Team

Principal Investigator

Ana Maria Porras, PhD

Assistant Professor
Ph.D. and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, UT-Austin

La Profe Ana arrived at UF BME and opened the Porras TMI lab on August, 2021. Using her interdisciplinary background, she leads the team in engineering disease models to explore host-microbe interactions. Dr. Ana is currently interested in the human gut microbiome and tropical infectious diseases. She is also obsessed with all things related to the extracellular matrix. Originally from Colombia, she is passionate about multilingual communication, inclusive science, global health, and community engagement. In her free time, la Profe Ana loves to read, travel, bake, swim, dance, and above all, eat ice cream.

Favorite Disney movie: Encanto (also love Atlantis!)

Google Scholar | Contact | Twitter

Graduate students

Karen Mancera Azamar

NSF Graduate Research Fellow
Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering
B.S. in Biological Engineering, University of Georgia
Karen joined the lab in Fall 2021 and is focusing on interactions between the human gut microbiome and the extracellular matrix in inflammatory bowel disease. Karen is a first-generation Latinx student and supports younger students in STEM through mentoring programs. She enjoys collecting indoor plants, cooking, weight training, and crafting.
Favorite Disney movie: Ratatouille
Contact | Twitter | LinkedIn
Samanvitha Deepthi Sudi

Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering
B.E. in Biomedical Engineering, Osmania University
Samanvitha arrived in the United States in August 2021 after earning her Bachelor’s degree from Osmania University in India. She joined the lab in November 2021 as a Master’s student. She is working on studying the effects of gut metabolites on cardiovascular health. She is a trained vocalist and enjoys cooking.
Favorite Disney movie: Frozen
Contact | Twitter | LinkedIn
Zahra Mohammadalizadeh

Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering
Zahra joined TMI Lab in January 2023 and is investigating the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and intestinal fibrosis in Crohn’s disease. With a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, and a foundational degree in Microbiology, she brings a unique perspective to her research. Beyond the lab, Zahra enjoys outdoor adventures and exploring new destinations, as well as playing Setar (an Iranian musical instrument).
Favorite Disney movie: Soul
Contact | LinkedIn
Katherine Bauer Estrada

Ph.D. student in Biosciences
Visiting student from Universidad de la Sabana, Colombia
Katherine is a researcher interested in the relationship between functional foods and gut microbiome and how it is associated with some diseases.
Favorite Disney movie: Dinosaur, A Bug’s Life, and Brother Bear
Contact | Google Scholar
Mithra Varun Bodanapati

M.S. in Computer and Information Science Engineering, University of Florida
B.E. Computer Science Engineering, R V College of Engineering
Mithra joined the TMI Lab in September 2024. As a Data Scientist, his research focuses on addressing participation challenges and disparities within the biomaterials field, while also working to establish co-authorship networks that foster collaboration. Outside of work, Mithra enjoys cooking and going on roadtrips.
Favorite Disney movie: The Lion King
Contact | LinkedIn
Sai Drishya Suresh

M.S. student in Biomedical Engineering
Sai is a Biotechnology student who joined the Lab in February 2024. Her research focuses on the effects of gut metabolites on cardiovascular diseases. When she's not in the lab, you’ll find her on the badminton or tennis courts, experimenting in the kitchen, or rewatching her favorite sitcoms for the millionth time!
Favorite Disney movie: Coco
Contact

Undergraduate students

Tanmayee Kolli

Undergraduate Researcher
Tanmayee joined the lab in the spring of 2021 to work on a large-scale literature review about gut microbiome studies around the world. Now, she is developing protocols to isolate pig heart valve cells more efficiently as part of the UF Undergraduate Research Program. Tanmayee enjoys playing the violin, listening to music, and spending time with her family.
Favorite Disney movie: Brother Bear
Contact | LinkedIn
Joshua Ruley

Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. student in Biomedical Engineering
Josh joined the lab in Fall 2022. He is studying Biomedical Engineering and plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in a medically related field after graduation. Josh enjoys cooking, running, and taking walks at Depot Park.
Favorite Disney movie: Hercules
Contact | LinkedIn
Marcos Javith

Undergraduate Researcher
Marcos joined the lab in Spring 2023 to conduct a social media scoping review on scientific evidence regarding risk communication strategies implemented in Colombia during COVID-19. He is now exploring how environmental factors affect the growth and degradation activity of Bacteroides species. Marcos is studying Biomedical Engineering and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in the same field after graduation. He enjoys dancing, traveling, and playing racquet sports.
Favorite Disney movie: Wreck-It Ralph
Contact | LinkedIn
Jennifer Gongora Caruncho

Undergraduate Researcher
Jennifer joined the lab in Fall 2023. She is an undergraduate Biomedical Engineering student and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in the same field. As a first-generation Cuban student, Jennifer is passionate about advocacy and inclusion in STEM. Outside of academics, Jennifer enjoys trying new foods, working out, practicing gymnastics, reading, and creating art (her favorite mediums are charcoal and watercolor)!
Favorite Disney movie: The Little Mermaid
Contact | LinkedIn
Carlos Samuel Olmedo Iniguez

Undergraduate Researcher
Carlos joined the lab in Fall 2024, focusing on the analysis of the communication methods of the Colombian government during the pandemic. He is an international student from Mexico, studying Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biomolecular Engineering. Beyond the lab, Carlos enjoys doing biking trips around Gainesville and attending concerts.
Favorite Disney movie: Aladdin
Contact | LinkedIn
Isabela Yamhure Baena

Undergraduate Researcher
Isabela joined the Lab in Spring 2024. She is an undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Student. She is a Venezuelan student passionate about engineering and research. At the moment she is working with two projects at the lab. A social media analysis of the information provided by the government of Colombia during COVID-19. Simultaneously also exploring the growth and degradation of Bacteroides and how the environmental factors affect their development. Isabela is planning on continuing her studies and obtaining a Ph.D after gaining professional experience. Outside of school she enjoys traveling, going out to eat and cooking.
Favorite Disney movie: The Parent Trap
Contact | LinkedIn
Valentina Muriel Ruiz

Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. student in Biomedical Engineering
Valentina is currently a senior Biomedical engineering student at the University of Florida. Additionally, she is fluent in Spanish and English. She is an analytical and innovative student who attempts to understand and postulate different alternative solutions to a challenge.
Favorite Disney movie: Frozen
Contact | LinkedIn
Esmeralda Fernandez-Alvarez

Undergraduate Researcher
B.S. student in Psychology
Esmeralda joined the lab in Fall 2024. As a Cuban-American student born to immigrant parents, Esmeralda entered the lab with an interest to find a community within STEM, and further develop her Spanish-speaking skills. As throughout her academic career, Esmeralda has found herself to be an advocate for DEI. An area in which she hopes to develop further for her potential career endeavors, as well as be the catalyst to provide these values. Currently, Esmeralda is studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Florida, and intends to pursue a Masters Degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Additionally, when navigating beyond academics, she enjoys dancing Salsa and Bachata (particularly, Casino Salsa), trying new foods, and hiking!
Favorite Disney movie: A Goofy Movie
Contact | LinkedIn