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Dr. Tiffany Zarrella, Principal Investigator
Professional Appointments Assistant Professor of Biology Education and Training Postdoctoral Fellow, National Cancer Institute PhD in Immunology & Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College BS in Biochemistry, Syracuse University Publications Google Scholar, ORCID |
Research Staff
Makeda Teklemichael
Makeda is a Research Specialist in the lab determining how polymicrobial interactions affect Pseudomonas aeruginosa motility. She earned her BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the College of Wooster in 2024 where she served as the Pre-Health Club President and received an APEX Fellowship to support clinical experiential learning. Previously, she conducted research on Photodynamic Therapy and its promising applications for treating bacterial infections. Makeda has a keen interest in microbiology and immunology, and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field in the future. Outside of the lab, Makeda enjoys listening to music, watching documentaries, and exploring new places and museums.
Makeda is a Research Specialist in the lab determining how polymicrobial interactions affect Pseudomonas aeruginosa motility. She earned her BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the College of Wooster in 2024 where she served as the Pre-Health Club President and received an APEX Fellowship to support clinical experiential learning. Previously, she conducted research on Photodynamic Therapy and its promising applications for treating bacterial infections. Makeda has a keen interest in microbiology and immunology, and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field in the future. Outside of the lab, Makeda enjoys listening to music, watching documentaries, and exploring new places and museums.
Graduate Students
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Hannah Snyder
Hannah is a graduate student in the lab studying mechanisms of competition within bacterial communities. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Georgia Tech in 2022, where she gained research experience across diverse fields, including in microbiology and computational toxicology. In 2023, she completed her Master's degree in Bioinformatics from Georgia Tech, where she focused on using metagenomic approaches to study viruses in Georgia salt marsh soils. Hannah decided to pursue a PhD in Biology at Georgetown to lead research in the field of infectious disease and address the challenges posed by pathogens. She is specifically interested in applying bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to decipher the molecular mechanisms that regulate polymicrobial interactions. Outside of the lab, she enjoys baking, crocheting, and exploring trails around the DC area. |
Undergraduates
Major Elliott
Major is an undergraduate student (CAS '25) studying Biology with a minor in Black Studies. After working as an EMT and providing aid to individuals with bacterial infections, he became very interested in bacterial pathogenesis and understanding how these infections occur on a molecular level. Major is interested in learning more about bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in order to elucidate ways of combating antimicrobial resistance. On campus, Major serves as the president of Georgetown's Minority Association of Pre-medical Students (GUMAPS), and is also involved with the African and Black student associations. In his free time, Major enjoys playing basketball with his friends and kayaking on the Potomac River.
Major is an undergraduate student (CAS '25) studying Biology with a minor in Black Studies. After working as an EMT and providing aid to individuals with bacterial infections, he became very interested in bacterial pathogenesis and understanding how these infections occur on a molecular level. Major is interested in learning more about bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in order to elucidate ways of combating antimicrobial resistance. On campus, Major serves as the president of Georgetown's Minority Association of Pre-medical Students (GUMAPS), and is also involved with the African and Black student associations. In his free time, Major enjoys playing basketball with his friends and kayaking on the Potomac River.
Audrey Twyford
Audrey is an undergraduate student (CAS '25) majoring in Biology of Global Health. She's interested in learning about how bacterial interactions shape biofilm formation and hopes to apply what she learns about polymicrobial communities to her future work as a physician. On campus, she writes for the science section of The Hoya, the university's student newspaper. Outside of Georgetown, Audrey enjoys taking ballet classes and visiting art museums in DC.
Audrey is an undergraduate student (CAS '25) majoring in Biology of Global Health. She's interested in learning about how bacterial interactions shape biofilm formation and hopes to apply what she learns about polymicrobial communities to her future work as a physician. On campus, she writes for the science section of The Hoya, the university's student newspaper. Outside of Georgetown, Audrey enjoys taking ballet classes and visiting art museums in DC.