Jonathan Schmitz, MD, PhD, D(ABMM) - Principal Investigator
Dr. Schmitz (see faculty profile page) is a clinical microbiologist, physician-scientist, and general fan of looking for roads less traveled... in science and in life. He is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology and Urology. Within the VUMC Diagnostic Laboratories, he currently serves as the Director of Translational Microbial Diagnostics and, from 2016-2021, as the Medical Director of the Molecular Infectious Diseases Laboratory, where he oversaw development and implementation of COVID-19 testing for the Vanderbilt Health System.
Gerry Van Horn, PhD, D(ABMM) - Staff Scientist
Dr. Van Horn is the Staff Scientist in the Schmitz lab. He has lived many places, done many things, and has hobbies of being of service and supporting others in their scientific journeys.
Surya Sarilla, PhD - Lab Manager
Info coming soon...
Grace Morales - Graduate Student
My name is Grace, and I am PhD student in the Microbe-Host Interactions program. I am originally from northern Virginia! I earned my Bachelors in Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience from Rochester Institute of Technology. In the Schmitz Lab, I am interested in defining a molecular signature associated with Uropathogenic E. coli using a multi-omics approach. Outside of lab, I enjoy running, swimming, hiking, cooking, and eating and drinking my way through Nashville!
Hamilton Green - Graduate Student
Hamilton Green is a PhD student in the Microbe-Host Interactions graduate program. He is a native of Tennessee, as he was born and raised in Memphis. He completed his undergraduate education at Dillard University in New Orleans with a Bachelor of Science in biology. Hamilton is currently characterizing Urinary E.coli colony biofilm phenotype and genotypes. In his free time, he is a huge fan of the Memphis Grizzlies, casually devours snicker bars, and enjoys working out.
Allison Chan, MPH - Graduate Student
A PhD student in Vanderbilt's Epidemiology program, Allison is a Michigan native who completed her BS in Nutritional Sciences from Michigan State University and then her MPH from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health with a concentration in Hospital & Molecular Epidemiology. Following completion of her master’s degree, Allison worked for six years as an epidemiologist at the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) in the Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program. During her time at TDH, she primarily focused on statewide surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, outbreak containment, and served as the program director for two years. Allison’s research interests include the integration of molecular and clinical epidemiology to better understand the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings. Outside of lab, Allison enjoys running, hiking, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her two cats, Cleo and Pickles.
Robert Mann - Graduate Student
Info coming soon...
Tim Williams - Research Technician
Hello, my name is Tim. I was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. I attended Middle Tennessee State University, where I received my B.S. in Biology. The Schmitz lab is my first research position at Vanderbilt. When I’m not working I enjoy all things outside (hiking, climbing, trail running, kayaking, gardening), cooking, eating, and craft beer.
Dayton Marchlewski - Research Technician
Hi! My name is Dayton Marchlewski. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology from Tennessee Technological University in 2018. I started at Vanderbilt as an intern working for Dr. Parekh during the summer of 2018. Then I started working for him full time as a Research Assistant 1 in 2019 after I graduated college. Now, I am a Research Assistant 2 working for Dr. Schmitz.
Amelia Dodds - Research Technician
Hello! My name is Amelia Dodds, and I am so excited to be here. I am a recent graduate of Birmingham-Southern College where I was a student-athlete and received my B.S. in Biology. The Schmitz lab is my first research position, and I am looking forward to learning all that I can while here. When not in the lab, I enjoy running, reading, watching Netflix, or exploring Nashville.
Asia Miller - Research Technician
Hi, my name is Asia Miller and I recently graduated from Vanderbilt University with my B.A. in Biology. I did research all four years of my undergraduate career in a lab focused on symbiosis in insect models. I have a big interest in the microbiome and clinical microbiology fields. I also work part time mentoring undergraduate researchers for the SyBBURE Searle Program. My hobbies include ceramics, horror movies, and video games.
Maddie Spradley - Research Technician
Hi, my name is Maddie Spradley. I recently graduated with my B.S. in Biology from the University of Tennessee. While there I had the opportunity to work under Dr. Constance Bailey in the chemistry department and Dr. Carl Sams in plant sciences. The Schmitz lab is my first research position at Vanderbilt and I am enjoying learning a lot about the clinical science world! When not at the lab I enjoy reading, working out, spending time with friends and family, cooking, and hanging out with my cat, Oliver.
Michelle Gonzalez - Clinical Trials Associate
Hello! My name is Michelle Gonzalez. I am on the last leg of my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences. Looking forward to applying to Vanderbilt's MLS Program once I graduate. I am a first-time mother to an energetic 5-year-old. Originally from Texas, we made our first big move to Maui and spent 3 amazing years out there. Unfortunately, we had to leave due to COVID. Now 2 years in Nashville, we have made great memories and continue to experience what Nashville has to offer. We have 2 dogs currently Makana ( 2-year-old Maltese mix) and Josie (3-year-old Goldendoodle). Between school and family time, I enjoy reading, playing video games with friends, hiking and food! .
Stacy Batey - Clinical Trials Associate
Info coming soon...
Abby Fink - Clinical Trials Associate
Info coming soon...
Kaori Hardison - Medical Laboratory Scientist Student
Kaori Hardison is a student in the Medical Laboratory Science program at Vanderbilt. She is originally from Colorado and will soon graduate from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. She has previous research experience in bioinformatics and bacteriophage characterization and is very enthusiastic about learning from Dr. Schmitz’ laboratory. She spends her free time playing with her two dogs, reading, and practicing the guitar and piano.
Jeremy Pickel - Medical Laboratory Scientist Student
Info coming soon...
GHOSTS
Melphine Harriott, PhD, DABMM (Clinical Fellow)
Thessicar Antoine-Reid, PhD, DABMM (Clinical Fellow)
Alex Maris, MD (Clinical Fellow)
Sara Bowen (Research Technician)
Mackenzie Attwell (Research Technician)
Erin Reid (Research Technician)
Favour Akabogu (Research Technician)
Sam Sefers (Undergraduate)
Jordan Miller (Undergraduate)
Toni Mario Ojadi (Undergraduate)