Where we're from...

Friends, Collaborators, & Cool Scientists

Anthony Amend - University of Hawai'i, Manoa

Betsy Arnold - University of Arizona

Claudio Avignone-Rossa - University of Surrey

David Baum - University of Wisconsin-Madison

Stephen Callister* - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Ignazio Carbone - North Carolina State University

Jitka Cejkova - University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic

Roger Chang* - Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Lee Cronin - University of Glasgow, Scotland

Renee Cunningham - UM School of Education

Antonio Di Pietro - University of Córdoba, Spain

Amar Chittiboyina - UM National Center for Natural Products Research

Pierre-Marc Delaux - Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France

Rob Dunn - North Carolina State University

Matthew Egbert - University of Auckland, New Zealand

Emilio Fernández - University of Córdoba, Spain

Aurora Galván - University of Córdoba, Spain

József Geml - Eszterházy Károly University, Eger, Hungary

Jennifer Gifford - University of Mississippi (Geology)

Amy Gladfelter - Duke University

Ursula Goodenough - Washington University of St. Louis

Anna Gorbushina - Freie Universität Berlin & BAM, Germany

Valerie Harmon - Harmon Consulting

Quincey Justman - The Broad Institute

Yarden Katz - University of Michigan

Sergey Kryazhimskiy - University of California San Diego

Liedewij Laan - Kavli Institute of Nanoscience

Soni Lacefield - Indiana University Bloomington

Jun-Yi Leu - Institute of Molecular Biology, Taiwan

Alex Lewin - Feed Me Like You Mean It

Louise Lewis - University of Connecticut

Sam Lisi - University of Mississippi (Math)

Mike Lomas - Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Maine

François Lutzoni - Duke University

Franck Marchis - SETI Institute

Catherine Masson-Boivin - INRA, Auzeville, France

Jake McKinlay - Indiana University

Seppe Kuehn - University of Chicago

Maria Mittag - Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Germany

Cam Muir - Big Island Tea

and University of Hawai'i Hilo

Craig Nelson - University of Hawai'i Manoa

Irene Newton - Indiana University Bloomington

Nicole Pietrasiak - New Mexico State University

Alex Penn - University of Surrey

Georg Pohnert - Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Germany

Nirmal Pugh - UM National Center for Natural Products Research

Severin Sasso - Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Germany

Alison Sherwood - University of Hawai'i, Manoa

Eric Smith - Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo, Japan

Jason Stajich - University of California Riverside

Cole Stevens - UM Department of BioMolecular Sciences

San Trull - The Sloth Institute of Costa Rica

Ben Wolfe - Tufts University

Nicole van Dam - iDiv, Leigzig & Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Germany

Cristina Varese - Università degli Studi Di Torino & Mycotheca

Sarah Walker - Arizona State University

John Yin - University of Wisconsin-Madison

Peter Zee - University of Mississippi (Biology)

* part of upcoming collaborative NASA project on desert biocrusts

Lab Members

Head Coach

Erik Hom (New York, NY)
Nicknames: "Erik", "Dr. Evil," "Señor Chang"
Principal Investigator
Email:

CV

Trained as a biophysicist with a bent towards physical chemistry, my current research focuses primarily on understanding how microbes adapt to live together symbiotically, particularly at the level of genes and metabolism. My research interests over the years have been (and remain) eclectic, but there is actually some rhyme and reason to them (see the research tab). More about Erik here.

Staff & Postdocs

Andrew Ahearne (Asheville, North Carolina)
Nicknames: "Andrew", "The-Young-Guy", "Mr. Anime"
Ph.D., Pharmacognsy, University of Mississippi [2024]
B.S., Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Asheville
Email:

Hi, I'm Andrew, maybe one day I'll be a real doctor. My primary research is focused on two goals: 1) heterologous expression of exciting and secret BGCs (shh) and 2) the creation of high-yield expression strains of model microbes. In addition, I'll probably be involved in some of the lab's new work on Chlamydomonas and biocrusts—oh fun! I can't stop dreaming about myxobacteria though, they're so cool! In my free time, I enjoy growing exotic fruiting plants from around the world. That's my secret for keeping me looking as young as I do. Keywords: cloning, heterologous expression, biosynthetic gene clusters, bacteria, biocrusts, myxos, exotic plants

Anurag Rijal (Biratnagar, Nepal)
Nicknames: "Baba", "Ganoush"
Ph.D., Bacterial Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi [2025]
M. Tech, Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India [2013]
B.Tech, Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Nepal [2010]
Email:

I'm Anurag and am working on studying how intrinsically disordered proteins affect stress tolerance in bacteria. I'm generally interested in bacterial cell signaling and molecular mechanisms of adaptation. I enjoy hiking, playing and watching soccer, and listening to music.
Keywords: IDPs, bacteria, stress tolerance, cell signaling, soccer

Gaurav Sharma (Ludhiana, India)
Nicknames: "the-guy-with-no-nickname", "Guava""
Ph.D., Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Trento, Italy (Marie-Curie Fellow) [2025]
M.S., Molecular Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium [2019]
B. Tech, Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, India [2014]
Email:

My scientific interests revolve around RNA biology - particularly when ribosomes misbehave. I am investigating how disruptions in translation control contribute to disease phenotypes, with the long-term goal of developing RNA-centric strategies to better understand these problems. I aim to pursue independent projects that bridge RNA regulation and cellular stress responses, ideally while continuing to “play” with RNA on a daily basis. I am enthusiastic about collaborative science and learning new approaches to understand gene regulation.Outside the lab, I enjoy exploring new places, tasting new food dishes, having long scientific (and non-scientific) conversations, and long distance running to reset my brain.
Keywords: RNA based mechanisms, ribosome dynamics, ribosome profiling, cloning, western blot, reading &writing

Graduate Students

Noah Kilonzo (Nairobi, Kenya)
Nicknames: "Nuhu"
Ph.D. student
B.S. Biology, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
Email:

I joined the Hom lab in January 2024 and am doing research into algal-bacterial-plant mutualisms, particularly focusing on how these interactions play out during seed germination and establishment. I’m passionate about science and service and I’m curious as to where this will take me! I also enjoy meeting new people, singing and reading books (was a librarian in high school)!.
Keywords: Seed-endomicrobiome, plant-microbe interactions, bioinformatics, coevolution, education, operatic singing

(Thomas) Eli Null (Corinth, MS)
Nickname: "Eli," "Null value," "the Gentle Giant"
Ph.D. student
B.A. Biology (minors: Math, Chemistry, and Spanish), University of Mississippi
Email:

What’s up? I’m Eli Null. I was an undergraduate researcher in the lab and liked it so much, I will continue on in the Ph.D. program in Fall 2025. My research here centers around the experimental evolution of synthetic fungal-algal mutualisms. My “mad scientist” work, I hope, will contribute to advancing the field of evolutionary biology and sustainable efforts in large scale alga-culture systems. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing video games, tailgating with friends and family, and learning about life and all the things it provides.
Keywords: coevolution, franken-lichens, algaculture, video games, tailgating

Hailey Williams (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Nicknames: "Hailey", "Hey Hey", "Aunt Hayhay (pronounced yayay)", "beautiful and gorgeous nerd"
M.S. student
B.S. Biological Sciences (minor: Sociology), Louisiana State University
Email:

Hi I’m Hailey. Not Haley or Hayley or Haleigh. I am super excited to be part of the Hom lab starting Fall 2025, and can’t wait to contribute to the field of evolutionary biology. I have a particular interest in molecular genetics techniques, specifically isolating and sequencing DNA. Outside of the lab I enjoy reading, live music, traveling, and I’ve even crocheted a blanket or two in my day. If all else fails, I am never opposed to taking a nap. Dr. Hom say's he's glad that I'll be increasing the girl power in the lab.
Keywords: isolation, sequencing, coevolution, molecular genetics, BGCs, reading, adventure, naps

Evan Ellzey (Ellisville, MS)
Nickname: "Evan," "Dude," "The-shy-guy"
M.S. student
B.A. Biology & B.B.A Marketing, University of Mississippi
Email:

Hi! I'm Evan and I'll be a Masters student starting Fall 2025. I've worked in the lab previously helping with the kefir team and we'll see where my next adventures here go. I hope to learn a lot! Check back in with me in a couple of years...
Keywords: kefir, fermented foods, research, sales pitches

Undergraduates

Emma Wilbourne (Somewhere over the rainbow)
Nickname: "Beaker"
Class of 2028, University of Mississippi (B.A. Biology)
Email:

Hey, hey! Details coming soon!
Keywords: patience, eternity, sigh

Farida Marzouk (Oxford, MS)
Nickname: "frito", "fajita" kinda sorta
Class of 2029, University of Mississippi (B.A. Biology, minors: Chemistry, Psychology)
Email:

Hey! My name is Farida Marzouk and I am very happy to be part of the Hom Lab. I am very interested in learning about different influences/variables that can play significant roles in physical and mental health. I am very excited to be part of the kefir team. I am looking to go to medical school in the future and become a physician, perhaps a family doctor, and have a positive impact on my community. Outside of the lab, I am part of the American Medical Student Association, the Honors College, and a Stamps Scholar. In my freetime, I enjoy reading mystery books, running, and watching English football - not soccer. YNWA!! (if ykyk).
Keywords: Pre-med, kefir, biology, books, health, football - the real kind, running away from problems

Anna Keo (Somewhere over the rainbow)
Nickname: "Anna"
Class of 2028, University of Mississippi (B.A. Biology)
Email:

Hey, hey! Details coming soon!
Keywords: quietude, night-shift

Anderson Berger (Fort Worth, TX)
Nickname: "Andy," "Anderdingus"
Class of 2027, University of Mississippi (B.A. Nutrition and Dietetics)
Email:

Howdy yall! I am super excited to be part of the Hom Lab and will work with the Kefir Team! After Ole Miss, I plan on returning to my home land of Texas and applying to PA school, with aspirations to work as a surgical PA. When I am not studying, I enjoy training for triathlons. I love being active, watching soccer and football, and watching scary movies with my friends (boo!).
Keywords: The Cowboys, microbiology, kefir, Texas, triathlons, surgery

Emerson Morris (Gulfport, MS)
Nickname: "Emmie," "Padwan"
Class of 2027, University of Mississippi (B.A. Biology and Public Policy Leadership; minor: Southern Studies)
Email:

Hi y’all! My name is Emerson Morris, and I am proud to be a part of the Hom Lab. I am particularly passionate about the overlap of STEM and politics, particularly in the realms of conservation, the farming world, and sustainable agriculture in the American South. Outside of the lab, I find great joy in tea making and tasting high quality brews. In my incredibly limited and highly sought-after spare time, I enjoy hiking, listening to bad 90’s rock music, reading, and being active in the UM campus community. I am excited to ask a million questions and learn as much as possible!
Keywords: marine algae, tea farming, Hawai’i, science policy, conservation, agriculture

Kate (Mary) Digges (Williamsburg, VA)
Nickname: "Katie," "KitKat"
Class of 2027, University of Mississippi (B.A. Psychology, minors: Chemistry, Neuroscience)
Email:

My name is Kate Digges and I am so excited to be in the Hom Lab. I will be working in the kefir team and I am looking forward to learning in the lab. After undergrad, I hope to one day attend medical school. On campus, I am a part of the Sally McDonnell Honors College and Psychology Club. In my free time, I enjoy running and swimming and competing in marathons and triathlons.
Keywords: kefir, running, pre-med, psychology, gut health, triathlons

Conner Ratcliff (Biloxi, MS)
Nickname: “Mr. Fundamentals”, “Big Shot”, "The Con-man"
Class of 2027, University of Mississippi (B.A. Biology, minor: Chemistry)
Email:

Hey ya’ll! I’m the new guy coming on board in Fall 2025 and am excited to be a part of the Hom Lab and contribute to projects on fungal-photoautotroph interactions and marine polycultures. After Ole Miss, I hope to attend medical school in the future and become a practicing physician to help people and perhaps make a lot of dough. On campus, I am a part of the Honors College, American Cancer Society, and a Luckyday Scholar. During my free time, I am a part of an Intramural basketball team, I love watching sports, and hanging out with friends/my girlfriend (awww).
Keywords: franken-lichens, basketball, microbiology, travel, pre-med, netflix, my dog

Others (High Schoolers, Visitors, etc.)

(Evelyn) Graham Sherman (Oxford, MS)
Nickname: "Graham", "G"
Class of 2028, University of Georgia (B.S. in Genetics) Summer research undergraduate, MS
Email:
Hi y’all! My name is Graham Sherman, and I am so excited to be working in the Hom Lab for the summer. I will be working on transcriptomics involving the Chlamy-yeast system. I currently attend the University of Georgia, and my long-term goal is to attend medical school. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hanging out with my friends, and spending time outdoors!
Keywords: traveling, pre-med, cellular and molecular biology, reading, music

Elias Kusnadi (Wayne, NJ)
Nickname: "Elias" (eh-LIE-us)
ARISE@UM High School Intern; rising junior, Homeschooled in NJ
Email:
Hey everyone! My name is Elias Kusnadi and I am excited to start my journey with Dr. Hom in his lab! I love STEM related things and I marvel at science in particular due to its complexity and order. And Hom Lab is the perfect place for me to discover more about interactions at the micro scale and handle professional lab equipment! My future projects involve microbiology by extracting DNA and RNA from various biological samples such as soil. Outside the lab, I enjoy watching baseball, playing chess, playing piano, and chatting with people.
Keywords: STEM, science, math, baseball, debate, chatting

Briana Bell (Madison, MS)
Nickname: "Bri Bri", "Bri Bri girl"
Class of 2028, Alcorn State University (B.S. in Biology)
Email:
Hey! My name is Briana Bell, and I am very excited and lucky to be working in the Hom Lab. I will be working on researching the mutualistic relationship between yeast and algae. I currently attend Alcorn State University, pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Biology. After undergrad, I plan on getting my Master’s in Biology or Microbiology. I hope to work full-time as a medical research scientist at a company or in a hospital setting. Outside of the lab, I love to spend time with family and friends, rewatch my favorite movies (Mulan, Jumanji, and 21 Bridges), and listen to music.
Keywords: algae, yeast, future scientist, movies, beaches, music, microbiolgy

Jae Darra Betts (Brandon, MS)
Nickname: "Jae", "Queen", "Baddieee", "lil Michelle"
Class of 2028, University of Mississippi (B.A. in Biology and African American Studies; minors in Chemistry (Pre-Med track))
Email:
Hi, I’m Jae! I’m a senior and I am so excited to be working in this lab as I prepare for medical school. My current research focuses on recombinant and environmental DNA extraction techniques. My ultimate "gold project" for the future is becoming an OB/GYN and working to completely eradicate the Black maternal mortality rate through holistic care and prevention strategies for women. Long-term, I plan to run my own women's clinic and a research foundation, while building multiple sources of income including book sales and my fitness empire, gymbyjae. Outside of the lab, I love God, going to church, reading empowerment books, giving back, spending quality time with family and friends, and just always learning something new to better myself.
Keywords: pre-med, women-in-stem, gymbyjae, African American studies, future OBGYN, fitness brand, travel enthusiast

Where we're from...

Lab Members

>Staff & Postdocs

>Graduate Students

>Undergraduates

>Others (Vistors, High Schoolers)

Alumni

Friends, Collaborators, & Cool Scientists

Lab Members

Head Coach

Staff & Postdocs

Graduate Students

Undergraduates

Others (High Schoolers, Visitors, etc.)

Alumni

Erik F. Y. Hom