Our Lab Team

 

My name is Ian Carroll. I attended University College Dublin (www.dcu.ie) for my undergraduate where I studied biotechnology and obtained a keen interest in basic research. To further develop my interest and skills in molecular biology I joined the Microbiology Department at Trinity College Dublin (https://www.tcd.ie/Microbiology) where I worked on a PhD research project under the mentorship of Prof. Cyril J. Smyth that focused on the genetic diversity of Helicobacter pylori isolates in different human populations, and how this organism persists in the harsh niche of the stomach. During my graduate training, it was reported that a specific protein was transferred from H. pylori into human cells, which altered the structure of the mammalian cell. I found the host-microorganism interaction fascinating and decided to pursue a career in this aspect of microbiology.

I undertook a postdoctoral position in the Department of Genetics at UNC-Chapel Hill under the mentorship of Dr. Deborah Threadgill. Together we designed an experiment to test the effect of a genetically modified probiotic bacteria in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease. Through collaboration with Dr. Todd Klaenhammer at North Carolina State University, we tested Lactobacillus gasseri and L. gasseri expressing an antioxidant in this mouse model. We reported a reduction in inflammation in the genetically modified probiotic, however, at this point we were unsure whether our probiotic worked directly by reducing oxidative stress or had indirect effects on the other microorganisms in the intestine. This question could be extended to any therapy that targets the intestinal microbiota.

To address this aspect of enteric microbiota-based therapies my research led me to investigate how the intestinal microbial communities influenced disease. I was appointed to the position of Assistant Professor in April 2009 in the Department of Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill. Under the mentorship of Dr. Yehuda Ringel and Dr. Balfour Sartor, my research has investigated the role of the intestinal microbiota in intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Currently, as a faculty member in the Department of Nutrition and under the mentorship of Dr. Cynthia Bulik, my research focuses on the role enteric microbial communities play the pathogenesis and maintenance of anorexia nervosa (AN). The specific goals of our research team are to determine the mechanisms through which specific members of the intestinal microbiota influence gastrointestinal physiology, nutrition, behavior, and weight regulation. My research philosophy is based on unfettered collaborations that draw from diverse fields resulting in a multi-disciplinary approach to a scientific question. Ultimately, we hope our investigations will contribute to the understanding host-microbe interactions, where the knowledge gained can be applied to enhance health and reduce illness.

Publications: Pubmed 

Eun Young Huh

My name is Eun Young Huh. I am a research technician at Dr. Ian Carroll’s lab and I am currently participating in two major projects. The first project is investigating the mechanisms of PAR-mediated permeability in the gut. The second project is to establish a 16s RNA sequence pipeline.

Publications: Pubmed

Elle Glenny

My name is Elle Glenny.  I graduated from Cornell in 2012 with a major in Human Biology, Health & Society and minor in Global Health.  I am a doctoral student in the Department of Nutrition and I am particularly interested in better understanding the physiological impact of gut microbes in a clinically relevant context.

Quyen Tang

Quyen is a clinical research coordinator for the Center of Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD) as well as a study coordinator for the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (CEED). He received his Bachelor’s of Science in psychology from Seattle University in 2014 where he primarily focused on clinical research for alcohol addiction and substance abuse in severely mentally ill populations. He has worked in a variety of fields including public health, psychiatry, graphic design, and non-profit leadership. Working with CEED, Quyen focuses primarily on gut microbiome research, its implications, and possible clinical applications for those suffering from eating disorders.

Currently housed in Dr. Ian Carroll’s lab, Quyen is the lead coordinator for the Anorexia Nervosa Investigation of Gut Microbiome and Anxiety (ANIGMA) research study and manages its ongoing collaborations and operations. Email: quyen_tang@med.unc.edu

Yesel Trillo Ordonez

My name is Yesel Trillo Ordonez. I am an Undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Sciences. I am interested in understanding the bridge between the gut microbiome and psychological disorders through research methods.