Hwan Kim, Ph.D.

I am a microbiologist interested in discovering how pathogenic microbial organisms utilize diverse tools to exploit and evade innate and adaptive immune defense mechanisms to survive in different environments, such as mammalian hosts and arthropod vectors. I enjoy reading historical original research articles with hand-drawn figures and tables! In these articles, the authors show unmatched inspiration for science, in-depth insights into discovering unknowns, and far-reaching visions that continue to impact multiple aspects of science, even after decades of the initial discovery.

E-mail: hwan.kim at stonybrook.edu

Smruti Mishra, Ph.D.

I am from Bhubaneshwar, India. I did my bachelor’s in Dental Surgery from Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, India, and my MS in Molecular Biosciences from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. While at ACPHS, I worked in Dr. Meenakshi Malik’s lab using an in vitro bioreactor infection model to study the evolution of daptomycin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. During my doctoral training, I determined the contribution of the polysaccharide synthesis operon to tick-borne rickettsiosis as well as its role in shaping host immunity. My research interests lie in the field of bacterial pathogenesis and infectious diseases, specifically in understanding the host-pathogen interactions and associated molecular mechanisms. In my free time, I love travelling and exploring new places with my husband, and learning to cook new Indian dishes. I enjoy watching movies and dancing as well.

E-mail: smruti.mishra at stonybrook.edu

Hara Seo, B.S.

I have an interesting academic background where I fell in love with Music in my youth but learned the beauty of Chemistry as an undergraduate student. Interestingly, this unusual learning experience helped me raise two little monsters and sourdough starters! Over time, I became a microbiologist by self-teaching about the mysteries of sourdough baking. I started my career as an administrative assistant to the director of Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory at Argonne National Laboratory. Since moving to Stony Brook, I am learning whole new knowledge about tick-borne Rickettsia. I am quite excited about this new journey! And, I enjoy baking, listening music, and spending time with one big and two little monsters.

E-mail: hara.seo at stonybrook.edu

Sophia Ahmed

E-mail: sophia.ahmed at stonybrook.edu

Ann Zhang

I am a second-year Biology major and Chemistry minor in the WISE Honors Program, and I am interested in how scientific research can be translated into meaningful public health impact. I am especially drawn to research that addresses real-world health challenges through innovation and interdisciplinary approaches. Joining Dr. Kim’s lab excites me because it will allow me to explore microbiology firsthand, particularly the pathogenesis of tick-borne diseases and how environmental changes influence tick populations and disease risk. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, drawing, reading, and spending time in nature.

E-mail: ann.zhang at stonybrook.edu