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Michel Geovanni Santiago-Martínez (Geo) (he/his)

Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor, Microbiology
Email: geo_santiagom@uconn.edu

I am (he/him/él*) a microbiologist interested in the ecophysiology of anaerobes, and the biochemistry of biomolecules involved in their cellular processes. My research focuses on the regulation mechanisms of cellular processes in methane-producing archaea and how energy status influences their ability to resist environmental stress conditions. My research goal is to understand the function of archaea in One Health (Health of humans, animals and ecosystems). I am also interested in bringing up-to-date knowledge of archaea to the classrooms and outreach activities, as well as promoting more inclusive science through mentoring and networking initiatives.

I was born and raised in a rural area near the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. My family belongs to two indigenous communities (Zapotecas & Mixtecas).

X (Twitter): @GeoSantiagoM Bluesky: geosantiagom.bsky.social                   *Hablo Español

• Position: Third-year PhD student. Molecular and Cell Biology (Microbiology and Biochemistry).
• Research interests: Archaea, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biofilm, Structural Biology, Extremophiles, Gut-microbiome.
• About me: I was named after a supermarket and was revealed this information on my 21st Birthday by my dad after he got me a beer.

• Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate (Postdoc)
• Research interests: Microbiology, bioinformatics, anaerobes, microbiomes, geomicrobiology, biomining, astrobiology.
• About me: I was born and raised in a small town in southeastern Mexico. In Ocozocoautla, Chiapas. My family belongs to the Zoque culture, and I am enthusiastic about preserving the traditions of my people. Give me the opportunity to let the glorious name of Chiapas be spoken with respect everywhere!

• Position: First-year PhD student. Molecular and Cell Biology (Microbiology).
• Research interests: Microbiology, Astrobiology, Ecology and Evolution, Coral reefs, Climate change.
• About me:I didn't know how to cook when I came to the US (I still don't). Now I somehow cook without a recipe, adding every spice I have, and the food turns out great. My hobbies change over time. Up for anything if it's fun!
• LinkedIn: Dhanuka (D) Withanage

• Position: Research Assistant (Visiting Scholar)
• Research interests: Microbiology, anaerobes, kinetics, protein biochemistry. 
• About me: Bad faking pretending I'm human... I'm an autistic person and HoH (hard of hearing) that's why I'm lost in space. 

• Position: Postbac scholar (UConn RAMP)
• Research interests: Genetics, Evolution, Adaptation, Phenotypic Plasticity, Biotechnology
• About me: When I’m not in the lab, you can usually find me on a volleyball court, hiking with my dog, or hunting down new food spots to try. I’m originally from North Jersey, and I did my undergrad at GW in D.C., so I love both the city life and getting outdoors. I love exploring the world around me and uncovering why things are the way they are or how they work, through both an evolutionary and biological lens. 

• Position: First-year PhD student. Molecular and Cell Biology (Microbiology). Astrobiologist.
• Research interests: Astrobiology, geomicrobiology, extreme environments, biofilm formation, archaea, structural proteins.
• About me: I like hiking, working out, reading, sometime drawing, and most recently making video about science for fun. A fun fact about me is that I'm trying to learn Spanish and failing miserably.
• Social media: nstagram: nonc_hovoja, LinkedIn: Mirko Leggiero 

• Position: Masters student at UConn Marine Sciences. Dr. Pieter Visscher Lab. NSF-GRFP Awardee.
• Research interests: Archaea, geomicrobiology, astrobiology, bioinformatics.
• Fun fact: I grew 22 squash plants this summer.
• Website: Here's my research gate

• Position: Third-yeard PhD Student. Molecular and Cell Biology (Microbiology and Biochemistry). 
• Research interests: Physiology of extremophiles and how they live in such extreme conditions. I also intend to use an anaerobic extremophile from the domain Archaea, Methanosarcina acetivorans, as a model for astrobiology.
• About me: I love card games, board games, history, creative writing, and trivia (I would do well at history trivia categories if they ever happened).

• Position: Former Undergraduate Research Assistant.
• Research interests: My main research interests include the further study of human methanogens and its effects on gut health. 
• Fun fact: A fun fact about me is that I can speak five languages fluently! 

• Position: Former Research Assistant. Current Lab tech at UMass-Amherst. NSF GRFP Honorable mention
• Research interests: Marine microbiology, genetics, biodiversity and ecology
• About me: Halloween is my favorite time of year, so I love watching horror movies! I love scuba diving, kayaking, and playing sports like volleyball and softball.

• Position: Former Undergraduate Research Assistant
• Major: Molecular and Cell Biology. Minor: Interpreting between American Sign Language and English
• Research interests: Cancer biology, developmental biology, microbiology, astrobiology.
• More about me: love playing basketball, bouldering, card games, hanging out with friends, and spending time with family. I am 100% Nicaraguan!

FORMER LAB MEMBERS: 

Kayla Pollman (she/her). Former Undergraduate Research Assistant. Current position: lab assistant in a clinic. 

Brooke Kvedar (she/her). Former Undergraduate Research Assistant and UConn McNair Scholar.

Hasnain Altaf (he/his). Former Undergraduate Research Assistant. Current position: Dental Student at UConn Health. 

Jack Rodriguez (he/his). Former Research Technician. Current position: PhD student at University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

Jacob Goldstein (he/his). Former Undergraduate Research Assistant. Current position: Med Student at UConn Health. 

Magnus Ekstrom (he/his). Former Undergraduate Research Assistant.

Joseph Rich (Joey) (he/his). Former Undergraduate Research Assistant. Current position: UConn Health

Rehema Mrutu (she/her). Former Visiting Scholar. Current position: PhD student in Natural Resource Management and Climate Change at the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) and Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.