People
Zach Lonergan, Principal Investigator
Originally from West Virginia, Zach graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Biology from West Virginia Wesleyan College before completing his PhD in Microbe-Host Interactions at Vanderbilt University in the lab of Dr. Eric Skaar. During his PhD, Zach investigated how the opportunistic pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii acquired nutrient zinc from the host. For his postdoctoral fellowship, Zach joined the lab of Dr. Dianne Newman at the California Institute of Technology, where he explored how the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa interfaced with the radical nitric oxide (NO). In his own lab at Rutgers in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zach is excited to apply biochemical and genetic approaches to dissect how microbes cope with NO in diverse environments. In his free time, Zach enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and running.
Anindita Saha, Laboratory Researcher
Anindita is a recent graduate from the School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University, where she completed her Master’s degree in Biotechnology. Outside the lab, she enjoys music — whether singing or simply getting lost in a great playlist. One of her favorite pastimes also includes chatting with her mom while cooking special recipes, where inheriting her culinary knowledge is her version of generational wealth that is passed down through flavors, stories, and tradition. Anindita also is inspired by travel and is always excited about planning her next adventure.
Alexandra Kwasnik, Graduate Student
Alexandra is a Master’s student in the Microbial Biology program. She graduated from James Madison University with a BS in Biology and a concentration in microbiology. She loves the invisible world of microbiology, which offers an opportunity to enhance our understanding of the human host's response to pathogenic organisms. In her free time, Alex enjoys building Legos, spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and attending concerts.
Paola V. Garay Martis, Graduate Student
Paola is a PhD student in the Molecular Biosciences Program at Rutgers University, focusing on Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she earned her B.S. in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. Paola’s previous research experiences focused on studying halophiles from Puerto Rico solar salterns during her bachelor's and Staphylococcus aureus iron usage as a RISE at Rutgers Fellow (2023). These experiences led her to become an ABRCMS 2023 Awardee, SuperGrad Fellow, and IMSD Fellow. Her love for science and personal experience with genetic diseases led her to the world of microbes. Her scientific interests span from genetics to infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions, and more. Paola is interested in studying nitric oxide stress in Pseudomonas by using different genetic approaches. Outside of research, you will find her trying different cuisines around New Jersey with her friends, cooking her favorite Puerto Rican meals while FaceTiming her mom, and practicing latte art with her favorite coffee from PR (she loves coffee!). Although being far from home can be challenging, Paola is motivated to make the most out of her PhD journey and her new life in New Jersey, with the goal of one day pursuing a career that bridges her interests for microbiology research with industry.
Varnith Bhat, Undergraduate
Varnith is an undergraduate student in the School of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology. He is particularly interested in the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, and wants to explore how bacteria respond to stressful environments. He enjoys baking, listening to musicals, and reading.
Justin Gomez, Undergraduate
Justin is from Bloomfield, NJ and is enrolled in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences majoring in Biochemistry. He is interested in learning about the causes and and underlying mechanisms of chronic conditions, as well as potential treatments or cures that could help those affected. Justin wants to explore how environmental and genetic factors affect bacterial growth. In his free time, he enjoys staying active by going to the gym and playing soccer. He also enjoys listening to music and watching thriller movies.
Former Members
Roxanne Jolie — Undergraduate, Microbiology, 2025
Non-People
Maya
Maya is a people-loving yellow lab-mix who was rescued from a shelter but now is excessively spoiled. When she isn’t sleeping or chasing squirrels, she is constantly begging for food, of which her favorites are peanut butter, carrots, and popcorn.
Caesar
Caesar is somehow both fiercely independent and needy at the same time. He spends approximately 22 hours a day sleeping, but otherwise is playing with his stuffed monkey or is trying to steal dog treats.
