate Student
Education
Interests
 
  Anne Clatworthy Research Fellow
Education PhD, Harvard

While studying quorum sensing in Y. pestis, I became interested in the notion that next generation of anti-microbials should target virulence as opposed to cell growth. In the Hung lab, I am looking to explore and expand that interest in the context of a P. aeruginosa infection model in zebrafish. Using this model, we hope to identify host and pathogen genes that are critical for in vivo infection using both classical and chemical genetics approaches. We hope to better understand the dynamic host-pathogen interaction and also identify viable targets for therapeutic intervention. In my spare time I really enjoy yoga, eating, and television.
 
  Jim Gomez Research Scientist
Education BA, PhD, Johns Hopkins
Interests Bacterial pathogenesis

My research focuses on the survival strategies of microbial pathogens. Mycobacterium tuberculosis establishes persistent infections; host immunity is seldom sterilizing, and extended antibiotic treatment is necessary to prevent relapse. I am using chemical genetics to probe M. tuberculosis persistence, hoping to find ways to improve the clinical treatment of TB. Outside of the lab, I'm an avid cyclist and runner, and a passable cook.
  Sarah Grant Research Fellow
Education BA, Harvard; MD, Stanford
Interests

I am a pulmonary/critical care fellow at the MGH/BWH and am interested in the bacterial pathogenesis of respiratory infections. In the Hung Lab I am studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis persistence. Outside the lab, I enjoy skiing, rollerblading and reading.
 
  Ben Kaufmann Research Fellow
Education
Interests





 
  Tomohiko Kawate Research Team Leader I
Education B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Chiba University, Japan
Interests Organic and medicinal chemistry

My education is in pharmaceutical science and I have been working on the synthesis of natural products such as indole alkaloids, sphingosines and nucleosides. I'm currently enjoying my contribution in the field of life science as a synthetic organic chemist very much and am interested in finding lead compounds in our drug discovery program. In addition to research, I like to play and watch sports, baseball, softball, tennis etc.
 
 

Jenny S.W. Lee Research Associate
Education BA, Boston University
Interests Pathogenesis, host-pathogen interaction, classical and chemical genetics, art

I am currently analyzing P. aeruginosa infection in the host zebrafish model. I will be using classical and chemical genetics screening methods to determine the impact of various virulence factors on pathogenesis; this will help in the pursuit of drug discovery and therapeutics. I am interested in understanding how the host provides the bacteria with sustenance while also combating the infection. I am a freelance artist and enjoy painting, photography, and traveling. My art exhibitions are listed on my website: www.jennyswl-art.com.

 
  Pratik Shah Research Fellow
Education PhD
Interests

I am interested in using chemical-genetics approaches to elucidate bacterial pathogenesis. More specifically, we are using the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae as a model system for my studies.
 
  Louise Slater Graduate Student
Education U. of Cambridge, MSci
Interests Chemical genetics, bacterial pathogenesis, and natural product chemistry

I am taking a chemical genetic approach to study the mechanisms by which anthrax lethal toxin causes cell death. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, rowing, dragonboating and playing piano.
 
  Elesha Smith Administrative Assistant II
Education BA
Interests Painting, music and reading

 
  Sarah Stanley Research Fellow
Education PhD, UCSF
Interests

I am interested in the ways in which pathogens exploit and influence host cell environments to establish and maintain infection.  In the Hung lab I am taking a chemical genetic approach to study the pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis.  Outside the lab I enjoy yoga, traveling, reading, and food.
 
  Carl Wivaag Graduate Student
Education BA, Colgate University
Interests Bacterial pathogenesis and virulence

I am using a genetic approach to understand the regulatory mechanisms of virulence on mycobacteria. Mycobacteria cause a variety of human afflictions. M. tuberculosis, for instance, is estimated to infect up to two billion people worldwide.
 

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