Principal Investigator
Matthew Olson
Associate Professor
Graduate Students
Nicole Anderson
Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (PULSe)
B.S – Biology | Minor in Chemistry, Ball State University, Muncie, IN
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a spectrum of disorders characterized by distinct patterns of intestinal inflammation and a dysregulated intestinal immune response. Given the growing number of new diagnoses and the inconsistent results of current treatments, there is a major unmet need to understand IBD pathology to develop more effective therapies. The IBD-associated immune response is highly multi-faceted and consists of a network of adaptive CD4 T cells and innate-like γδ T cells that produce inflammatory cytokines and are associated with intestinal damage. Despite the association of these cell types with disease, how these responses become dysregulated and contribute to intestinal inflammation remains largely undefined. Here, I demonstrate that mice with CD4 T cell-specific deletions in the transcription factors STAT3 and BATF develop spontaneous colitis marked by elevated numbers of inflammatory γδ T cells that mimic those found in human IBD. Together, these data indicate that a STAT3/BATF+ CD4 T cell population is critical for regulation of inflammatory γδ T cells and that therapeutic targeting of this adaptive/innate-like T cell interaction may be beneficial in preventing or treating IBD.
Nicole's CV (PDF)
J. Alejandra Rodriguez
Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (PULSe) at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States.
B.S - Biology and Master in Biochemical Sciences, National University of Colombia, Bogotá.
I am studying microbial interactions and the immune host defense in intestinal inflammatory diseases, with a particular focus on investigating the role of Granzymes and their interaction with the gut microbiota examining their significance in both healthy conditions and disease states.
Outside of the academy, I am a cat lover, my favorite plan is to spend time with my cats – Lucy and Lena! I also like artistic makeup and skating with friends.
About me:
- My CV (PDF)
- Google Scholar
Franklin Yeo
Biological Sciences
B.S. – Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is a potentially deadly disease that often occurs in patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). My current project is looking into a pathogenic subset of CD4 T cells that produces Granzyme A and drives progression of this disease.
In my free time I like to cook, go bouldering at the co-rec, and play computer games!
About me:
- My CV (PDF)
- Google Scholar
Undergraduate Students
Jade Cathcart
I am a current Sophomore at Purdue University majoring in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology. I am an undergraduate researcher being trained in genotyping to identify the genetic makeup of mice, this will aid in accurately determining the genetic expression of mice that are homozygous for Granzyme A, homozygous for GFP, or heterozygous for Granzyme A and GFP. This is one step in trying to understand how granzymes aIect the regulation of intestinal microbiota by establishing the identity of microbes that are bound and regulated by Granzymes.
Outside of academia I enjoy writing, painting, and cooking. I find joy in creative expression and often spend my free time indulging in some form of art. I also enjoy poetry and road trips.
Shria Garlapati
Hello! I am currently an undergraduate student here at Purdue University. I am majoring in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology in the College of Science. In the Olson lab, I am given the opportunity to advance my knowledge and skills in genotyping. I will gain an understanding of the role of Granzymes in intestinal microbiota. With these skills, I will accurately identify the genetic makeup of mice in order to determine the genes that they are expressing.
In my free time I love to try out new restaurants and visit local attractions near where I live. I enjoy being outdoors and going on nature hikes! I also love listening to and discovering new music!
Maggie Holcomb
I am a senior majoring in Genetics in the College of Science, and I have been a member of the Olson Lab since 2022. I am studying the role of Granzyme A in normal cellular conditions and its implications in inflammatory diseases. My current project is investigating how Granzyme A levels vary in the small intestine and the colon of mice with different genetic modifications. I am also working to determine how Granzyme A regulates antimicrobial peptides. Outside of school, I love painting, reading, and watching movies.
I’m a big music lover, so I also enjoy collecting records and playing my violin.
Elisabeth Vahovius
Elisabeth Vahovius is currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering. She has been a member of the Olson Lab since 2023.
Annika White
I am an Undergraduate Student studying Biochemistry at the College of Science, pursuing a minor in Critical Disability Studies. I am an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi Women's Fraternity and the Marketing Director for Purdue's Caduceus Club. I volunteer at the University of Louisville's Jewish Center ER and coach elementary students in a summer swim club. I like to paint and swim at the co-rec in my free time. I also have my private pilot's license and learned to fly in a Cessna 150!
Alumni
D. Alejandro Canaria Gonzalez
Postdoctoral Scientist, Gilead Sciences