People

Meet our group

Principal Investigator

Matthew Olson

Associate Professor

Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University

Matt loves all things immunology and is particularly interested in identifying how particular white blood cells in the immune system, termed T cells, contribute to protective immunity and disease. He is especially interested in mucosal tissues (lungs, intestines and reproductive tract) where T cells play unique roles in interfacing with commensal microbes and barrier cells. Matt also enjoys teaching at multiple levels where he teaches a 1^st year Course-based Undergraduate Research Lab “Diet, Immunity, Inflammation and Disease” and a senior/graduate level course “Immunology of Cancer and Infectious Disease”. When he is not writing grants, teaching or coming up with overly-long course titles, Matt enjoys all the things that old/boring people enjoy- spending time with his kids, playing board games and going on walks with his dog. However, he also plays multiple musical instruments (guitar, bass, banjo, harmonica) and has aspirations of becoming some sort of one-man-band (still workshopping a name.. maybe “The Olsonic Boom” or “The Dr. O and the Noise Prescription”, will take any suggestions!) and contemplates maybe even opening his own donut shop after retirement.

Graduate Students

Humayra Habib

Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
M.S-Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

B.S- Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

I am broadly interested in understanding how CD4⁺ T helper cells contribute to intestinal immune homeostasis and inflammation. In the Olson Lab, I am excited to explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive pathogenic T cell differentiation and function, with the long-term goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases of intestine. My background in molecular biology and infectious disease research informs my interest in the intersection of adaptive immunity and inflammation.

I love trying out new recipes and ending the day with a calm movie night at home with my husband.

About me:

J. Alejandra Rodriguez

Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (PULSe) at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.
B.S - Biology and Master in Biochemical Sciences, National University of Colombia, Bogotá.

I am studying microbial interactions and the immune host defense in intestinal inflammatory diseases, with a particular focus on investigating the role of Granzymes and their interaction with the gut microbiota examining their significance in both healthy conditions and disease states.

Outside of the academy, I am a cat lover, my favorite plan is to spend time with my cats – Lucy and Lena! I also like artistic makeup and skating with friends.

About me:

Franklin Yeo

Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University

B.S. – Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI

Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is a potentially deadly disease that often occurs in patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). My current project is looking into a pathogenic subset of CD4 T cells that produces Granzyme A and drives progression of this disease.

In my free time I like to cook, go bouldering at the co-rec, and play computer games!

About me:

Undergraduate Students

Jade Cathcart

I am a current Sophomore at Purdue University majoring in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology. I am an undergraduate researcher being trained in genotyping to identify the genetic makeup of mice, this will aid in accurately determining the genetic expression of mice that are homozygous for Granzyme A, homozygous for GFP, or heterozygous for Granzyme A and GFP. This is one step in trying to understand how granzymes aIect the regulation of intestinal microbiota by establishing the identity of microbes that are bound and regulated by Granzymes.

Outside of academia I enjoy writing, painting, and cooking. I find joy in creative expression and often spend my free time indulging in some form of art. I also enjoy poetry and road trips.

Shria Garlapati

Hello! I am currently an undergraduate student here at Purdue University. I am majoring in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology in the College of Science. In the Olson lab, I am given the opportunity to advance my knowledge and skills in genotyping. I will gain an understanding of the role of Granzymes in intestinal microbiota. With these skills, I will accurately identify the genetic makeup of mice in order to determine the genes that they are expressing.

In my free time I love to try out new restaurants and visit local attractions near where I live. I enjoy being outdoors and going on nature hikes! I also love listening to and discovering new music!

Elisabeth Vahovius

Elisabeth Vahovius is currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering. She has been a member of the Olson Lab since 2023.