WHO WE ARE
JENNIFER GULER, PHD
Primary Investigator
During my training, I have gained expertise in a range of molecular, biochemical, and cell biological techniques in the field of parasitology. As a graduate student at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, I characterized mitochondrial metabolic pathways of Trypanosoma brucei that may lead to new drug targets for the treatment of African sleeping sickness. To expand my knowledge of parasites and learn about their impact in the real world, I then traveled to Africa to investigate malaria transmission by the mosquito. In continuation of my interests in more translational research, I performed my postdoctoral studies at the University of Washington and investigated how the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) initiates genetic change and survives various evolutionary pressures such as drug exposure. During this time, I also helped setup studies in field stations across India to test our laboratory-based hypotheses on genomic plasticity with parasites isolated directly from patients. Now, at the University of Virginia, I am leveraging my expertise in biochemistry/genetics to further investigate the mechanisms of resistance initiation and metabolic adaptation in P. falciparum.
Meet the team behind the UVA Guler Malaria Lab.
Noah Brown
PhD Candidate
Resistance Initiation
ANUSH ARYAL
PhD Candidate
Metabolic Adaptation
Kwesi Forson
Graduate Student
Metabolic Adaptation & Resistance Initiation
JULIA ZULAWINSKA
Visiting Graduate
Resistance Initiation
ISIAH KRATZER
Graduate Student
Metabolic Adaptation & Resistance Initiation
ALEKSANDER LUNIEWSKI, MD
Research Physician
Resistance Initiation
MICHELLE WARTHAN, MS
Lab Specialist
Metabolic Adaptation & Resistance Initiation
CAROLINE WEBB
Undergraduate
Resistance Initiation
JAMES SCHWARTZ
Undergraduate
Resistance Initiation
People: We value the many perspectives that members of the laboratory bring to the group and strive to provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, nationality, age, and ability. We aim to create a learning environment that respects people of all skill levels/interests and affirms different perspectives. We continually offer opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in our research goals. We strive to connect to people with diverse views not only through the make-up of our lab but also by participating in collaborations with other laboratories and interactions with the community.
Lab Environment: We do our best to provide a welcoming environment to learn, participate, and create. Students can bring their true self without any fear of judgement and discrimination. We aim to provide a supportive environment by listening to each other and offering opportunities to be heard. We maintain a safe environment that is free from blatant discriminatory comments/actions, as well as symbols of historic oppression.
Research & Teaching: The global reduction in malaria over recent decades and centuries has been dramatic but also unequal. Like in so many aspects of society, the groups with the fewest resources continue to struggle with the largest burden. As our research continues to fight the malaria public health crisis, we also recognize systemic racism and oppression of marginalized groups as a concurrent public health crisis. Opportunities should be actively given to scientists of all levels and backgrounds to equitably increase our understanding of biology and reduce disease burden. In our lab, we are committed to teaching others about malaria and public health inequities. Together, we hope to expand our knowledge through research efforts and aid in eliminating malaria.
ALUMNI
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Mary Lewis Simpson
.
Olivia Accad
.
Aida Doucoure
Graduate School
Jane Kim
.
Shiwei Lui, PhD.
Post-doctoral position at Indiana University
Audrey Brown, PhD.
Post-doctoral position in Dr. Petri's Lab, UVA.
Nnenna Ene
Program in Reseach
Adam Huckaby, PhD
Post-doctoral position pending
Jen McDaniels, PhD
Post-doctoral position at University of Maryland
Victoria Kelley
.
Arian Azizi
Finishing his degree at UVA
Sibrina Lingeman
Recieving her Masters Degree in Population Health at University College, London
Maureen Carey, PhD
Accepted a Post-Doctoral Position with Dr. Petri's Lab at UVA Medical center, Assistant Professor in Division of Infectious Disease
Michal Stolarczky
UVA
Mareike Haaren
Peace Corps
Claire Granum
.
Gillean Kelly
Medical School at Baylor
Ana Untaroiu
.
Audrey Francis
.
Shaun Spisak
.
Jennifer Kniss
Peace Corps
Vincent Covelli, DO
Infectious Disease physiscion who specializes in community and hospital acquired infections, in addition to infection with HIV, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and sesually transmitted infections at St. Mary Medical Center in California
Julia Stellmann
.
Andrew Kubiak
.
Will Lewandowski
Medical School
Julius Ha
.
Sabrina Carter
.
Anna Long
.
Vani Hariharan
.
Jessica Copper, M.SC
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2017
2018
2019
2022
2023