Principle Investigator
Sonny TM Lee
In our laboratory, computational biology approaches result in identification of functional potentials in both individual microbial organism and communities. These multi-omics knowledge lays the foundation for laboratory investigations targeting physical, chemical, and biological interactions with the host and environment. I couple both holistic and reductionist approaches to understand the interaction between the host and its microbial constituents.
Graduate student 
Anna Kazarina
My PhD work focuses on understanding how fungi and bacteria associated with plant roots (plant rhizosphere) affects plant host functions, specifically the ability to resist drought stress. Using metagenomic and metaproteomic approaches, I aim to discover the link between plant host ecotypic diversity and rhizosphere community composition and microbial functional gene expression. I completed my Master’s at K-state where I observed microbial community responses associated with the grass Panicum virgatum to conservation agriculture management. In my free time I love to be active such as hiking, traveling, playing tennis, running, and playing ball with my dogs Jenny and Nora.
​** I co-supervise Anna with Dr. Ari Jumpponen, Kansas State University.
Graduate student 
Brooke Vogt
My Ph. D. primarily focuses on rhizosphere microbial-mediated abiotic stress resistance to Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem). My research has three main objectives. 1) To perform a biogeographical survey of Big Bluestem’s soil and host-associated microbial communities across the United States precipitation gradient. 2) To understand the biochemical mechanisms that provide abiotic stress resistance to the host plant from isolated precipitation-based ecotype specialists. 3) To assemble a synthetic rhizosphere community using these specialists, aiming to expand to other grass species, including grass species of agricultural significance. I completed my Bachelor’s degrees at Kansas State University in Biochemistry and Chemistry. Before pursuing my graduate studies, I was a Research Technologist in the Department of Civil Engineering at Kansas State University. In my free time, I enjoy drawing and painting. ​
Graduate student
Hallie Wiechman
My PhD focuses on examining the microbial community differences between pediatric patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and pediatric patients in remission from IBD. Specifically, I’m interested in the differences between two families of microbes; Lachnospiraceae  and Enterobacteriaceae, between the two patient groups. The Lachnospiraceae family tends to be beneficial in the gut, while Enterobacteriaceae tend to be pathobionts in the gut. In addition, I will examine the viruses and plasmids between the IBD and remission groups affecting the Lachnospiraceae and the Enterobacteriaceae families. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Human Health Biology from Kansas State University. In my free time I enjoy watching K-State sports, playing video games, and chilling with my dog Sadie May.
Undergraduate researcher
Reece Keller
Bryttan Adams
Darcy Thompson
​William Wedman
Blake Hoelting

 (Alumni)
Victoria Dorman - former undergraduate researcher, CNA at KU Med, currently specimen processor for Viracor Diagnostics
Kaityn Ward - former undergraduate researcher, currently technician for Quest Diagnostics
Lauren Anderson - former undergraduate researcher, CNA at KU Med, currently, waiting for Physician Assistant School Program
Abby Kamke -  former undergraduate researcher, currently Medical Laboratory Scientist, St. Luke's Health System
​Shiva Thapa - former graduate student, currently graduate student at UNC Greensboro
Kourtney Rumback - former undergraduate researcher, MD candidate, University of Kansas School of Medicine
Leah Heeren - former undergraduate researcher, currently in MLT program
Brendan Newcomer - former undergraduate researcher
Christopher Hargreaves - former undergraduate researcher
Sophia Pogranichniy - former undergraduate researcher, currently in K-State vet med program
Trey Summers - former undergraduate researcher
Molly Fisher - former graduate student, currently working at Cape Cod National Seashore 
Brandi Feehan - former graduate student
Soumyadev Sarkar - former postdoc fellow, currently postdoc researcher at Arizona State University
Leslie Rodela - former undergraduate researcher
Anthony Casenas - former undergraduate researcher
Qinghong Ran - former research associate, moved to North Carolina
Jessica Suggs - former graduate student
Carson Ingold - former undergraduate researcher
​Dasik Clouse - former undergraduate researcher
​Summer Powell - former undergraduate researcher
Tanner Richie - former graduate student, currently Postdoctoral research associate at University of Virginia School of Medicine