Lena completed a BSc in Biochemistry and is now a graduate student in the lab studying immunomodulatory host-microbe interactions with adherent invasive E. coli (AIEC) in Crohn's disease models. 

Katie completed her undergraduate thesis in the lab and joined the lab as a graduate student in May 2023. Her project explores how host processes and xenobiotics influence behavior of enteric pathogens in the gut. Outside the lab, Katie is a member of McMaster's recreational dance team and enjoys reading and hiking.

Claudia completed her BSc at the University of Havana and worked at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Cuba. She completed her Masters in Microbiology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she evaluated the protective efficacy of a passive immunization therapy against A. fumigatus.

Yeganeh completed her MSc degree in Medical Sciences at McMaster University studying IBD models. After this, she worked at the London Health Sciences Centre as a Research Assistant before returning to McMaster in the Coombes lab. Yeganeh's research interests are in microbiota/host immune system interactions.  

Aline is a Research Technician in the Coombes lab who joined the group in 2015. Prior to joining the lab, she worked abroad at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry near Munich and at the Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute at McMaster.

Marie-Ange completed an MSc at Laval University studying the adaptation of a pathogenic bacteria. In the Coombes lab, Marie-Ange is studying host immune evasion by intracellular bacteria. Marie-Ange holds a Canada Graduate Scholarship from CIHR and a doctoral award from Fonds de recherche du Québec.

Melissa has a BHSc in Biochemistry with a Biomedical Research Specialization. As a graduate student in the lab, she is interested in drug development for invasive non-Typhoidal Salmonella. Outside the lab, Melissa enjoys teaching or taking dance classes, thrifting, and visiting her favourite spots in Hamilton.

Megan is originally from the United States and received her B.S. in Biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University and Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. Her dissertation research examined the role of diet as a modifiable factor of inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis. Outside of the lab, Megan enjoys reading, going to the gym, and hiking.

Daniel is in the Biochemistry co-op program. His project focuses on the effects of stress on E. coli in various animal models. Outside the lab, Daniel enjoys swimming, powerlifting, and street photography. 

Isha is an undergraduate student in the Biomedical Discovery & Commercialization program and joined the lab in the summer of 2023 as part of her fourth-year thesis. Her project focuses on studying E. coli-host-interactions in various cell types. Outside the lab, Isha enjoys swimming, playing football, and watching movies.

Jennifer is a third-year undergraduate student in the Biochemistry Co-op program, Biomedical Research Specialization. Her project studies how various growth conditions impact different AIEC isolates. Outside of the lab, Jennifer enjoys reading, baking, and trying different intramurals. 

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