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 1st 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
Damrongrat Siriwanna
Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University
B.S. – Biological Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
In graft-versus-host disease patients, the role of GzmA-producing T helper cells is thought to occur in the early stage of disease. My work focuses on tracking these cells and characterizing how their populations shift over the course of disease progression.
I’m always down for good anime, hiking, and cooking. My lab bench is particularly clean whenever I’m stressed.
About me:
Rheanna E. Walther
Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
M.S. – Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, IN
B.S. – Biology and Spanish, Ball State University, Muncie, IN
My PhD research currently centers around graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). GVHD is a prevalent complication that occurs in patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), a well-established treatment for malignancies like acute-myeloid leukemia. My project specifically aims to understand the signals that drive the differentiation of Granzyme A-producing CD4+ T cells and how the different functions of Granzyme A contribute to GVHD progression.
Outside of the lab, I spend my time baking sourdough bread, hiking (and making plenty of stops to photograph flowers!), and hosting game nights.
About me:
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:
- My CV (PDF)
- Google Scholar
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:
- My CV (PDF)
- Google Scholar
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
Amanda Campos
I am a current Junior pursuing a double major in Biology and Psychological Sciences. I am originally from Brazil but grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. In the future, I hope to attend medical school and become a physician.
In the Olson Lab, I am investigating the role of certain metabolites on immune cell responses. Additionally, I assist in the genotyping of mice to discover the impact of granzymes.
Outside of the lab, I sing and perform with the "Purduettes", I serve as Vice President for Purdue MEDLife, and I read tons of books!
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.
Zhonghang Du
Hi all! I'm an undergraduate student at Purdue University and major in Cell, Molecular&Developmental Biology. I'm accepting lab training in Olson lab about basic lab skills and genotyping principles. It's a good opportunity for me to gain an understanding of how modern biolab works systematically and improve my skills. It's also delightful to watch new spectacle of immunology being unfolded near me.
In casual time I like driving and traveling. It makes me feel free when getting to new places and appreciating scenes that I never tried.
Caleb Kuntz
Hello! My name is Caleb Kuntz, and I am currently a sophomore at Purdue University majoring in Biochemistry on the pre-med track. In the Olson Lab, I will be learning genotyping and basic lab techniques and will support research investigating the role of granzymes in intestinal inflammation and disease. I'm excited to be around for such amazing research in the field of immunology and contribute to discoveries that can help others.
In my free time, I enjoy being a part of the swim club and watching sports with friends. I also enjoy being outside and living an active lifestyle.
Samantha Lin
I am a junior at Purdue University, currently in my first year of pharmacy school. In the Olson Lab, I help support research regarding the inflammatory effects of Granzyme A and the mechanism of their interactions with immune cells.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, and doing crafts. I also like watching movies or playing pickleball with friends!
Rebecca Rust
I am a senior majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Anthropology and a Medical Humanities Certificate. In the future, I hope to pursue an MD/PhD and specialize in reproductive endocrinology. I am currently an undergraduate researcher in the Olson Lab, where I investigate the role of Granzyme A in immune-endocrine crosstalk in the male reproductive tract using molecular biology techniques. Previously, I conducted summer research in the Russi Lab at IUSM, where I explored the role of KLF2+ CD44+ T cells in chronic liver disease through the IU School of Medicine MSTP USRP.
Outside of research, I advise mentors in the John Martinson Honors College and mentor first-year students through the BYTES program. I am also a member of the Multicultural Science Program, where I participate in student outreach for prospective students, and a teaching assistant for BIOL 439: Laboratory for General Microbiology.
In my free time, I love reading and attending Purdue football and basketball games. Boiler up!
Alumni - Graduate
D. Alejandro Canaria Gonzalez
Postdoctoral Scientist, Gilead Sciences
Nicole Anderson
Postdoctoral Fellow, Indiana University School of Medicine