team

Eryn Bautista

Undergraduate Researcher

I am a UCR undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology. I am interested in understanding how immune cells interact to shape human health, particularly during early life. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, drinking coffee, and talking with friends.

Trinity Bosch

Graduate Rotation Student, Biomedical Sciences MS program

Bryan Brown, PhD

Assistant Professor

bbrown [at] ucr [dot] edu

Bryan received his PhD in Genomic and Computational Biology from Duke University where he studied how bacteria evolve when living inside of a host. He then moved to Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington for his postdoctoral work where he characterized interactions between mucosal microbiota and immune cells in infants and cisgender females. At UCR, his group aims to develop and use computational and molecular tools to identify mechanisms regulating interactions between immune cells and bacteria, viruses, and all of the microbes that colonize us! He also enjoys climbing, spending time in the Sierra, and thinking a little too much about brewing that perfect cup of joe.

Eli Bussel

Research Specialist

elib [at] ucr [dot] edu

Eli received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago in Biology and Mathematics and is applying to graduate programs in the coming cycle. His primary research interest is in metagenomics of the human microbiome and its impact on health. Outside of work, he enjoys reading and playing guitar.

Aldren Chow

Research Assistant

achow044 [at] ucr [dot] edu

Aldren graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Economics. He is involved in bacterial genomics and bioinformatics research and enjoys applying analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to scientific questions. He values the collaborative nature of research and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to projects that advance our understanding of the microbial world. Outside of the lab, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and hitting the gym.

Angela De Guzman

Graduate Student, Microbiology MS program

adeg011 [at] ucr [dot] edu

I received my B.S. in Microbiology from University of California, Riverside. I am fascinated by how our human body systems communicate through complex interactions. I am most curious about gut-brain pathways and downstream effects to our overall human health. Outside of the lab, I love to chill with my cats, travel, and explore different cuisines!

Tejsi Dhameliya

Graduate Student, Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology PhD program

tdham002 [at] ucr [dot] edu

I received my M.S. in Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics from Drexel University, where I studied transcriptional mechanisms regulating breast cancer stem cells. Prior to joining UCR, I worked in cell line development at Sana Biotechnology and Genentech, where I engineered immune and cancer cell models to support the development of cell therapy products.

My research interests center on understanding how immune cells recognize and respond to disease and how these pathways can be manipulated for therapeutic benefit. I am particularly excited about exploring how commensal microbes such as Bifidobacterium can be harnessed to shape the tumor microenvironment and enhance anti-cancer immunity.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy trying new restaurants and exploring new cuisines.

Tanvi Karkera

Undergraduate Researcher

I am an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Global and Community Health. I am interested in immunology, particularly how the developing infant immune system interacts with the virome and how these early-life interactions may influence childhood health and disease. Outside of the lab, I love spending time with friends, traveling, and trying new food spots!

Annabelle Lu

Undergraduate Researcher

Annabelle is an undergraduate majoring in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology. Her research interests include immunology and T-cell biology, with a focus on the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms regulating adaptive immunity and immune homeostasis. In her free time, she enjoys cafe hopping and trying out new restaurants with friends.

Angelina Ma

Undergraduate Researcher

I am an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in CMDB at UCR. I am interested in learning about how microbial communities interact with the nervous system to affect brain function, behavior, and health overall. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, exploring cafes, listening to music, and trying new things.

Srinidhi Mallela

Undergraduate Researcher

I am an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Biology. I am interested in learning more about how the immune system responds to disease and how understanding these processes can help us find better ways to treat and prevent illness. Outside of the lab, I love going to concerts and finding new cafes to study at.

Mia Miyatake

Graduate Student, Microbiology PhD program

mmiya016 [at] ucr [dot] edu

I received my B.S. in Microbiology from University of California, Riverside where I studied fungal air contaminants in laboratory buildings. My research interests are focused on understanding the inter-kingdom (fungal, bacterial and viral) interactions in the microbiome of the female genital tract and how those relationships affect host immunity. Outside of lab, I enjoy playing basketball, listening to music and trying different coffee shops.

Joanna Montalvo-Reglado

Undergraduate Researcher

Joanna is pursuing a bachelors in Biology at University of California, Riverside. She is an aspiring Physician's Assistant with research interests in immunology, how microbiota of the female genital tract affect overall health, and the effects of inequitable healthcare. Outside of lab, Joanna enjoys spending time with her children and trying different coffee joints in the area.

Elise Park

Graduate Student, Biomedical Sciences MS program

Nidhi Satishkumar, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Abby Sond

Graduate Rotation Student, Microbiology MS program

Kayla Spearman

Graduate Student, Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology MS program

kspea004 [at] ucr [dot] edu

I received my B.S. in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology from UC Riverside. I am currently working on my masters where I research the affects of bacteriophages on the gut microbiome and the female genital tract (FGT), as well as how we can improve phage quantification to better understand these relationships. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, reading, and spending time with my loved ones.

Zihao (Martin) Tan

Graduate Rotation Student, Microbiology PhD program

Sriharshita Vissapragada

Undergraduate Researcher

Alumni

Undergraduate Researchers

Megan Yip (2025)

Remi Flannery (2025)

Chloe Lee (visiting; 2026)

Research Assistants

Sean Gombart (2026)

Postdoctoral Fellows

Chathumadavi Ediriweera (2025-2026)

Project Scientists

Kathyayini Gopalakrishna (2025-2026)

Outside the lab

maybe you?!

We consider applications on a rolling basis. If you are interested in joining our growing, collaborative team, please email Bryan your CV and a statement explaining your goals and interests.

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