Current Members
Dr. Erica Majumder
She/her
Principal Investigator
I have a PhD in Bioinorganic Chemistry and am interested in deciphering the mechanisms of novel microbial metabolisms that drive aspects of environmental sustainability. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy playing the cello in a community orchestra, reading and exploring the trails around Madison by foot, bike and kayak.
Fuad Shatara
He/him
Graduate student: Environmental Chemistry and Technology
I received my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) with minors in both Environmental Science and Mass Communication. My research interests are in environmental health, and I aim to find ways to bridge various fields of sciences to study how humans are influencing different natural systems. Currently, my research is focused on the interactions between plastics and microbes in the Great Lakes. When I’m not in lab, I enjoy video games, hammocking, hiking, and anything that involves being on or near water.
Damayanti Rodriguez Ramos
She/her
Graduate student: Microbiology Doctoral Training Program
Hello I am Dama! I did my undergraduate in the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla Campus. During my undergraduate I majored in Biotechnology and did minors in Microbiology and Biology. My current research project is to study the interaction between plastics and microorganism in landfills. Further, investigate plastic-associated microbial community structure and activities located in such environments. When I am not in lab, I like to go the thrift stores, visit parks and watch cooking shows.
Rob Mejia
He/him
Graduate student: Integrated Program in Biochemistry
Hey, I’m Rob! I got my B.S. in Biochemistry from California State University, Long Beach with a minor in Biology. My research interest lies in the development of sustainable methodologies and bioproducts. Currently, I am working on metabolic engineering for the microbial production of biological polymers and using transmission electron microscopy to observe microbial interactions with microplastics.
In my spare time I enjoy craft beer, horror movies, reading, concerts, and exploring Madison.
Rachel Rovinsky
They/them
Graduate student: Microbiology Doctoral Training Program
Hello I’m Rachel! I did my undergraduate education at UC Berkeley where I majored in Microbial Biology and minored in Education. Overall, I aim to conduct research that contributes to building sustainable infrastructure. My current research focus is on waste conversion to bioplastics, specifically using engineered microbes and microbial communities to convert a mixture of acid whey waste and paper mill waste to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a class of bioplastics. When I am not in lab, I like to figure skate, knit, and play with my cat, Chowder.
Catherine J Pettinger
She/her
Graduate Student: Molecular & Environmental Toxicology
Hi! I’m Catherine. My undergraduate degree is in Biochemistry with a minor in Music from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University in central Minnesota. Currently, I am researching microorganisms in the subsurface and how they can contribute to uranium flushing from a contaminated site. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, reading, and gardening.
Ethan Seng
He/They
Research Intern
I am a research intern with a degree in Microbiology and a certificate in Biology from UW-Madison. Metabolic engineering of organisms for sustainability is a big research interest of mine. I work with Rachel, Rob, Zheng Rong, and Nikkia on engineering microbes for bioplastic production. Outside the lab you can find me working out, running, writing short stories, hiking, or playing board games.
Nikkia Kohn
She/her
Undergraduate Student: Biochemistry and Environmental Science
Hi, My name is Nikkia! I am entering my sophomore year as an Undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I double-major in Biochemistry and Environmental Science. I work with Rachel on their project on waste conversion to bioplastics using engineered microbes. During my free time, I enjoy karate, golfing, hiking, and foraging.
E. Majumder lab 