Lab Members
Danielle Brasino
Principal Investigator
I have been deeply interested in leveraging engineered cell culture models to reduce the need for animal models while improving translation to our target audience. Now, I’m excited to apply our model systems to better understand how the gut microbiome can be modified or utilized to improve health status and disease outcomes.
When not in the lab, I love to sew, garden, hike and camp.
Postdoc, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University
Chemical Engineering, Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder
Nutrition Science, B.S., University of Texas at Austin
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Ethan S. Putnam
Ph.D. Student
My research focuses on developing biomimetic mucus layers to improve our gut organ-on-chip model’s ability to support a diverse microbiome. This project supports the lab’s aim of creating translatable models for host-microbiome interactions in disease.
When not in lab, I enjoy being outdoors, woodworking, cooking, tennis, and running.
Neuroscience, B.S., University of Vermont
Hometown: Cabin John, MD
Jake M. Spiegler
Research tech/lab manager
Current Research Focus: Optimization, characterization, and systems validation of breast cancer spheroid- tumor-models, utilizing qPCR, microscopy, and various treatment assays. Preparations underway for eventual microfluidics integration, thereby enabling future experiments connecting gut-chips to tumor-chips. Anaerobic bacterial culture work in progress.
When not in the lab, I enjoy snowboarding, performing with my a-Capella group, trail running with my Alaskan Husky, most types of cooperative gaming (board, video, TTRPG, etc…), cooking, and tutoring.
Neuroscience, B.S., University of Vermont
Hometown: Golden, CO
Billy Hawkins
Ph.D. Student
Alina Staten
Undergraduate
Research Focus: Optimization of embedded breast cancer spheroid-tumor-model with microbiome metabolites to improve physiological relevance and contribute to future tumor-on-chip integration.
When not in lab, I like running, painting, camping, watching college basketball, and traveling with the UVM track team to meets.
In progress: B.S. in Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry, University of Vermont
Hometown: Lebanon Township, New Jersey
Holly Fermon
Undergraduate
Research Focus: Media optimization for gut-on-chip platform to study microbiome metabolites in further downstream studies.
When not in the lab, I enjoy making art, reading, running, bouldering at the UVM climbing wall, playing Frisbee with friends, and collecting plants.
In progress: B.S. in Molecular Genetics with a double minor in Chemistry and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, University of Vermont
High School Degree from Newmarket Junior Senior High School and Certificate from the Seacoast School of Technology
Hometown: Newmarket, New Hampshire
Lab Outings
uMicrobiome Lab 