Lab Alumni
Dr. Liyuan Hou (Joanna)
Postdoc
As a researcher, my interests include three research themes: (1) degradation mechanisms and products of non-biodegradable plastics; (2) interrelationship among the microplastics and environmental microbes; (3) converting wastes into biodegradable plastics. “Scientists investigate that which already is; Engineers create that which has never been.” I aspire to both investigate and create. As a female engineer, my long-term goal is to strike a balance between doing research and applying my findings and theories in practice in such a way that ultimately impacted the world. In my spare time, I love hiking, painting and designing jewelry and acrylic nails.
Personal webpage:
Charles N. Olmsted
He/him
Ph.D.: Molecular and Environmental Toxicology
Postdoc
Hi, I’m Charles! I received my BS at UW-Madison in microbiology studying genetic pathways for lignin degradation. I received my PhD at UW-Madison studying the ecology of electroactive bacterioplankton in bog lakes. My current postdoctoral research is all about converting PET waste plastic into the biodegradable polyester PHA by engineering the extreme thermophilic bacteria, Thermus thermophilus. My hobbies include writing and illustrating sci-fi-fantasy novels and spending time with my dog
Chamia Chatman
She/her
Graduate student: Molecular & Environmental Toxicology
Hello, I’m Chamia. I am a PhD candidate in the Molecular and Environmental Toxicology graduate program. I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign where I received a B.S. in Animal Sciences. Following undergrad, I worked for five years in an industry setting. When I’m not in lab I enjoy reading, dancing, and working on crossword puzzles. My current research is focused on elucidating how a summation of environmental exposures (the exposome) alters the cecal microbiome and metabolome of broiler chickens.
Gordon Winkler
He/him
Masters Student: Bacteriology
Hi, I’m Gordon! I received my BS in microbiology and biochemistry from UW-Madison, and I am currently a student in the masters of bacteriology program. I am currently researching microbes that can degrade waste streams such as plastic waste and lignocellulosic waste and hoping to find that they also incorporate these waste streams into bioplastics. When I’m not in lab I enjoy backpacking, photography, cooking new recipes, and reading science fiction.
Allondra Woods
She/her
Post-Bacclaureate Scholar
Hi, I’m Allondra. I received my BS in Biology from UW-Madison with a certificate in sustainability from the Nelson Environmental Institute. I am currently a National Institute of Health Post-Bacclaureate Research Experience Program Scholar. My research interests relate to making the world a cleaner and healthier place using microbes. I am currently studying the use of microbial strains and communities to degrade waterwater fats, oils, and grease (FOG). In my free time you can find me volunteering in the local community, on hikes with my dog, taking biological census data, and making art.
Hailee Morrison
Undergraduate Student: Biochemistry and Microbiology
Hailee here! I’m still an undergraduate, but working hard to finish it off so I can go on to more education… My research interests currently align with Dr. Hou as I work with her on the aspects of plastic from a microbial point of view, and I hope to do more work on it in the future. When I’m not studying or in lab, I like to discover new music (and sing along), write poetry, and admire the plant life on campus- all with a Dr. Pepper in hand, of course.
Wanjing Chen
Undergraduate Student: Microbiology and Statistics
Hello, I’m Wanjing. I’m a senior undergraduate student majoring in Microbiology and Statistics. In the lab I work with Dama and assist with data analysis for the landfill project. When I’m not in the lab, I like reading, playing sudoku puzzles and walking along the lakeshore path.
Jacob Nagel
Undergraduate Student: Microbiology and Nutrition Science
Hey, I’m Jake! I work in the lab mostly for Dr. Hou as an undergraduate student hourly help. When I am away from the lab, I spend most of my time hanging out with my friends, watching a ton of movies and every Sunday watching the Green Bay Packers.
E. Majumder lab 