The
members
Julia Takuno Hespanhol – Graduate Student
jthespanhol[at]utexas.edu
Born and raised in the concrete jungle of Sao Paulo, Julia embarked on the mission of hunting T6SS effector during her undergraduate studies. After a master’s in the Bayer-Santos lab in Brazil, she is now a Ph.D. student focusing on characterizing novel Salmonella antibacterial weapons. Outside the lab, she practices her questionable artistic skills, explores city parks and the outdoors.
Audrey R. Long – Graduate Student
arl4288[at]utexas.edu
Audrey grew up in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. She began her research career as an undergraduate at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island where she characterized azoreductase activity in the human gut microbiome. This experience inspired a fascination with how bacteria interact with one another and their environment. Now pursuing her Ph. D., she continues to further her understanding of bacterial interactions by characterizing effectors in the T6SS. In her free time Audrey enjoys knitting, exploring Austin, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Kristi T. Pham – Graduate Student
kristi_phm[at]utexas.edu
Building on her undergraduate experience in the EBSLab, Kristi is now pursuing a Ph.D. in the Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) program, specializing in the Bioinformatics track. Her research continues to focus on the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS), using computational approaches to uncover the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics that shape bacterial interactions. Outside the lab, Kristi enjoys exploring city parks and discovering new coffee spots with her loyal pup, Acorn.
Daniela C. De Bastiani – Graduate Student
dcd2572[at]my.utexas.edu
Originally from southern Brazil, Daniela trained as a biotechnologist and developed a strong interest in the molecular strategies bacteria use to interact with hosts and compete with other microbes. As a Ph.D. student in the Cell and Molecular Biology program, she studies bacterial competition and host–microbe interactions, with a focus on the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) and its effectors. Outside the lab, she enjoys running, exploring Austin, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Jacob Emmanuel Lin – Undergraduate Student
jel3928[at]utexas.edu
Originally born and raised in Northern California, Jacob is now a fourth year biochemistry major at UT Austin. Planning to enter the research and biotechnology field, Jacob is especially interested in bacterial growth and function. In his free time, Jacob enjoys swimming, solving puzzles, watching musicals, and exploring the landscape of Austin.
Sannidhi (Sunny) Bijakal – Undergraduate Student
sb66955[at]utexas.edu
Sunny is a first-year biochemistry student at UT Austin with aspirations to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. Her research interests center on bacterial infections and the molecular mechanisms underlying infectious disease. Outside the lab, Sunny enjoys playing the cello, going to the gym, and exploring new coffee shops with friends.
Nitish Polishetty – Undergraduate Student
np24959[at]utexas.edu
Growing up in both California and Texas, Nitish is a first-year biochemistry major at UT Austin. He is fascinated by the complex interactions between microbes, their hosts, and the surrounding microbiota, and hopes to pursue studies in the field of immunology in the future. Outside the lab, Nitish enjoys long walks, reading, watching films, and caring for indoor plants and aquariums.
Julia Trevino – Undergraduate Student
jmt5648[at]my.utexas.edu
Born and raised in McAllen, Texas, Julia is a second-year biochemistry major in the Dean’s Scholars Honors Program at UT Austin. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry or molecular biology and is particularly interested in the biochemical mechanisms that drive chronic and infectious disease pathogenesis. Outside the lab, Julia enjoys yoga and Pilates, baking, live music, and exploring new restaurants with friends.
Previous members
Gianlucca Gonçalves Nicastro – Senior Scientist/Bioinformatician
Stephanie Sibinelli de Sousa – Graduate Student
Daniel Enrique Sanchez Limache – Graduate Student
André Luiz de Araújo Silva – Graduate student
Joseph Munoz – Research Assistant
Gustavo Chagas Santos – Undergraduate student
Lior Karman – Undergraduate student
Luize Nobrega e Silva – Undergraduate student
Eleazar Gonzalez-Adame – Undergraduate Student
Paul Laban Andega – Undergraduate Student
Ethan S. Schommer – Undergraduate Student
Nathan De Visch – Exchange Graduate Student