Our Team
Sadiya Parveen-Nesson, PhD (Mentor)
Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track)
Education:
PhD: CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
Postdoc Fellowship: Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
About Sadiya:
My primary research interest is identification and characterization of the immunometabolic pathways driving tuberculous granuloma formation and tuberculosis pathogenesis, using immuno-phenotyping, metabolomics, and single-cell RNA sequencing. Outside the lab, you can find me hiking, rock climbing, backpacking or planning my next trip!
Yingli Shi, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Education:
PhD: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou District, China
About Yingli:
I have extensive expertise in molecular biology and cancer biology. I have earned my bachelor's degree from Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai, and Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. I have published 12 peer-reviewed articles and completed advanced postdoctoral training at LSU Health Shreveport in a cancer lab, before moving to infectious disease immunometabolism research. I enjoy playing badminton and solving jigsaw puzzles in my free time.
Lesly Rodriguez Vicens, BS
Lab Technician
Education:
BS: Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biology, University of the Americas Puebla, Mexico.
About Lesly:
During my bachelor’s degree, I published my first research article in the Journal of Polymer Science. I later worked as a research assistant in the Department of Physiology (2024), where I further developed my laboratory and research skills. I subsequently gained additional research experience in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (2024–2025), where I studied the intracellular and extracellular replication of Legionella pneumophila in macrophages. I am currently continuing to expand my expertise in scientific research and laboratory techniques. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, watching movies about war and history, attending music concerts, and spending time with friends.
Wisdom Alonge, BS
Lab Technician
Education:
BS: The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas, USA
About Wisdom:
I joined the Parveen‑Nesson Lab as a summer intern through the PHIRE program and later returned as a research technician. My research focuses on understanding how host metabolism shapes bacterial pathogenesis, using several BSL‑2 pathogens as model systems. Outside the lab, I enjoy all things music—especially playing piano—spending time with close friends and family and working through crossword puzzles.
Michael Teve, MS
Medical Student
Education:
MS: Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
BS: Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
About Michael:
My research interests center on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying host–pathogen interactions through bacteriological, biochemical, genetic, and functional genomics approaches. I have worked with a diverse range of organisms, including Saccharomyces spp., Candida spp., bacteriophage, uropathogenic Escherichia coli, and most recently, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Outside of the lab and classroom, I enjoy golfing, traveling, and learning new skills.
Grace Cooper
SMART Program Student
Education:
C.E. Byrd high school
About Gracie:
I am a senior at C.E. Byrd high school, where I participate in cheer, swim, and golf. I have taken a couple research and advanced science classes which have sparked my curiosity and developed a passion for hands-on learning. I am excited to grow in this fast-paced environment!