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.
Assistant Professor and Chancellor Scholar
Scientific Director, Rutgers NJMS Cellular Imaging & Histology Core
With over 18 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).
Matthew Fischer
Graduate Student - Molecular Biology, Genetics and Cancer Track
Matt joined the Edelblum lab in May 2019 as a pre-doctoral candidate. Matt's expertise in microbiology, will come in handy while investigating the role of type I interferon signaling in gamma delta IEL motility and activation.
Natasha Golovchenko
Graduate Student - Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Track
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 the role of granzymes in gamma delta IEL function at steady-state and in response to inflammation.
Sara Alonso
Graduate Student - Molecular Biology, Genetics and Cancer Track
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.
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Weili Xu, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow, A*STAR
Joining the lab in 2021, Weili brings his expertise in human gamma delta T cells to his studies investigating mechanisms of gamma delta IEL activation in Crohn's-like ileitis.
Katherine Margolin
Undergraduate Researcher
A junior at Montclair State University,
Katherine joined our group in 2019 as an undergraduate researcher. She also serves on the CCF National Council of Collegiate Leaders and was awarded a 2022 CCF Student Research Fellowship.
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.