Jasmina Abdullaeva, BS
Student

I came to the Azouz Lab while earning my Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati. My work focuses on eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a food-driven allergic disease of the esophagus. I investigate the role of the transcription factors OVOL1 and AHR on esophageal epithelial cell differentiation and barrier formation, as well as the regulation of OVOL1 cellular localization.

abdullja@mail.uc.edu

Sierra Beach, PhD
Research Fellow

I joined the Azouz Lab after completing my PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry at the University of Idaho, where I focused on the evolution of antibody escape variants in respiratory syncytial virus fusion glycoprotein. I continue my interest in microbiology by studying host-microbiome interactions in the esophagus. Dysbiosis of the host microbiome has been associated with allergic diseases, including eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). My research focuses on restoring the esophageal microbiome to alleviate symptoms of EoE.

sierra.beach@cchmc.org

Caitlin Bumby, MS
Research Assistant

I joined the Azouz Lab after receiving my Master of Science from Tulane University, where I focused on studying the role of the microbiome in invasive species success in coastal marsh ecosystems. I will continue to explore my interest in host-microbe interactions through a translational research approach. The epithelium is our frontline defense against potential allergens, and my work focuses on the epigenetic effects of the microbiome on the epithelial barrier.

caitlin.bumby@cchmc.org

Alex Dwyer
Research Assistant

I joined the Azouz Lab after receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Miami University. It has been shown that a loss of protease inhibitors and alterations of proteolytic activity can lead to tissue damage and may signal the development of inflammatory diseases. The Azouz Lab is focused on deciphering the molecular mechanisms that disrupt the balance between proteases and protease inhibitors, while also developing strategies to control proteolytic activity as a potential treatment for immune diseases. My work is aimed at understanding the role of A1AT and SP16 in affecting proteolytic activity both in vivo and in vitro.

Alexander.Dwyer@cchmc.org 

Morgan Klein
Student

I joined the Azouz Lab as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program and currently attend the University of Mount Union. It has been found that a subset of patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, an allergic disease of the esophagus, achieve remission after proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, but the molecular mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of PPI therapy are not well known. My work focuses on understanding the role and effectiveness of PPIs in triggering disease remission.

morgan.klein@cchmc.org

Kalen Rossey, BA

Research Assistant

I joined the Azouz Lab while pursuing my chemistry degree from the University of Cincinnati. After receiving my degree, I continued my research in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). My work focuses on the role of LRP1 in EoE and the modulation of potential LRP1 IL-13 crosstalk to alleviate EoE symptoms.

kalen.rossey@cchmc.org