Lab Members
Nicholas Bessman, PI
I’m tremendously excited about recent developments in understanding how microbes and the immune system interact in chronic inflammatory diseases. As the director of the lab, my goal is to provide a rich and fulfilling training environment to trainees while we work together to discover new ways to treat human diseases.
Bhupendra Singh Rawat, Post-Doctoral Researcher
My doctoral research was focused on diet induced modulation of dendritic cell homeostasis at National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India. I am fascinated with the recent advancements on complex relationship of immune system, microbiome, and iron biology. As a postdoctoral fellow I am excited to gain a deeper understanding of these areas to discover new strategies for treating human diseases.
Alexandros Skouris, Graduate Student
I am a first-year PhD student with an interest in exploring the interplay between IBD, colorectal cancer, microbiome, and nutrition. Specifically, I am focused on studying the role of EGFR in intestinal inflammation. I hold a BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Greece, where I investigated the role of neutrophils in a Crohn's Disease model under the supervision of Professor George Kollias. Concurrently, I founded a synthetic biology research team for the iGEM competition and coordinated Europe-wide science communication initiatives. Recently, I completed my MSc in Health Policy at the LSE, where I worked for the UK's Department of Health and Social Care for my dissertation. Lastly, I am a member of OECD's Youth Advisory Board.
Toni-Ann Bravo, Graduate Student
I am a 3rd year PhD student in the I3 track, hailing from the beautiful “land of wood and water”, Jamaica. As a rotating student in the Bessman lab, my focus is on the impact of ferroportin on macrophage function in cancer. Here, I am given the opportunity to work with very exciting novel mouse models and to develop and sharpen my skills at various techniques. My general long-term goal is to play an integral role in research that fosters the discovery of new methods to treat diseases such as cancer. Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing, hand lettering/calligraphy and just being in the presence of my closest friends and family.
Garam Choi, Post-Doctoral Researcher
During my PhD in South Korea, I investigated the molecular mechanisms of how a pathogen induces its virulence factors by sensing host-derived signals. My primary research goal as a postdoctoral fellow at Bessman lab is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between gut microbes, host immune systems, and dietary factors. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies modulating gut microbiota to improve public health.
Urmi Shah, Lab Manager
I am excited to work as a lab manager for the Bessman Lab! My responsibilities include administrative tasks, organizing the lab, and helping to perform certain procedures. I am a recent graduate with a Bachelors from Rutgers University, majoring in biology. I enjoy learning about the research my colleagues are working on. I have conducted my own public health and social media research for the EPWC. For my future goal, I hope to pursue my love for research and public health through a PhD program!
Lab Alumni
Samantha Avina, Rotating Student
I am a PhD candidate in the I3 Track PhD program at Rutgers School of Graduate Studies. As a rotating graduate student, I’m excited to enhance my analytical and technical research skills, while working with novel mouse models and scientific instruments available only at the Bessman lab. My project focus is on deciphering the role of hepcidin and ferroportin impact on macrophage function and inflammation. My hobbies outside of the lab include hiking, gardening, and motorcycle riding.
Pamela Barnett, Rotating Student
I am a third year PhD candidate in the Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation track at Rutgers School of Graduate Studies. During my rotation I am studying Bifidobacterium gut colonization and its competition with other commensal bacteria in the context of available iron. I am excited to expand my microbiology repertoire to include anaerobic bacteria and to gain experience working with gnotobiotic mice. Outside of the lab, I enjoy trying new restaurants and stopping to pet every dog I walk by.
Waleed Mujib,
Lab Manager
As the lab manager, I focus on much of the administrative and organizational tasks, but love to get involved in research as well. I’m very interested in the potential novel therapies that we are researching and want to do my best in exploring these possibilities. My long term is goal is to go to medical school and to continue to do research in my field of choice.