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!)
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
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
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
Zahra Mohammadalizadeh
Ph.D. student
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
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
Sai Drishya Suresh
M.S. student
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Alumni
Alejandro Hernandez
B.S. student in Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 2024
Current role: Project Manager, Epic
Fun Times
