Team

Dipanwita joined Indian Institute of Technology - Bombay, India as a Ph.D. student after finishing masters in Biotechnology from West Bengal University of Technology. During her Ph.D, she studied the role of divisome proteins on the assembly of FtsZ, a prokaryotic homolog of eukaryotic tubulin in Prof. Dulal Panda's lab. Post Ph.D, she joined Prof. Krishanu Ray's lab in Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, India as a postdoctoral fellow for a short period. She was awarded an institutional postdoctoral fellowship by TIFR. After that she joined Techno India University, Kolkata, India as an assistant professor and worked there for 2 years. She joined Eswara lab to explore the functions of the divisome complex responsible for bacterial division. Apart from research, Dipanwita likes to spend time with her family, especially with her ~3-year-old kid. She enjoys sci-fi movies, cartoons, soft music, delicious foods, and long drives. She is also a bit addicted to coffee.

Abigail received her B.S. degree in Microbiology from the University of South Florida. As a PhD student in the Eswara lab, she studies stress response mechanisms in Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. In her free time, she enjoys baking, fishing, and gardening.

Kelly is a second year student at the University of South Florida studying cell and molecular biology. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she wants to pursue a PhD and a career in medical research. Kelly hopes to learn basic research skills while further exploring the field of microbiology. Outside of the lab, she enjoys cooking, working out, and swimming.

A recent graduate from USF, Logan Suits attained B.S. degrees in Microbiology and World Languages and Cultures. As an undergraduate, he studied essential genes in the anaerobic bacteria Clostridioides difficile. Now, he's returning to USF to obtain a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Microbiology. As the newest Ph.D. student, he's learning his way around the lab and beginning to study proteins essential to Staphylococcus aureus division with fluorescence microscopy. On his free time, Logan likes to study Japanese (his focus for his World Languages and Cultures degree), watch and play chess, do judo, and play video games.

In 2023, Carmella graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Economics. She always loved science, but decided to pursue a career in research while working in a genetics lab that studied horizontal gene transfer in archaea. She hopes to spend her PhD at USF studying the molecular mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistant pathogens. Her ultimate goal is to help create new medications and identify drug targets for recurrent bacterial infections. Outside of the lab, Carmella loves visiting the beach, trail running, and spending time with her family and friends.

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Mueez Amoo
Mueez received a BS degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Central Florida. He is interested in ultimately pursuing a PhD degree upon completion of his MS degree. His interest in bacteria primarily revolves around interspecies communication between bacteria and, more specifically, quorum sensing and two-component systems. While in Dr. Eswara’s Lab, he hopes to hone lab techniques while also gaining fundamental knowledge about the field. During his spare time, Mueez enjoys watching soccer, playing violin, and watching historical period pieces.

Lily graduated with a B.S. degree from the University of Florida's Microbiology and Cell Science program in 2022. Throughout her degree, she participated in undergraduate research in Dr. Anthony Maurelli’s laboratory, studying the iron transport system of Chlamydia trachomatis. She also worked under Dr. John Lednicky to engineer a reverse genetics system for notable viruses. Lily hopes to continue her passions at USF by learning new molecular approaches and investigating bacterial gene function. When outside the lab, Lily spends her free time cooking, playing video games and reading manga.

Asher is a fourth-year student pursing a B.S. in cell and molecular biology and a B.A. in pure mathematics. He hopes to pursue a graduate degree while researching topics in cellular biology specifically related to cell topology and cell signaling. Asher joined the Eswara lab to learn important microbiology lab skills and to learn about the many proteins responsible for cell division. In his free time Asher likes to watch math videos, go to Starbucks and spend time with his friends, family, and dog.

Madison is currently a third year student at University of South Florida studying Microbiology with specific interest of Immunology. After completing her bachelors degree, she plans on pursuing her PhD and a career building vaccines. Madison hopes to learn all she can in the Eswara lab all while researching important bacteria and gaining experience. On her free time, she loves to read, play volleyball, and cook.

Pilar is a first year student at the University of South Florida studying cell and molecular biology. She intends to pursue a PhD and a career in biotechnology after receiving her bachelors degree. Pilar is committed to enhancing her research abilities by comprehending and exploring the processes examined in the lab. In her free time, she enjoys running, cooking, and engaging in outdoor activities.

Kira is a third-year, senior at the University of South Florida majoring in Biology with a concentration in Animals. After obtaining her B.S. she will be attending veterinary school in hopes to become a successful veterinarian with her own practice. She will be joining the Eswara lab to gain experience in research inspired by her interest in prior microbiology courses. During her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, reading, and singing with her band.

Anya is a third-year student at the University of South Florida double majoring in cell and molecular biology and anthropology. After graduating, she intends to pursue a PhD in biology and establish a career as a researcher. She joined the Eswara lab with the intention of exploring the microbiology field and learning research skills. In her free time, Anya enjoys birdwatching, working out, and drinking lots of coffee.