LAB MEMBERS
Principal Investigator
Lindsey Burcham, PhD (she/her)
Assistant Professor of Microbiology Ph.D. - Mississippi State University Postdoc - University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus Lindsey grew up in Biloxi, MS and received her B.S. in Microbiology and Ph.D. from Mississippi State University. During her graduate work in the laboratory of Dr. Justin Thornton, she studied the role of zinc homeostasis in the physiology and virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae. She then moved to Denver, CO to complete her postdoctoral training under Dr. Kelly Doran at the University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus where she studied mechanisms of vaginal persistence and immune evasion in Group B Streptococcus (GBS, Streptococcus agalactiae). Lindsey's training solidified her interests in understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern colonization and infection. Her research program at UTK is particularly interested in understanding how opportunistic pathogens synergize with the host and other members of the microbial communities in the mucosa, and how these complex interactions impact maternal, fetal, and pediatric health. Lindsey is a mom of two and a first generation college graduate/scientist. When not in lab she enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and dogs, traveling, cooking, and reading! |
Research Team
Jéssica da Conceiçao Mendonça, PhD (she/her)
Postdoctoral scientist Jéssica grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and completed her Ph.D. in Bioscience with a focus in Microbiology from Rio de Janeiro State University. During her PhD, she worked in the laboratory of Dr. Prescilla Nagao studying Streptococcus agalactiae epidemiology and virulence in hyperglycemic conditions. Her research in the Burcham lab centers around understanding how pathogens adapt and evade host pressures during colonization and infection. Jéssica is proud to be a part of the international community at UTK and is interested in supporting international women pursuing STEM careers. She is also a first-generation college graduate/scientist. |
Stephen Lumsdaine (he/him)
Graduate student - Microbiology Stephen grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and got his B.S. in Microbiology at the University of Tennessee. He spent two years working with Dr. Todd Reynolds studying the human immune response and interaction with the yeast Candida albicans. He is broadly interested in host microbe interactions at all levels, especially those of medical and environmental relevance. |
Natalie Smith (she/her)
Undergraduate student - Microbiology & Public Health Natalie grew up in Middle Tennessee, and she is currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, working towards her B.S. in Microbiology with a minor in Public Health. She is interested in maternal-fetal and reproductive health, the mechanisms by which bacteria subvert the immune system, and the effects of long-term colonization by bacterial pathogens on human health. Natalie is very excited to get started in research! Post-graduation, Natalie plans to attend medical school and eventually work in the field of women’s health both as a physician and a scientist! |
Baylee Baron (she/her)
Undergraduate student - Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) Honors & Scholars Research Fellow Baylee is from Lascassas, Tennessee and is a freshman at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She has experience working in a Women's Health Clinic and is most interest in the medical implications of bacterial colonization and the vaginal microbiome in women's health. She is a pre-med student who hopes to continue research in her career. She is passionate about all things plants, crocheting, and her dog! |
Annie Powers (she/her)
Undergraduate student - BCMB, Minors: Neuroscience & Asian Studies Honors & Scholars Research Fellow Annie grew up in Corryton, Tennessee and is a junior at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She is working towards her B.S. in Biochemistry with a double minor in Neuroscience and Asian Studies. She is interested in the interactions between pathogen and host and the mechanisms by which pathogens can interrupt the normal immune response. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and work in the field of rural medicine. Outside of school, Annie enjoys spending time with friends and family! Some of her hobbies include: running, traveling, reading, listening to k-pop, and watching k-dramas! |
Hannah Boyd (she/her)
Undergraduate student - BCMB, Minor: Mathematics Honors & Scholars Research Fellow Hannah is from Jonesborough, TN and is a freshman at the University of Tennessee. She is majoring in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology and minoring in Mathematics. She is interested in interactions between different species of bacteria and the underlying metabolic mechanisms behind these interactions as well as their impact on the host. After graduation, Hannah plans on attending medical school. |