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.
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.
Cassandra Correa, Graduate Student
Cassandra is a PhD student in the Microbial Biology program at Rutgers University. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Connecticut with a B.S in Molecular and Cell Biology and a minor in Anthropology. Cassie is interested in understanding how pathogenic microbes are able to adapt to their environment to maintain infections in their host. In her free time, Cassie enjoys catching up with friends and family and spending time with the family dog, Mochi, when she visits home.
Varnith Bhat, Graduate Student
Varnith is a Master’s Student in the Rutgers Molecular Biology program. He recently graduated summa cum laude in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology from Rutgers, where he was awarded the Henry Rutgers Award for his outstanding thesis in the lab. 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.
Elizabeth Enriquez, Graduate Student
Elizabeth is a Master’s student in the Microbial Biology 4+1 program. She graduated in 2026 magna cum laude as an Honors College Scholar with distinction, earning her B.S. in Microbiology with minors in Biochemistry and Food Science. As an undergraduate, she completed her George H. Cook Honors Thesis under the guidance of Dr. Schaffner, investigating the viability of bacterial cultures in various cryoprotective agents after removal from −80°C storage. Outside of the lab, Elizabeth rows with Rutgers’ Division I Women’s Rowing Team and enjoys painting and baking in her free time.
Deea Kapoor, Undergraduate
Deea is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University majoring in Chemistry. She’s interested in where chemistry meets biology and medicine, especially how chemical processes help us understand living systems. Outside of the lab and the classroom, Deea enjoys painting, drawing, and watching movies.
Former Members
Roxanne Jolie — Undergraduate, Microbiology, 2025
Alexandra Kwasnik — M.S. in Microbial Biology, 2024-2026
Justin Gomez — Undergraduate, Biochemistry, 2026
Anindita Saha — Laboratory Researcher, 2025-2026
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.
