Current Trainees

Mina Henes

mina.henes@emory.edu

Program: Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory Medical Scientist Training Program
Faculty Advisor: Graeme L. Conn, PhD

Mina's work aims to blend computational (e.g. advanced molecular dynamics simulations) with experimental biochemistry, microbiology, and structural biology to deepen our understanding of molecular mechanisms underpinning bacterial resistance to antibiotic treatments.

Jeffrey Morgan

jeffrey.morgan2@emory.edu

Program: Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis
Faculty Advisor: Rama R. Amara, PhD

Jeffrey’s thesis project is testing combination treatments to identify novel therapeutic strategies that can overcome the limitations of current anti-viral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV.

Ayana Paul

ayana.paul@emory.edu

Program: Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
Faculty Advisor: Jyothi Rengarajan, PhD

Ayana’s work focuses on the impact of IFN-gamma and IL-17 on  macrophage responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Madaline Schmidt

madaline.schmidt@emory.edu

Program: Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
Faculty Advisor: Anice C. Lowen, PhD

Madaline’s work focuses on the dynamics of influenza A virus infection in different host species with the goal of understanding influenza A virus host range determinants and evolutionary potential, thus yielding critical insight into the biology that underlies pandemics.

Tiara Tillis

tiara.tillis@emory.edu

Program: Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology
Faculty Advisor: Christine M. Dunham, PhD

Tiara’s research aims to understand the relationship between molecular regulation/ mechanisms and antibiotic resistance in clinically relevant bacteria.

Sushma Timalsina

sushma.timalsina@emory.edu

Program: Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
Faculty Advisor: David S. Weiss, PhD

Sushma is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of antibacterial resistance.

Jacob Sherman

jdsher2@emory.edu

Program: Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
Faculty Advisor: Christopher LaRock, PhD

Jacob’s project focuses on the host and microbial determinants of Streptococcus pyogenes adhesion to keratinocytes as they trigger cell death (pyroptosis) in response to infection. Jacob moved to Affiliate status upon award of his independent NIH NRSA F31 fellowship in Fall 2025.