Meet Our Team
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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!
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Kymberly M. Gowdy, MS, PhD
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Laura Leuenberger, MD
Pulmonary Clinical Research Assistant 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 have been in the Gowdy Lab as a Post-Doctoral Scholar for 2 years now. 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 have been in the Gowdy Lab as a Post-Doctoral Scholar for 2 years now. 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!
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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 reading, playing video games, watching tv, and spending time with my girlfriend, friends, and family. |
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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! |
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Evie Schott
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Student I am a second-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
Laboratory Technician
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. Recently, I finished OSU's Discovery PREP program. 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.
Laboratory Technician
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. Recently, I finished OSU's Discovery PREP program. 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.
Grace Hutton
Laboratory Technician
I am from the Dayton area and earned my Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from Ohio State University in 2023. Currently, I am a graduate nursing student at OSU, and want to incorporate research into my career as an APRN. 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 my free time, I enjoy reading, playing video/board games, and spending time with my friends, boyfriend, and our dog, Cooper!
Laboratory Technician
I am from the Dayton area and earned my Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from Ohio State University in 2023. Currently, I am a graduate nursing student at OSU, and want to incorporate research into my career as an APRN. 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 my free time, I enjoy reading, playing video/board games, and spending time with my friends, boyfriend, and our dog, Cooper!
Donovan Thach
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am from the West Side of Cleveland and currently a fourth-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 fourth-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.
Katelyn Burns
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I’m a first-generation undergraduate student in my fourth-year from right here in Columbus, Ohio! I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and hope to attend medical school to pursue a lifelong career of service in healthcare. Dr. Gowdy and her team have helped me further realize my passions in research pertaining to the intersections of biomedical sciences and public health, particularly in environmental toxicology and its impacts on pulmonary immunology.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I’m a first-generation undergraduate student in my fourth-year from right here in Columbus, Ohio! I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and hope to attend medical school to pursue a lifelong career of service in healthcare. Dr. Gowdy and her team have helped me further realize my passions in research pertaining to the intersections of biomedical sciences and public health, particularly in environmental toxicology and its impacts on pulmonary immunology.
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Nishi Suresh Undergraduate Research Assistant I am currently a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience. My future goal after graduation is to attend Medical School in hopes of obtaining an MD and working in the pediatric field. In Dr. Gowdy’s lab, I am learning the effects of environmental exposures on our pulmonary system, a variety of lab techniques, as well as research education relative to pulmonary immunology. Outside of lab, I love to read, play tennis, explore different cuisines, watch movies/TV shows, and spend time with my friends and family! |
Former Members
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Brett Saunders BS in Public Health Previous: Laboratory Technician and Laboratory Manager |
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Anushka Mehta BS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Previous: Undergraduate Research Assistant |
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Alexys Monoson, MD Previous: Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellow |
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Katelyn Dunigan-Russell, PhD PhD in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology - Neonatology Previous: Post-Doctoral Scholar |
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Nabeeha Rahman BS in Microbiology Previous: Undergraduate Research Assistant |
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Sanjay Varikuti, MS, PhD MS, PhD in Immunology and Biochemistry Previous: Lab Manager |
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Preet Gudimella, MD Previous: Research Specialist |
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Brita Kilburg-Basnyat, PhD PhD in Human Toxicology Previous: Post-Doctoral Scholar |
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Sky Reece, PhD PhD in Pulmonary Physiology Previous: Research Associate |
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Myles Hodge, PhD PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology Previous: Graduate Research Assistant |
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Christine Psaltis, PhD PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology Previous: Graduate Research Assistant |
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Elizabeth Browder Previous: Undergraduate Research Assistant |