Our team is comprised of various backgrounds and unique interests. We work in a collaborative manner and share in the goal of furthering our field. Get to know our team below!
Kymberly M. Gowdy, PhD
|

Katelyn Dunigan-Russell, PhD
Post-Doctoral Scholar
My research is focused on understanding the lungs' immune defense mechanisms that are affected by a variety of environmental exposures including air pollutants, allergens, or nanoparticles. I am particularly interested in the role of heme oxygenase-1 signaling downstream of scavenger receptor signaling in the macrophages. My future career goals include an eventual position in scientific administration. My hobbies include spending time with my husband (plus our cat and dog), hiking, baking/cooking, and working out!
Post-Doctoral Scholar
My research is focused on understanding the lungs' immune defense mechanisms that are affected by a variety of environmental exposures including air pollutants, allergens, or nanoparticles. I am particularly interested in the role of heme oxygenase-1 signaling downstream of scavenger receptor signaling in the macrophages. My future career goals include an eventual position in scientific administration. My hobbies include spending time with my husband (plus our cat and dog), hiking, baking/cooking, and working out!

Sanjay Varikuti, MS
Research Specialist
My research interests are inflammation and host-pathogen interactions: My focus is to delve into the mechanisms involved in the battle between the host's innate, adaptive immune systems and pathogen-associated virulence factors, and how to modulate the host tolerance to fight against various human infectious disease. I am currently investigating the role of lipid mediators in the inflammation. Specifically, my focus is on identifying the role of chemokine like receptor 1 (ChemR23), a G-protein coupled receptor for specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) like resolvin E1 (RvE1), in Ozone or other air pollutant induced pulmonary inflammation. My hobbies are cooking, running, hiking, and long drives.
Research Specialist
My research interests are inflammation and host-pathogen interactions: My focus is to delve into the mechanisms involved in the battle between the host's innate, adaptive immune systems and pathogen-associated virulence factors, and how to modulate the host tolerance to fight against various human infectious disease. I am currently investigating the role of lipid mediators in the inflammation. Specifically, my focus is on identifying the role of chemokine like receptor 1 (ChemR23), a G-protein coupled receptor for specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) like resolvin E1 (RvE1), in Ozone or other air pollutant induced pulmonary inflammation. My hobbies are cooking, running, hiking, and long drives.

Michael Yaeger, MS
PhD Student
I'm a graduate student seeking a philosophical doctorate in Biomedical Sciences with interests in immunology, and experimental therapeutics. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Engineering at East Carolina University, concentrating in Biomedical Engineering. During my time as an undergraduate student, I met Dr. Gowdy who encouraged me to pursue a graduate education. I continued my work in Dr. Gowdy’s laboratory to earn a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. While earning my Masters, I studied the role of a cholesterol transporter named high-density lipoprotein in the pulmonary immune system. With my work, I demonstrated that high-density lipoprotein can be supplemented into the circulatory system to protect the lungs from injury by dampening the pulmonary acute inflammatory response. After earning my Masters, I worked as a Research Associate at Lovelace Biomedical for two years, gaining experience managing pre-clinical research. I am now at Dr. Gowdy’s laboratory once again at Ohio State University to earn a philosophical doctorate, enabling me to further elucidate the mechanisms of pulmonary immunology.
PhD Student
I'm a graduate student seeking a philosophical doctorate in Biomedical Sciences with interests in immunology, and experimental therapeutics. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Engineering at East Carolina University, concentrating in Biomedical Engineering. During my time as an undergraduate student, I met Dr. Gowdy who encouraged me to pursue a graduate education. I continued my work in Dr. Gowdy’s laboratory to earn a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. While earning my Masters, I studied the role of a cholesterol transporter named high-density lipoprotein in the pulmonary immune system. With my work, I demonstrated that high-density lipoprotein can be supplemented into the circulatory system to protect the lungs from injury by dampening the pulmonary acute inflammatory response. After earning my Masters, I worked as a Research Associate at Lovelace Biomedical for two years, gaining experience managing pre-clinical research. I am now at Dr. Gowdy’s laboratory once again at Ohio State University to earn a philosophical doctorate, enabling me to further elucidate the mechanisms of pulmonary immunology.

Courtney Boyle
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a third year undergraduate student, studying Exercise Science and minoring in General Psychology at the Ohio State University. After graduation, I hope to pursue graduate school and receive my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I hope my work at Dr. Gowdy's Lab can aid in my knowledge of immunology and discover more insight into the lung's immune defense through research. My hobbies include working out, spending quality time with friends/family, and cooking!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a third year undergraduate student, studying Exercise Science and minoring in General Psychology at the Ohio State University. After graduation, I hope to pursue graduate school and receive my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I hope my work at Dr. Gowdy's Lab can aid in my knowledge of immunology and discover more insight into the lung's immune defense through research. My hobbies include working out, spending quality time with friends/family, and cooking!

Grace Hutton
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a second year undergraduate student at The Ohio State University, and I study Health Sciences with minors in Biology and Global Public Health. After undergrad, I would like to attend PA school to become a Physician's Assistant. Working within Dr. Gowdy's lab will allow me to gain useful lab experience, as well as give me the opportunity to learn about pulmonary immunology. Outside of school and work, I enjoy watching new movies/tv shows, hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a second year undergraduate student at The Ohio State University, and I study Health Sciences with minors in Biology and Global Public Health. After undergrad, I would like to attend PA school to become a Physician's Assistant. Working within Dr. Gowdy's lab will allow me to gain useful lab experience, as well as give me the opportunity to learn about pulmonary immunology. Outside of school and work, I enjoy watching new movies/tv shows, hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family!

Nabeeha Rahman
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a third year undergraduate student from Dublin, OH. I am receiving a degree in Microbiology with a minor in Entomology. After graduation, I hope to pursue graduate school and potentially medical school. I hope to use my experience in Dr. Gowdy's Lab to propel myself into the field of immunology. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing tennis, and doing brush calligraphy!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a third year undergraduate student from Dublin, OH. I am receiving a degree in Microbiology with a minor in Entomology. After graduation, I hope to pursue graduate school and potentially medical school. I hope to use my experience in Dr. Gowdy's Lab to propel myself into the field of immunology. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing tennis, and doing brush calligraphy!
Former Members
Brita Kilburg-Basnyat, PhD, Toxicology Study Director at Covance Inc.
Sky Reece, PhD
Myles Hodge, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Christine Psaltis, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Elizabeth Browder, Research Assistant