People

Bunnik Lab

Bunnik Lab 2019

Evelien M. Bunnik, Ph.D.
Principle Investigator / Assistant Professor

I am fascinated by host-pathogen interactions, in particular the interplay between host immune responses and immune evasion strategies of the infectious agent. In addition, I am passionate about making this world a better place to live for the poorest and most vulnerable people. For these reasons, my research has focused on the major infectious diseases in the world, in particular those that affect developing countries.

In my spare time, I like to clear my mind by being active outdoors. I love to run and will race any distance between a mile and a marathon. When at home, I enjoy cuddling my cats, solving puzzles, watching movies, ER, and sitcoms such as Seinfeld and That '70s Show.

bunnik@uthscsa.edu | Curriculum vitae

Sebastiaan Bol, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist

As a doctoral student in Amsterdam I studied HIV replication in macrophages. Subsequently, as a postdoc in California, I worked on genome organization of the malaria parasite. I love philosophy, listening to music, and watching movies. Some of my more recent favorites are Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Great Beauty. I also love to run and cycle. Ever since we adopted our cats from the shelter, I want to be around them all the time. I am studying to become a veterinary nurse and take great pleasure in doing cat research in my free time.

bols@uthscsa.edu | Curriculum vitae

Jake Gonzales
Graduate Student, Ph.D. Candidate

I am currently a third year graduate student who loves learning about the immune system. I was born and raised in Texas, and I graduated from Angelo State University with a BS in Biology. When I am not studying or doing research, I am either at home playing video games or I’m watching either football, baseball or hockey, depending on the season. I also enjoy listening to music, watching movies, reading comic books, and just chilling out and relaxing (with our cats).

gonzalessj@uthscsa.edu | Curriculum vitae

Melissa Nuñez, MPH
Master Student

I am a Latina who was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I have obtained a BS in Biology from UTSA and a MPH in Epidemiology from Texas A&M. My interests are in global health and infectious diseases. I hope to aid underserved populations, particularly in developing countries, who are vulnerable to infectious diseases. When I am not studying, I love watching the Food Network, baking, and eating desserts. I am adventurous and love to travel whenever I get the chance.

nunezmr@uthscsa.edu | Curriculum vitae

Raphael Reyes
Graduate Student

I am a native Californian from Los Angeles and completed my undergrad at the University of California Riverside. I continued my career in research at the University of Missouri-Columbia and I am now a first year graduate student. As an undergrad I studied the molecular biology of the malaria parasite and as a post-bacc student I was introduced to research in immune cell development. In my graduate studies I wish to integrate both experiences to explore host-pathogen interactions. In my spare time I love to watch films; my current favorite is A Quiet Place.

reyesr11@uthscsa.edu | Curriculum vitae

Ashley Braddom
Graduate Student

I earned a BS in molecular genetics from The Ohio State University where I began my research career by studying the role of microRNAs in skin cancer development. As a graduate student, I am excited to continue building my research skills while learning about malaria and its interactions with the immune system. After graduate school, I hope to study emerging infectious diseases and their treatment in developing, resource-poor areas. In my free time, I enjoy running on the trails around San Antonio.

braddom@uthscsa.edu | Curriculum vitae

Gayani Batugedara
Postdoctoral Researcher

I am originally from Sri Lanka, but have spent most of my life in Southern California. As a doctoral student at the University of California Riverside, I studied genome structure and chromatin organization in the human malaria parasite. During my postdoctoral training, I look forward to exploring the relationship between the malaria parasite and the host immune system. In my spare time, I love to cook, travel and entertain my cats.

batugedara@uthscsa.edu | Curriculum vitae

Bunnik Lab

San Antonio, TX | 2019