The group photo
A metaphor for the work it takes to obtain a successful experimental outcome.
PEOPLE
Chelsey VanDrisse, Assistant Professor
I have a love for mechanistic and basic research. Uncovering the intricacies of bacterial networks is very exciting and I am motivated by the countless things happening in a cell at once. All of these networks are coordinated to create a complex yet simplified set of reactions that allows a cell to adapt, survive, and grow. Due to this, I am passionate about exploring acetylation as I can study the processes it regulates, including central metabolism, biofilm formation, persister cell formation, transcriptional regulation, amino acid biosynthesis, antibiotic resistance, and even photosynthesis (to name a few!). Outside of the lab you can find me eating at local Athens restaurants, going to Duluth for Dim Sum, experimenting with arts and crafts, fixing and tinkering with things, decorating my house to exude hygge, and discussing topics of philosophy and psychology with friends.
B.S. Microbiology, Minor in Leadership, University of Minnesota. Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Gralnick
Ph.D. Microbiology, University of Georgia. Mentor: Dr. Jorge C. Escalante-Semerena
Post Doc, Caltech. Mentor: Dr. Dianne K. Newman
Haley Monacchio, Graduate Student
Hi, I’m Haley a first-year graduate student in the lab with a passion for learning, caffeine, and cats. In our lab, you can find me investigating a transcriptional regulator, an acetyltransferase, and making science-related memes. Before I started my Ph.D. I was working as a research technician at the University at Buffalo analyzing tryptophan scavenging by the oxygen sensor TgPHYa in response to IFNγ in Toxoplasma gondii. I received my B.S. in Biochemistry at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, NY. I performed my undergraduate research with Professor Rachel Graham investigating soil for novel antibiotic-producing bacteria utilizing the iCHIP method. When I am not in the lab or my classes you can find me reading (usually a mystery or a thriller), crafting, working out, or hanging out with my cat Poppy.
Ritika Shah, Lab technician and manager
I have a fond affection for everything Pseudomonas. At the VanDrisse Lab, you’ll find me doing cloning (the lab’s bread and butter), screening for growth and biofilm phenotypes, figuring out the beauty that is acetylation, along with organizing and managing the lab.
Before joining the VanDrisse Lab, I was doing my MS in Biological Sciences (Biotechnology) at Illinois State University under the guidance of Dr. Jan-Ulrik Dahl where I was working on characterizing the role of polyphosphate in interspecies interactions.
Outside of lab, you’ll find me reading or watching the next true crime documentary.
Madison Watkins, Research Technician and Manager
I’m a UGA alumni with a love for molecular genetics. I particularly enjoy plant genetics, but I’m happy to poke around anything molecular in plants, fungi, or bacteria. I previously worked in Tsai lab here at UGA investigating the subcellular localization of NRX1-encoded thioredoxins in hybrid poplar. I am passionate about teaching and Undergraduate STEM education and hope to one day become a professor.
In the lab I will be lending a hand wherever needed, helping out with experiments and projects while keeping the lab well maintained, well stocked, and running smoothly. Outside of the lab you can find me knitting, playing cozy video games, or watching through one of my favorite shows for the 100th time. I am a big fan of anime (sub not dub!), Disney, and my two cats who run my house and my life.
Krittika Tonapi, Research Technician
Hi! I am Krittika. I come from a background in Plant sciences. I have a master's in plant biotechnology from WVSU, where I investigated Genome wide association mapping of fruit color traits in Capsicum sp. I have previously worked at UGA under Dr. Malladi where we researched Cytokinin metabolism and signaling pathways in Apples during early fruit growth. I am returning to research after a short hiatus, and I am excited to venture into the world of microbiology. In my role as lab technician, I look forward to assisting our team in ongoing research projects. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, experimenting with Indian cuisine and Lord of the Rings (extended cut) marathons!
Kendall Hall, Undergraduate
Hello! I’m Kendall and I am a 4th year undergraduate majoring in Genetics. I have been completely enamored with genes and the whys behind the what of biological processes ever since middle school. In the lab, you’ll find me streaking and counting bacterial colonies as well as manipulating their environment by way of antibiotics and bile salts that best mimic our own microbiome and antibiotic interactions in our intestines. My post-undergraduate plans include getting my PhD in something microbiology- and genetics-related, where both of my interests can be nurtured equally. Outside of lab and school, I enjoy tutoring and educating kids in multiple subject areas (especially science) and eating culturally diverse foods, sushi being my favorite!
VIV Carr, Undergraduate
Viv is starting undergraduate research with us starting in Summer 2025. She is a microbiology major and we look forward to having her in the lab!
West-Drisse Members
Jan Westpheling was a professor in the Genetics Department at UGA since 1990. Jan sadly passed away in February due to an extended illness. Jan and I were close friends prior to my time here at UGA, and because I was equipped to take over her research program, I have inherited her lab and seek to fulfill the aims of her NSF grant, which you can read more about here. We are grateful to have adopted Jin and Matthew and look forward to learning about how an anaerobe, Megasphera, undergoes fermentation to generate long chain fatty acids that can be used as alternative biofuels.
Jin Cho, PostDoctoral Scholar
Hi! I’m Jin, a postdoctoral researcher in the WestDrisse Lab (Westpheling + VanDrisse). My passion for research developed during my undergraduate years at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I studied protein-ligand interactions under Dr. Stefanie Whitson. I went on to earn my Ph.D. at Clemson University in Dr. Cheryl Ingram-Smith’s lab, where I explored the roles of glycolytic enzymes in the metabolism of Entamoeba histolytica.
Now in the WestDrisse Lab, I’m working to expand the genetic tools available for Megasphaera elsdenii, an anaerobic bacterium with industrial potential. My research focuses on improving genetic manipulation techniques and understanding its metabolic pathways to support future biotech applications.
Outside the lab, I enjoy reading books, playing video games, and going out for Korean BBQ.
Matthew Russo, PostDoctoral Scholar
Hi. I’m Matthew, a postdoc in the VanDrisse lab. I discovered my passion for science through a fascination with bioremediation, which soon led me to the field of genetics. Driven by a desire to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges, I’m currently researching an organism with exciting potential for producing energy-rich biofuels.
Outside the lab, I love nurturing my daughter’s curiosity about the world. I’ve got a bunch of hobbies that keep life interesting— including playing, writing, and recording music; traveling to far-off places that push me out of my comfort zone; fixing up old motorcycles, and getting outside to fish or camp whenever I can.
YOU?
I am currently recruiting graduate students (through ILS, apply here: https://ils.uga.edu) for Fall 2024. I accept Ph.D. students on the Genetics or Microbiology track. As is, my lab is full for undergraduate researchers and will not be accepting any at this time.
I am particularly interested in mentoring deaf and hard of hearing students and am intermediate in ASL.
Lab News
Jan. 29, 2024. After showing Pseudomonas who is in charge, Haley finally got her acetyltransferase mutant.
Reward: Peanut butter M&Ms.
Feb. 16, 2024. Defying her own odds, Ritika gets her first ever clean deletion mutant (actually it was two!).
Reward: Case of Kombucha
April 23, 2024. With absolute ease and on her first try, Kendall gets her first deletion mutant. She will be a tour de force in grad school!
Reward: Watermelon Sour Patch Kids