Lab Manager
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida
B.Tech in Bionegeneering (Major: Biomedical Engineering), MIT ADT University, India

Madhushree joined TMI Lab as Lab Manager after earning her M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2024. She brings a passion for research coordination and lab operations with a knack for troubleshooting, inventory management, and takes pride in maintaining a safe, efficient, and well-organized lab space. Outside the lab, she enjoys exploring new places, expressing herself through acrylic painting, and collecting sneakers.

Favorite Disney movie: Tangled

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Lab Manager & Research Assistant
M.S. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida
M.Sc. in Biotechnology and Management, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
B.S. in Biotechnology, Amrita University, Kerala, India

Krishna joined the TMI Lab in December 2025 after completing her master’s degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Florida, where she also earned a minor in Food Science and Human Nutrition. Her previous research in microbial fermentation products and intestinal health sparked her passion for the microbiome field. She is excited to continue exploring microbiome science and gut health at TMI. Krishna also holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biotechnology. Outside of her academic and research pursuits, she enjoys traveling, listening to music, and attending concerts.

Favorite Disney movie: Tangled, Frozen

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NSF Graduate Research Fellow 
Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering
B.S. in Biological Engineering, University of Georgia

Karen joined the lab in Fall 2021 and is focusing on interactions between the human gut microbiome and the extracellular matrix in inflammatory bowel disease. Karen is a first-generation Latinx student and supports younger students in STEM through mentoring programs. She enjoys collecting indoor plants, cooking, weight training, and crafting.

Favorite Disney movie: Ratatouille

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Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering
B.E. in Biomedical Engineering, Osmania University

Samanvitha arrived in the United States in August 2021 after earning her Bachelor’s degree from Osmania University in India. She joined the lab in November 2021 as a Master’s student. She is working on studying the effects of gut metabolites on cardiovascular health. She is a trained vocalist and enjoys cooking.

Favorite Disney movie: Frozen

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Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering

Zahra joined TMI Lab in January 2023 and is investigating the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and intestinal fibrosis in Crohn’s disease. With a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, and a foundational degree in Microbiology, she brings a unique perspective to her research. Beyond the lab, Zahra enjoys outdoor adventures and exploring new destinations, as well as playing Setar (an Iranian musical instrument).

Favorite Disney movie: Soul

Contact | LinkedIn

Ph.D. student in Biosciences
Visiting student from Universidad de la Sabana, Colombia

Katherine is a researcher interested in the relationship between functional foods and gut microbiome and how it is associated with some diseases.

Favorite Disney movie: Dinosaur, A Bug’s Life, and Brother Bear

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Ph.D. student
B.Sc. in Bioengineering, University of Antioquia

Daniel earned his B.Sc. in Bioengineering from the University of Antioquia in Colombia and joined the lab in Fall 2025. He is passionate about biomaterials and tissue engineering. Outside the lab, Daniel enjoys playing soccer, especially supporting his favorite team, Santa Fe, as well as spending time outdoors and exploring new places.

Favorite Disney movie: Mulan

Contact | LinkedIn

M.S. student in Biomedical Engineering

M.S. in Computer and Information Science Engineering
B.E. Computer Science Engineering, R V College of Engineering

Mithra joined the TMI Lab in September 2024. As a Data Scientist, his research focuses on addressing participation challenges and disparities within the biomaterials field, while also working to establish co-authorship networks that foster collaboration. Outside of work, Mithra enjoys cooking and going on roadtrips.

Favorite Disney movie: The Lion King

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M.S. student in Biomedical Engineering

Sai is a Biotechnology student who joined the Lab in February 2024. Her research focuses on the effects of gut metabolites on cardiovascular diseases. When she's not in the lab, you’ll find her on the badminton or tennis courts, experimenting in the kitchen, or rewatching her favorite sitcoms for the millionth time!

Favorite Disney movie: Coco

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M.S. student in Biomedical Engineering
B.S. in Biotechnology, GITAM School of Engineering

Nikhila joined the lab in October 2025. She is a Biomedical Engineering major. Her research focuses on the effects of gut-metabolites on aortic valve diseases. Apart from the research she also enjoys cooking, drawing, reading sci-fi and binge watching.

Favorite Disney movie: Tangled

Contact | LinkedIn

Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. student in Biomedical Engineering

Josh joined the lab in Fall 2022. He is studying Biomedical Engineering and plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in a medically related field after graduation. Josh enjoys cooking, running, and taking walks at Depot Park.

Favorite Disney movie: Hercules

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Undergraduate Researcher

Marcos joined the lab in Spring 2023 to conduct a social media scoping review on scientific evidence regarding risk communication strategies implemented in Colombia during COVID-19. He is now exploring how environmental factors affect the growth and degradation activity of Bacteroides species. Marcos is studying Biomedical Engineering and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the same field after graduation. He enjoys dancing, traveling, and playing racquet sports.

Favorite Disney movie: Wreck-It Ralph

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Undergraduate Researcher

Jennifer joined the lab in Fall 2023. She is an undergraduate Biomedical Engineering student and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in the same field. As a first-generation Cuban student, Jennifer is passionate about advocacy and inclusion in STEM. Outside of academics, Jennifer enjoys trying new foods, working out, practicing gymnastics, reading, and creating art (her favorite mediums are charcoal and watercolor)!

Favorite Disney movie: The Little Mermaid

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Undergraduate Researcher

Carlos joined the lab in Fall 2024, focusing on the analysis of the communication methods of the Colombian government during the pandemic. He is an international student from Mexico, studying Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biomolecular Engineering. Beyond the lab, Carlos enjoys doing biking trips around Gainesville and attending concerts.

Favorite Disney movie: Aladdin

Contact | LinkedIn

Undergraduate Researcher

Isabela joined the Lab in Spring 2024. She is an undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Student. She is a Venezuelan student passionate about engineering and research. At the moment she is working with two projects at the lab. A social media analysis of the information provided by the government of Colombia during COVID-19. Simultaneously also exploring the growth and degradation of Bacteroides and how the environmental factors affect their development. Isabela is planning on continuing her studies and obtaining a Ph.D after gaining professional experience. Outside of school she enjoys traveling, going out to eat and cooking.

Favorite Disney movie: The Parent Trap

Contact | LinkedIn

Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. student in Biomedical Engineering

Valentina is currently a senior Biomedical engineering student at the University of Florida. Additionally, she is fluent in Spanish and English. She is an analytical and innovative student who attempts to understand and postulate different alternative solutions to a challenge.

Favorite Disney movie: Frozen

Contact | LinkedIn

Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. student in Psychology

Esmeralda joined the lab in Fall 2024. As a Cuban-American student born to immigrant parents, Esmeralda entered the lab with an interest to find a community within STEM, and further develop her Spanish-speaking skills. As throughout her academic career, Esmeralda has found herself to be an advocate for DEI. An area in which she hopes to develop further for her potential career endeavors, as well as be the catalyst to provide these values. Currently, Esmeralda is studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Florida, and intends to pursue a Masters Degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Additionally, when navigating beyond academics, she enjoys dancing Salsa and Bachata (particularly, Casino Salsa), trying new foods, and hiking!

Favorite Disney movie: A Goofy Movie

Contact | LinkedIn

Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. student in Biomedical Engineering
A.A. Lake Sumter State College

Morgenne Almonte is a biomedical engineering student at the University of Florida and the Outreach Coordinator in Dr. Porras’s lab, where she leads bilingual public health initiatives serving Latino communities. Her work blends community engagement with research on health equity, aiming to expand access to culturally responsive care. Fluent in English and Spanish, she plans to pursue medicine and advocate for underrepresented patients.

Favorite Disney movie: Encanto

Contact | LinkedIn

Undergradate Researcher
B.S. student in Biomedical Engineering

Bryanna joined the lab in Fall 2025. She is an undergraduate studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Pathogenesis and Bioinformatics. Her interests include personalized medicine and the application of genetic analysis in patient treatment. Outside of the lab, she enjoys singing, which she is classically trained in.

Favorite Disney movie: Tangled

Contact | LinkedIn

Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. student in Biomedical Engineering

Ava joined the lab in Fall 2024. She is a fourth-year biomedical engineering major and pre-law student. Ava has a passion for service and is currently the Executive Director of the non-profit organization Project Makeover. She is from St. Louis, Missouri, and enjoys sports, dogs, and nature.

Favorite Disney movie: Monsters, Inc.

Contact | LinkedIn

B.S. student in Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 2024

Current role: Project Manager, Epic

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B.S. student in Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 2024

Current role: Data Science Intern, Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics

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