LAB MEMBERS
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Aria Eshraghi Ph.D.
Aria received his bachelors degree from University of California, Berkeley while performing his honors research project in the laboratory of Bruce Ames. He earned his doctorate with Kenneth Bradley at University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied the binding and intracellular trafficking of bacterial toxins. After completing his dissertation, Aria was a post-doctoral fellow in Joseph Mougous' laboratory at University of Washington, where he identified the effectors of a unique secretion system that is required for pathogenicity of highly virulent Francisella. Aria established his independent research program at University of Florida in 2019.
DOCTORAL GRADUATE STUDENT
Nimra Khalid D.V.M.
Nimra joined the Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology as a doctoral student in Fall of 2022. Nimra received her DVM degree from University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan and served as a veterinary officer to study the incidence, geographic distribution, and control of infectious diseases in the field. Her research employs molecular and chemical genetic methods to elucidate the interaction of Francisella and various host species.
DOCTORAL GRADUATE STUDENT
Dita Julianingsih
Dita joined the Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology as a doctoral student in Spring 2026. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Brawijaya, Indonesia, and completed her Master of Science in Animal Sciences at the University of Maryland, College Park, supported by LPDP scholarship. Her research interests focus on the development of vaccines against Francisella, with an emphasis on host-pathogen interactions and immune responses to intracellular bacterial infections.
BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST
Anna Lundgren
Anna is an experienced biological scientist with institutional knowledge of the inner workings of the Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology. With expertise in all aspects of molecular biology techniques, she has a background of working with intractable models of intracellular bacterial pathogens.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Chloe Van Horn
Chloe is an undergraduate student at the University of Florida double majoring in Microbiology and Cell Science as well as Statistics. Her goal is to help further the understanding of pathogenic pathways and virulence factors so that advancements can be made in disease treatment. The laboratory techniques and protocols she is learning during her time in the Eshraghi Lab will prepare her for future doctoral research.
UNDERGRADUATE LABORATORY HELPER
Natali Perez
Natali is an undergraduate student at the University of Florida studying Public Health. She plans to apply to medical school next year and is interested in pursuing research related to longevity science and healthy aging. Outside of the lab, she enjoys long distance running.
LABORATORY ALUMNI
Abdiel Rodriguez - Undergraduate researcher
Rocio Zaldivar - Undergraduate researcher
Austin Sheppe - Post-doctoral scholar
Samantha Wong - Undergraduate researcher
Nichapa Dancharnjitt - Undergraduate laboratory helper
Danielle Hulvey - Biological scientist
Lynn Hutcheson-Da Silva - Undergraduate laboratory helper
Iman Kashif - Post baccalaureate researcher
Ashley Clarke - Undergraduate researcher
Alexis Irvin - Undergraduate researcher
Nicholas Tanyag - Undergraduate laboratory helper
Max Anders - High school summer student
Isabelle Llabona - Undergraduate researcher
THE ESHRAGHI LAB IS HIRING!
The Eshraghi Lab is currently hiring for these positions:
1. Postdoctoral Scholar
2. Graduate Student
3. Undergraduate Researcher