Chowdhury labChowdhury labChowdhury labChowdhury labChowdhury lab
Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known...
— Carl Sagan
What we do
The Chowdhury lab explores how enteric pathogens sense and adapt to dynamic host
environments to fine-tune their virulence, survival, and transmission. We focus on
understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern host-pathogen interactions,
particularly within the gastrointestinal tract. Using a combination of microbiology,
molecular genetics, and immunological tools, we investigate how pathogens integrate
environmental signals to balance fitness and virulence, and how host immune responses shape
this dialogue. Our ultimate goal is to uncover novel therapeutic targets and strategies to
combat infectious diseases by deciphering the complex communication between microbes and
their hosts.
Meet the team
We are just getting started and we're looking for curious, motivated people to join us!
We're building a collaborative, hands-on group excited about microbiology and host-pathogen
interactions. If you're an undergrad looking for research experience or someone who loves
asking questions about how microbes and the immune system interact, we'd love to hear from
you!
Rimi Chowdhury
Microbiologist 🦠 + cat lover 🐱 Rimi earned her Masters and PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Calcutta, India, where she took a deep dive into the world of infectious
diseases, uncovering the diverse invasion strategies of Salmonella. She then moved to Cornell University for her postdoctoral work with Dr. Craig
Altier, where she explored the fascinating connection between intestinal fatty acids and the genetic regulators that control Salmonella virulence – a
blend of basic science and translational research aimed at better understanding and tackling gut pathogens.
When she’s not unraveling the mysteries of enteric pathogens, you can
find Rimi curled up with a true crime novel or volunteering at local cat rescue centers and spay/neuter clinics.
Isabelle Reitz
Isabelle is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Microbiology and Anthropology. She has mentored students in bacteriophage genomics, researched dermatophytic fungi under Dr. Marcia Lee's lab at Miami University, and presented at the Ohio Branch of ASM and Miami's Undergraduate Research Forums. After earning her bachelor's, she hopes to attend grad school.
In her free time, Isabelle loves to sew, travel, watch Pride & Prejudice (2005), and read highly specific nonfiction books.
Mia Young
Originally from Liberty Township, Ohio, Mia is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a double major in biology and biochemistry. After earning her bachelor’s, she hopes to enter graduate school for a master’s in food science or microbiology. She finds this area exciting because it combines fundamental biology with real-world applications, from preventing foodborne illness to discovering the beneficial roles microbes play in fermentation and nutrition. In Mia's free time, she can often be found on the tennis courts (never resorting to pickleball though!), at a hotpot restaurant, or among the concert crowd.
Nishka Avunoori
Nishka is a sophomore, currently pursuing her B.A. in Microbiology with a minor in Spanish and Medical Humanities.
Before joining this lab, she explored microbiology principles and engineered water filtration systems at Harvard's EnviroSTAR Summer Program, led an international team to finalist placement in the New York Academy of Sciences Junior Academy Challenge among 50+ global teams for their innovative nutrition app design, and earned the Best Presenter Award for her InspiritAI project on pneumonia detection. She also presented at the SEAPhages Undergraduate Research Forum and founded BrainBox, a global free tutoring network connecting students worldwide.
Beyond research, Nishka serves as Secretary for the Society of Women in Medicine, sits on the Mallory-Wilson Student Advisory Board, and is a Supplemental Instructor for MBI 201 (General Microbiology).
Outside the lab, you can find Nishka going on sidequests with her friends, writing songs and short stories, listening to music across different genres and languages, or pursuing her hyperfixation of the month!
Kai Ironstrack
Kai Ironstrack is an undergraduate student from Oxford, Ohio. Kai is currently pursuing a bachelor of science in microbiology and a bachelor of arts botany. He wants a degree in microbiology because he believes that the microscopic machinery made and waiting for us inside of the billions of undiscovered microbes on our planet can be applied to solve problems in the medical, environmental, and even industrial field. He is also pursuing a degree in botany because he thinks that some of the most interesting cellular functions of all can be found in plants. When not in the lab or in class, Kai can be found splitting his time between cards, jazz bass, lacrosse, jiu-jitsu, and reading fantasy books his dad assigns to him.
Lindsay Wolverton
Lindsay is a graduate student in the Chowdhury lab! She started her research in the fall of 2025. She did her undergraduate studies at Ohio Wesleyan University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Biology and Pre-medicine with a minor in Chemistry. While at Ohio Wesleyan, she was a four year player on the women's lacrosse team, as well as a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Her undergraduate research focused on analyzing the gut microbiota of Podarcis muralis lizards, studying how bacterial composition in the gut is influenced by habitat. When she’s not in the lab, Lindsay loves to take walks, workout, hangout with her friends, and play with any kind of animal she can find!