Wheaton, Illinois, United States
Currently at Baylor Collge of Medicine, I investigate mechanisms of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization using human nasal epithelial organoids (HNOs) and perform molecular cloning in genes implicated in colonization fitness. I am eager to bring my diverse perspectives and diligent spirit to the field of medicine and biomedical research in the future, serving both national and international communities. Interests: infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, host–pathogen interactions, translational microbiology, viral and bacterial pathogenesis, organoid models of disease, global health, infection prevention and control
Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology Katherine Lemon Lab FOCUS: The long-term goal of the KLemon Lab is to develop innovative biotherapeutics (bacterial strains, bacterial compounds, and bacteriophages) from the human nasal microbiome to prevent and treat infections caused by the common nasal pathobionts Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and to reduce the severity of viral respiratory tract infections. To accomplish this, the KLemon Lab identifies factors that mediate microbe-microbe and microbe-epithelial interactions within the human nasal microbiota using human nasal epithelial organoids and human nasal bacterial strains. MANUSCRIPTS: Boyd, A. I., Quintanilla, K. A., Fernandez Escapa, I., Lewis, M. A., Kafer, L. A., Zeng, X.-L., Blutt, S., Ibberson, C. B., & Lemon, K. P. (2026). D-alanine aminotransferase (Dat) promotes Staphylococcus aureus colonization fitness on human nasal respiratory epithelium. bioRxiv, 2026.06.01.729472. PRESENTATIONS: Texas Medical Center Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Conference (Jan 2025) -> Poster Presentation and FlashTalk Presenter ("Staphylococcus aureus with Increased Staphyloxanthin Production Resists Bacteriophage K Killing (ΦCP1, ΦSA4)") Molecular Basis of Infectious Diseases Research Retreat, UT Health Houston (May 2025) -> Poster ("Lytic phage to decolonize Staphylococcus aureus from Human Nasal Epithelial Organoids (HNOs)") Molecular Virology and Microbiology Annual Departmental Retreat, Baylor College of Medicine (Sept 2025) -> Poster ("Identification of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization fitness factors.") Texas Medical Center Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Conference (Jan 2026) -> Poster ("D-alanine Amino Transferase (Dat) promotes Staphylococcus aureus Fitness During Colonization of Human Nasal Mucosa.") INTERESTS: Antibiotic resistance, Host-microbe interactions, Bacteriophage, Beneficial Bacteria, Pathobiont, S. aureus, Microbiome at Mucosal Surfaces
~ Managed laboratory technique with rotary evaporation, gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, glassware setup, and reagent distribution, answering questions and demonstrating correct laboratory procedures weekly ~ Graded students’ lab reports and pre-lab work and provided personalized tutoring and feedback based on students’ goals and learning objectives for organic chemistry
~ Analyzed and organized large online data sets from previous raccoon fecal and necropsy paper data ~ Assisted with racoon fecal flotations for mapping presence of Baylisascaris procyonis roundworm ~ Collaborated with a small team (5-6) to coordinate weekly sample analysis, laboratory maintenance, and ensuring protection against roundworm pathogenicity in Biosafety Level 2 laboratory Page, K., Mollohan, C., Smyser, T., Hughes, L. S., LeCount, A., Quintanilla, K. A., Elsen, J. N., Edmunds, S. A., Black, B. D., Kim, A., Schaller, N., & Hazelton, E. (2025, October 17). Roundworm mitigation as a conservation strategy for Allegheny woodrats in Ohio, USA. Natural Areas Journal.
~ Recognized with 1st Place, Outstanding Presentation Submission: Effect of Salinity on Oogenesis and Early Sporophyte Growth in the Brown Alga Alaria marginata (September 2023) ~ Presented Poster Presentation for Board of Visitors Dinner, March 2024 ~ Orally presented results and analysis at Associated College of the Chicago Area (ACCA) Student Symposium, April 2024 ~ Research will be presented by Dr. Lewis at 2024 PSA-ISOP-ISEP Joint Meeting at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, August 2024 Alaria marginata, also known as ribbon or winged kelp, are brown algae native to mid- and intertidal regions near the cliffed and rugged coastlines ranging from Alaska to California. While various abiotic factors affect growth and development of brown algae, salinity is critical to consider, in light of ocean acidification, glacier melting, and global and local salinity decreases in oceans. This study seeks to investigate salinity (20-48 PSU with 4 PSU intervals) as a sole independent variable on the egg production, fertilization, and resulting sporophyte growth of Alaria marginata isolated kelp gametophytes. Results of this study suggest that salinity has a significant impact on gametophyte growth, reproductive success, and sporophyte development. In this investigation, Alaria marginata species demonstrate optimal egg production, fertilization success, sporophyte count, and sporophyte length at PSU range from 28-40 PSU, most likely due to inhibition of photosystem II, increased algal respiration rates, free amino acids count, and lipid production (Ishika et al. 2018, Karsten 2007, Spurkland and Iken 2011). As a result of this study, we have the opportunity to anticipate Alaria marginata genetic tolerance to varying salinities in the ocean, predict shifts in ecosystem balance, and improve carbon sequestration models in shifting saline environments.
~ Collaborated with Wheaton College Language Resource Center for event planning, cultural activities, chapter reports, and Sigma Delta Pi induction ceremonies for Spanish language students
~ Shadowed Connor Sullivan, PA, with various surgeries such as appendectomies, laparoscopic cholecystectomies, and herniorrhaphies ~ Shadowed various professionals in the pathology department (Dr. Ajay Patel), observing the process of analyzing tissue samples in the gross lab, freeze-drying them, and discussing patient therapy after diagnosis ~ Observed the fast-paced dynamics of the emergency department with Nicki Schnoes, ANP, with EMR protocol, patient-nurse interactions, and physician-nurse communication for patient treatment ~ Shadowed Dr. Jeremy Schmitz in Neurology at Duly Health, gaining insight into MRI interpretation, the challenges of Alzheimer's diagnosis, and botox for migraines