Meet Our Team
We love having a lab that is comprised of varying backgrounds and unique interests. We all work in a collaborative manner and share the goal of furthering our field.
Get to know our team below!
Get to know our team below!
Kymberly M. Gowdy, PhD
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Laura Leuenberger, MD
Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellow My research is focused on exploring sterolomics and lipidomics in COVID-19 related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, especially as this relates to obesity and other metabolic diseases. My other academic interests include diversity and equity in medical education, and my clinical interests are in critical care and post ICU care. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our pets, being outdoors (especially running and hiking), and baking. |

Samuel Cochran, PhD
Post-Doctoral Scholar
I recently joined the Gowdy Lab as a Post-Doctoral Scholar. I previously completed my Doctorate in Environmental Public Health here at The Ohio State University, studying associations between microbial exposures in built environments and adverse asthma outcomes. I am also interested in pathophysiology of lung injury and inflammation from environmental exposures. My current research focuses on inflammation and resolution following ozone exposure in murine models. I look forward to integrating exposure science and toxicology in pursuit of reducing respiratory disease burdens. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, painting, caring for my plants and two cats, and spending time with family and friends!
Post-Doctoral Scholar
I recently joined the Gowdy Lab as a Post-Doctoral Scholar. I previously completed my Doctorate in Environmental Public Health here at The Ohio State University, studying associations between microbial exposures in built environments and adverse asthma outcomes. I am also interested in pathophysiology of lung injury and inflammation from environmental exposures. My current research focuses on inflammation and resolution following ozone exposure in murine models. I look forward to integrating exposure science and toxicology in pursuit of reducing respiratory disease burdens. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, painting, caring for my plants and two cats, and spending time with family and friends!
Michael Yaeger, MS
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate I am a fourth-year graduate student at The Ohio State University seeking a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with interests in immunology and experimental therapeutics. I previously earned my Bachelor of Science in Engineering from East Carolina University (ECU) in 2016, and my Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (from ECU) in 2018. During this time, I worked with Dr. Gowdy to study the role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) within the pulmonary immune system. From 2018-2020, I worked as a Research Associate at Lovelace Biomedical. In 2020, I came back to Dr. Gowdy’s lab to earn a doctorate at OSU. Outside of work, I enjoy playing video games, watching tv, and spending time with my girlfriend, friends, and family. |
Hannah Lovins
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate I am a fourth-year graduate student at The Ohio State University seeking my PhD in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology! I previously earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2020. My research interests reside in pulmonary physiology and immunology. My future goals include teaching at a small liberal arts institution and sharing my passion for Biology and caring for Creation with future scientists! In my free time I enjoy biking, going on walks, eating ice cream, collecting plants, catching up with friends and family, and spending time with my husband, Alex and our dog, Cleo! |
Evie Schott
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Student I am a first-year graduate student at Ohio State University seeking my PhD in Immunology and Immunotherapeutics. Originally, I am from Short Hills, New Jersey and previously earned my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a concentration in Veterinary Bioscience from North Carolina State University in 2021. In Dr. Gowdy’s lab, I am gaining valuable research experience as well as studying bacterial infections that will help me decide what path to pursue after the completion of my graduate program. Outside of the lab, I enjoy doing puzzles, tending to my ever-growing succulent garden, and spending time with family and friends! |

Tyson Ngatikaura
Post-Baccalaureate Student
I was born and raised in Utah. In 2022, I graduated from Utah Valley University (UVU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science. My prior research experience took place in the Human Performance lab at UVU, where I focused on exploring metabolic and biomechanical efficiency in the context of recreational runners and student athletes. Currently, I am actively engaged in the NIH-funded Discovery PREP program at OSU. I consider myself fortunate for the opportunity to collaborate within Dr. Gowdy's lab, contributing to the advancement of pulmonary immunology research. Beyond the laboratory, I find joy in trying new recipes and restaurants alongside my wife, playing basketball, skiing, and crafting Dungeons and Dragons campaigns.
Post-Baccalaureate Student
I was born and raised in Utah. In 2022, I graduated from Utah Valley University (UVU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science. My prior research experience took place in the Human Performance lab at UVU, where I focused on exploring metabolic and biomechanical efficiency in the context of recreational runners and student athletes. Currently, I am actively engaged in the NIH-funded Discovery PREP program at OSU. I consider myself fortunate for the opportunity to collaborate within Dr. Gowdy's lab, contributing to the advancement of pulmonary immunology research. Beyond the laboratory, I find joy in trying new recipes and restaurants alongside my wife, playing basketball, skiing, and crafting Dungeons and Dragons campaigns.

Brett Saunders
Laboratory Technician
I am from the Cleveland area and I earned my Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the Ohio State University in 2022. Right now, I am taking a couple gap years to gain more real-world scientific experience and study environmental effects on pulmonary immunology within Dr. Gowdy's lab. In the future, I am hoping to attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine. Outside of the lab, I enjoy triathlon training, cooking, and spending time with family and friends!
Laboratory Technician
I am from the Cleveland area and I earned my Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the Ohio State University in 2022. Right now, I am taking a couple gap years to gain more real-world scientific experience and study environmental effects on pulmonary immunology within Dr. Gowdy's lab. In the future, I am hoping to attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine. Outside of the lab, I enjoy triathlon training, cooking, and spending time with family and friends!

Grace Hutton
Laboratory Technician
I am from the Dayton area and just recently earned my Bachelor Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from Ohio State University in 2023. Currently, I am taking a gap year to continue gaining research experience within Dr. Gowdy's lab. My time in lab thus far has helped me gain practical lab experience, learn more about pulmonary immunology, and given me the opportunity to run my own research project. In the future, I would like to attend PA School to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and spending time with my friends, boyfriend, and his dog, Cooper!
Laboratory Technician
I am from the Dayton area and just recently earned my Bachelor Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from Ohio State University in 2023. Currently, I am taking a gap year to continue gaining research experience within Dr. Gowdy's lab. My time in lab thus far has helped me gain practical lab experience, learn more about pulmonary immunology, and given me the opportunity to run my own research project. In the future, I would like to attend PA School to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and spending time with my friends, boyfriend, and his dog, Cooper!

Anushka Mehta
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a fourth year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a minor in Biology. After undergrad, I would like to attend PA school to obtain a Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies. In Dr. Gowdy's lab, I'm hoping to gain lots of hands-on lab experience and a new understanding of pulmonary immunology. Outside of lab, I like to go to the gym, watch TV, and spend time with friends and family!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a fourth year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a minor in Biology. After undergrad, I would like to attend PA school to obtain a Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies. In Dr. Gowdy's lab, I'm hoping to gain lots of hands-on lab experience and a new understanding of pulmonary immunology. Outside of lab, I like to go to the gym, watch TV, and spend time with friends and family!

Natali Zecchino
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a third year undergraduate student pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics. After undergrad, I am looking to continue work in Life Sciences and Biotechnology through clinical research and possible pursuit of a graduate degree. Working in Dr. Gowdy's lab has allowed me to gain notable research experience as well as a better understanding of environmental pulmonary immunology. Outside of lab, I like to workout, bike, collect trinkets, and spend time with friends and family!
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am a third year undergraduate student pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics. After undergrad, I am looking to continue work in Life Sciences and Biotechnology through clinical research and possible pursuit of a graduate degree. Working in Dr. Gowdy's lab has allowed me to gain notable research experience as well as a better understanding of environmental pulmonary immunology. Outside of lab, I like to workout, bike, collect trinkets, and spend time with friends and family!

Donovan Thach
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am from the West Side of Cleveland and currently a third-year undergraduate in pursuance of a B.S. in Biochemistry. After I graduate, I plan on attending medical school in hopes of obtaining an MD. Dr. Gowdy’s lab has allowed me to develop my knowledge on environmental pulmonary immunology as well as expand my repertoire of in-lab skills. During my free time, I enjoy classic physique bodybuilding, golfing, and playing chess.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am from the West Side of Cleveland and currently a third-year undergraduate in pursuance of a B.S. in Biochemistry. After I graduate, I plan on attending medical school in hopes of obtaining an MD. Dr. Gowdy’s lab has allowed me to develop my knowledge on environmental pulmonary immunology as well as expand my repertoire of in-lab skills. During my free time, I enjoy classic physique bodybuilding, golfing, and playing chess.
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