Hello World

We welcome you all!!!

Souvik Bhattacharyya, Ph.D. (PI)
My eternal conflict is between #1 and #2.
1) “The only absolute knowledge attainable by man is that life is meaningless.” -Tolstoy
2) ”The natural desire of good people is knowledge.” – da Vinci
I was born & raised in Murshidabad, a small town in West Bengal, India. I am a photography enthusiast, Chess fan, & a Man Utd fanatic!
BS – Zoology (Major) – University of Burdwan, India
MS – Zoology (Biochemistry Major) – Banaras Hindu University, India
PhD – Microbiology – Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Postdoc- University of Texas at Austin – Mentor: Dr. Rasika Harshey
Provost Fellow – University of Texas at Austin – Mentors: Dr. Rasika Harshey and Dr. Despoina Mavridou

Haden Do, Ph.D. student
Hi, I’m Haden, a first-year PhD student at UTHealth MD Anderson GSBS, where my research focuses on studying antibiotic resistance and its underlying mechanisms. Outside of academics, I enjoy renovating my house and playing video games. I’m passionate about both my research and exploring DIY projects in my free time.

Abhishek Anand, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow
Hello, I am Abhishek Anand, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab. I am fascinated by the ability of microorganisms to adapt to different environments and interested in understanding how they do it. I have done my PhD from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland and BS-MS from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India. Outside work, I love travelling, exploring different cultures and hiking.

Marta Cano Minarro, Ph.D. student
Hi, my name is Marta! I am a first year PhD student at GSBS. Originally from Spain, I’ve been living in Houston since 2018. I got my bachelor’s degree in Biosciences at Rice University. In the Bhattacharyya lab, I do research on bacterial memory and its role in antimicrobial resistance. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing sports—especially pickleball, swimming, and golf—playing boardgames, and discovering new coffee shops around Houston.

Jeremy Hernandez, MicroSURP Summer Fellow
Hey there, I’m Jeremy, a senior student at the University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in Microbiology and Immunology! In the Microbial Ethology lab, I’m investigating to elucidate potential weaknesses in Efflux-driven Antibiotic Resistance in E. coli using CRISPRi. Outside of the lab, I like horror movies and gaming.

Whitney Bui, Summer Intern
Hey there, Whitney, a first-year undergraduate student majoring in biology at Boston College! In the Microbial Ethology lab, I’m investigating if necrosignaling affects mutation rates in E. coli. 

Cindy Escobar, Trainee
Hey there, I’m Cindy. I recently graduated from Grinnell College, IA majoring in Biology! In the Microbial Ethology lab, I’m investigating to elucidate potential weaknesses in Efflux-driven Antibiotic Resistance in E. coli using CRISPRi. 

Zaid Alyafi, Summer Trainee
Hey there, I’m Zaid. I am a student at the University of Houston majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering! In the Microbial Ethology lab, I’m investigating bacteria iron memory. Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, playing soccer, running marathons, and exploring new things around Houston.