about
In the Edelblum Lab, we believe that investigating the intersection between mucosal immunology, cell biology and microbiology will best help us understand the underlying cause of IBD. By visualizing cellular interactions in real time, we aim to provide new insight into the complexities of intestinal immunity. Through our studies, we hope to develop novel strategies to enhance barrier function in IBD patients.
Karen Edelblum, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
With over 20 years combined experience in the fields of gastrointestinal epithelial biology, mucosal immunology and physiology, I have developed expertise in examining immune/epithelial interactions in the context of mucosal homeostasis and disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Sara Alonso
Graduate Student - Molecular Biology, Genetics and Cancer Track, Rutgers
Sara joined the Edelblum Lab in July 2020 with an interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which gamma delta IELs are activated in response to changes in the mucosal microenvironment.
Natasha Golovchenko
Graduate Student - Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Track, Rutgers
Natasha comes to the lab with previous experience in IBD research from her undergraduate work at the University of Michigan. As a pre-doctoral candidate, her main project focuses on how ileal inflammation affects gamma delta IEL surveillance and localization within the mucosa.
Irving Martínez-Vargas, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Irving came to the lab in October 2023 with an already deep admiration for gamma delta IELs from his PhD at Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico City. Now he's putting all that knowledge to good use studying regulatory gamma delta IELs in IBD.
Andrew Fong
Research Technician
Andrew joined the lab in 2022 after finishing his degree in Cell and Molecular Biology at Northeastern University. He brings his experience working with Shigella and love of GI research to better understand gamma delta IEL function in host-pathogen interactions.
Ananya Parthasarathy
Master's student
Ananya rotated in the lab in September 2023, and within a week, she was hooked on mucosal immunology! She is investigating the role of CD47 on gamma delta IEL migration and can't wait to get her hands on some enteroids.
Noah Grunberg
Research Technician
Noah joined the lab in 2024 after pursuing graduate studies at Boston University. After gaining expertise in molecular biology, Noah is looking forward to learning more about cellular immunology and gamma delta IEL/epithelial crosstalk.
Sayra Garcia, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Sayra received her PhD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine focusing on autoimmunity in lupus. Excited to transition to the gut, she will investigate the role of purinergic signaling in the role of gamma delta IELs in the context of gut and neuroinflammation.
