The Team

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Staff

Matthias D. Koch, PhD

Assistant Professor

mdkoch@*

Office BSBW 409

Matthias earned an MSc in Physics and a PhD in Biophysics from the University of Freiburg, Germany, developing novel microscopy and single-molecule techniques to study bacterial and eukaryotic systems. Following a postdoc in molecular biology at Princeton, he launched his lab 2022, investigating type IV pili as molecular machines and virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

Lana 'Dr. Fluff' Koch

Lab mascot

Office BSBW 409

Lana is our lab mascot! This adorable pup, with her PhD in napping, spends her days lounging and charming everyone. While she leaves the science to us, Dr. Fluff's cuddly presence boosts morale and makes every experiment pawsitively delightful! Careful, she is always looking to snap some treats.

Venkata S.A. Munaga

Student technician

mvenkatasaiamrutha3@*

Description tbd.

Graduate students

Farhana Haque, MSc

Graduate Student (joined 22/23)

farhana.haque@*

Office BSBW 401

A motivated researcher, she earned her BSc and MSc in Microbiology from Bangladesh. She is currently pursuing her dream of completing a PhD in Microbiology. She enjoys spending time studying the tiniest creatures—microbes.

Lincon Mazumder, MSc

Graduate Student (joined 24/25)

mazumder.lincon@*

Office BSBW 401

Lincon is a PhD student in Microbiology, researching the formation of type IV pili in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. He earned his BSc and MSc in Microbiology from Jagannath University, Bangladesh. His goal is to make significant contributions to microbiological research. Outside the lab, he enjoys traveling, reading novels, and playfully annoying his neighbors with his piano and guitar.

Zil Modi, MSc

Graduate Student (joined 22/23)

zil.modi@*

Office BSBW 401

Description tbd.

Jessie Reed, BSc

Graduate Student (joined 22/23)

jor5414@*

Office BSBW 401

I earned my BSc in Life Sciences from Penn State University, where I researched the effects of triclosan on coliform bacteria in green roof irrigation systems. Subsequently, I worked as a research technician and lab manager at the Penn State Cancer Institute, specializing in drug discovery and analytical development in ADME/PK sciences.

Ahmed Yusuf, MSc

Graduate Student (joined 22/23)

ayomuhas@*

Office BSBW 401

Description tbd.

Undergraduate students

Neel Chalemela

tbd

neel_chalemela_22@*

Office BSBW 401

Description tbd.

Sam Denison

Microbiology ('26)

sdenison@*

Office BSBW 401

Sam is earning his Bachelors of Science in Microbiology. In his free time he enjoys golfing and strength training. After he graduates, he wants to pursue medical device sales and hopes to get a Masters of Business Administration down the line.

Jairaj Groppe

tbd

jairajgroppe@*

Office BSBW 401

Tbd.

Tyler Payne

Biology ('26)

pay9215@*

Office BSBW 401

Description tbd.

Ian Rodger

Biochemistry ('27)

ianrodger1@*

Office BSBW 401

I am earning my BSc in Biochemistry. I plan to pursue pharmacy school after graduation. In my free time, I like to play poker, Pokémon, buy Legos, and go fishing.

Emilia Stonaker

Molecular and Cellular Biology ('27)

estonaker3418@*

Office BSBW 401

I am earning my Bachelors of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and I am planning on pursuing medical school after graduation. I love reading, running and spending time with friends.

Ju H. Suh

Statistics ('26)

shipalnomoo@*

Office BSBW 401

Description tbd.

Past members

Reverse chronological order

Declan Simpson '25 MSc