Nicholas Cianciotto Research Lab

Nicholas Cianciotto, PhD

Dr. Nicholas Cianciotto received his PhD degree from the University of Washington and joined Northwestern University in 1990. Currently, he is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. In addition to being a Principal Investigator, he was a long time Director of the Driskill Graduate Program at the Feinberg School of Medicine. He continues to serve as the Director of the NIH-sponsored training grant in Immunology + Microbial Pathogenesis.

In his lab, Dr. Cianciotto has mentored 20 postdoctoral fellows, 20 PhD students, 12 master students, and multiple undergraduates.

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Brandi Cobe, PhD Candidate

BS, University of Wisconsin-Parkside

In the lab, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Sm) is an opportunistic, multi-drug resistant pathogen known to cause severe pneumonia and blood stream infections. Our lab is interested in uncovering virulence properties that contribute to its pathogenicity. We have established that the type IV secretion system (T4SS) plays a role in various cell type dependent processes. Brandi’s work focuses on uncovering T4SS effectors that are involved in these processes.

Outside of lab she enjoys exploring the city and spending time with her friends and her pupper Leah.

Alberto Lopez, PhD Candidate

BS, University of California Irvine

In the laboratory, Alberto explores novel mechanisms of iron uptake in Legionella pneumophila. He specifically wants to know how L. pneumophila and other bacteria that do not have TonB-ExbBD energize the transport of iron bound-siderophores across their outer membrane?

Outside of the lab Alberto enjoys exploring what Chicago has to offer and learning fun facts about biology that may be usefull at a Trivia Night.

Carlton Adams, PhD Candidate

BS, Duke University

Carlton’s research aims to characterize the function of Type II secreted “core effectors” in the context of Legionella pneumophila pathogenicity. Of the many effectors predicted to be secreted by the Type II secretion system, my project is primarily focused on effectors that are conserved across all of the 57 sequenced Legionella species.

Outside of the lab, Carlton really enjoys cycling, Chicago comedy and sporting events

Armando Barajas PhD Candidate

BS, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

In the laboratory Armando investigates the ecology and virulence of Legionella pneumophila Type IV Pili.

Outside of the lab, Armando enjoys playing soccer, building PCs, and going to concerts.

Joshua Mayoral, MD, PhD

BS, Northern Arizona University.

Josh received his MD and PhD degrees from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His thesis work involved characterizing the function of secreted proteins from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

In the lab, Josh is interested in modeling the evolution of Legionella genomes with the goal of identifying key genetic determinants of intracellular parasitism.

Outside the lab, Josh enjoys playing chess, soccer, riding bikes along Lake Michigan, and listening to video game music.

Alexis Vargas

BS, University of Chicago

In the laboratory Alexis studies the biology and pathogenesis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Legionella pneumophila.

Outside of the lab, Alexis enjoys making music and spending time with friends.

Jackson Campbell PhD

Finished October 2022

Lubov Grigoryeva, MsCI PhD

Finished July 2021

Megan Nas MPH PhD

Finished June 2021