Meet the Current T32 Trainees
Meet the 2026-2027 cohort of T32 trainees in the Interdisciplinary Program in Microbe-Host Biology.
Dr. Jana Cable
Project Title/Focus: Cardiotropic respiratory virus infections establish durable epigenetic reprogramming and loss of critical cell populations increasing susceptibility to cardiac dysfunction upon subsequent infections or stress
I am from Bowling Green, Ohio. I earned a BS in microbiology from Miami University and a PhD in molecular genetics and microbiology from Duke University. Outside of work and studying, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dogs and reading.
Dr. Nicholas Christman
Project Title/Focus: B. producta metabolism directly competes with C. difficile for nutrients and impacts epithelial barrier function, providing nutrient-stressed C. difficile an ideal niche to promote disease
I am from Rexburg, Idaho. I earned a BS in microbiology from Brigham Young University and a PhD in microbiology from Indiana University. Outside of work and studying, I am an avid runner and have completed trails ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Alps. I also enjoy watching and playing sports.
Dr. Andrew Schwieters
Project Title/Focus: Studying the coordination and contributions of alginate production and denitrification in Pa skin wound infections
I am from Twin Cities area of Minnesota. I earned a BS in microbiology from the University of Minnesota. Outside of work and studying, I enjoy reading and cooking.
Predoctoral Trainees
Bridget Bowman
Project Title/Focus: Iron sequestration by Leishmania parasites alters immunity
I was born and raised in Lancaster, Ohio. I earned a BS in biochemistry and molecular biology from Otterbein University. Outside of work and school, I started a sourdough microbakery business from my home. I also enjoy endurance sports, including long-distance running and cycling.
Carter Dwyer
Project Title/Focus: Histoplasma capsulatum (Hc), causes disease in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts by infecting and proliferating within host macrophages
I was born in Davenport, Iowa, and raised in Wheatland, Iowa. I earned a BS in microbiology from the University of Iowa. In my free time, I enjoy spoiling my cats, playing video games and reading.
Miranda Hilt
Project Title/Focus: Role of glucocorticoids in stress-induced microbial dysbiosis and antimicrobial defense during infectious gastroenteritis
I was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, and raised in Westerville, Ohio. I earned a BS in biology and a BA in English literary studies from Otterbein University. Outside of work in school, I enjoy watching movies and gardening.
Michael Parthun
Project Title/Focus: Identifying cell-specific roles of RIG-I in regulating pulmonary immunity to influenza A virus infection
I am from Hilliard, Ohio. I earned a BS in biochemistry and data analytics from The Ohio State University. In my free time, I enjoy climbing and drawing.