People

The Bunnik lab in 2024. Left to right: Jake Moore, Rolando Garza, Anakaren Garcia,
Bella Gonzalez, Caroline Torres, Avani Nagaragere, Evelien Bunnik and Sebastiaan Bol.

For lab photographs from previous years, click here.

Evelien M. Bunnik, PhD

Associate 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 the least developed countries.

In my spare time, I like to clear my mind by being active outdoors. I love taking photographs of flora and fauna, running, and cycling. When at home, I enjoy cuddling my cats, solving puzzles, playing games like Stray and Moss on the PS5, and listening to audiobooks or podcasts.

bunnik@uthscsa.edu

Vinit Upasani, PhD

Postdoctoral researcher

I am interested in understanding the interactions between the human immune system and pathogens.

I did my PhD on innate and B cell immune responses to dengue virus at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and Institut Pasteur in Cambodia.

Most of my previous research has been on understanding host immunity to viruses causing tropical diseases.

In my free time, I follow football (or soccer) and read up on world history and archaeology.

Now, I am excited to broaden my research interests by working on B cell immunity to Plasmodium falciparum in the Bunnik lab.

Rolando Garza
MD/PhD student (2021 - present)

I am interested in the host-immune response and host-pathogen interactions as it pertains to human disease states. I was born and raised in a small town called Uvalde. I earned my BS from UTSA and did my post-baccalaureate training in the department of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania. On my free time, I enjoy cooking, watching anime, jogging, and playing bass guitar in a cover band.

Anakaren Garcia
Undergraduate student (2023 - present)

I am an undergraduate student at St. Mary’s University pursuing a BS in Biology; I am also in the South Texas Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, which led me to join Dr. Bunnik's lab.

I am so excited about the research in the lab, but the close family feel of the lab motivated me to join Dr. Bunnik and her team. In my free time, I enjoy long walks taking in how green San Antonio is (I am originally from desert El Paso). Everyone has been extremely welcoming, and I am excited to learn and work in the Bunnik lab.

Sebastiaan Bol, PhD

I worked in the Bunnik lab for 8.5 years since 2016 as a senior research scientist and research assistant professor. After our publication in Nature last winter, I decided it was time for me to do something I am even more passionate about. As of 2025 I am working full time as the science director at Cowboy Cat Ranch, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization helping cats. With a group of 11 volunteer scientists we do ethical scientific research aimed to help improve the quality of life of cats. We received a small grant ($3,000) from the British animal welfare science society UFAW to allow for the purchase of equipment, but most of this research is self-funded. I still help the Bunnik lab with data analysis and writing as a freelancer when needed.

Bunnik lab alumni

Jake Gonzales
PhD student (2017 - 2021)

"I work for BioLegend as a Technical Application Scientist. The experience I gained during my time in the Bunnik lab, ranging from basic lab techniques to improving my skills in scientific communication, have all been invaluable in moving my career forward into the position I am in today. Dr. Bunnik’s mentorship extended to activities beyond the lab as she always encouraged us to take the time to relieve the stress that comes with grad school. One of my favorite examples of this was the time Dr. Bunnik took us all out for a day of kayaking on Medina Lake and board games in the middle of a work week just to help us all unwind and enjoy each other’s company outside of the lab."

Ashley Braddom Reers
PhD student (2018 - 2022)

"During my time in the Bunnik lab, I studied epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of gene expression in Plasmodium falciparum. The experience I gained during my graduate education under the mentorship of Dr. Bunnik was invaluable to my development as a scientist. In her lab, I had the opportunity to learn bioinformatic and wet-lab approaches to tackle complex biological questions while working alongside passionate scientists from diverse backgrounds. Currently, I work as a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. Hannah Frank at Tulane University where I study the development of B cell responses to vaccination and infection in bats."

Raphael Reyes
PhD student (2018 - 2023)

"In the Bunnik lab I studied B cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 and P. falciparum at the antibody and cellular level. During my time there, I cultivated my interest in harnessing the humoral immune response to develop better vaccine strategies and therapeutics for protection against infectious diseases. In the Bunnik lab I had the opportunity of collaborating and learning from leading scientists around the world. I am very grateful for the mentorship and the immense support I received from Dr. Bunnik which has helped me in reaching my career aspirations. I am now working as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Ragon Institute."

Katie Clarke
MSc student (2020 - 2022)

"I work at Regeneron, as part of the therapeutic antibody discovery and technology development team. Prior to this position, I received an MS in Immunology and Infection after completing my thesis research in the Bunnik lab. Subsequently, I had the great opportunity to remain in this lab as a research assistant before starting my current role. During my time in the Bunnik lab, I worked alongside excellent scientists and scientists-in-training and conducted fascinating research on the characteristics of antibody-mediated immunity against the malaria parasite. The Bunnik lab thoroughly prepared me for the role I have now, both by facilitating professional development and by increasing my confidence in myself as a scientist."

Elizabeth Martinez-Scholze
MSc student (2021 - 2022)

"Being a student in the Bunnik lab was an invaluable experience for me because I gained research experience that I continue to use today. There are several memorable experiences I had while in the Bunnik lab, my favorite is probably the time we went kayaking at Medina Lake. I had a little too much fun that day and fell off my kayak into the water. I still laugh when I think about that experience and hope that future students in the lab have as great a time that I did (water not included)."

Nirel Ayerty
High school student (summer 2022)

"The Bunnik lab was the first one I had ever worked at, and I was not disappointed one bit! Everyone was very kind and welcoming. There was a warmth and friendliness in the lab that made it feel very inviting. I not only learned a lot in the short time I was there, but I also had fun. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget."

Update December 2022: Nirel got accepted to Brown University, one of the eight Ivy League colleges in the country! Congratulations Nirel!

Rodriel Bautista
MSc student (2022 - 2023)

"Joining the Bunnik lab has been an incredible learning experience and has shaped me into a better researcher. Throughout my time in the lab I was was able to gain valuable skills in experimental troubleshooting, critical thinking, and had opportunities to learn new laboratory techniques. Being surrounded by all of the passionate members of the lab fostered a motivational research environment in a lively and safe learning space. Following my time in the MS program, I have since moved back to California in search of my next career opportunity in the industry."

Tobias Daney
High school student (summer 2023)

"This was my first experience in a real lab and I had a great time. I did a lot of work that taught me valuable skills and I had fun at the same time. The feeling of community in the lab added greatly to my time there. Even though I only spent a short time there I was able to get hands-on experience in many different areas which helped me realize I want to pursue this work in the future."

Other former trainees in the Bunnik lab

Bayan Fallatah

Hannah Hall

Mawjuda Abdulrashid

Melissa Nunez

Raksha Parthasarathy

Gayani Batugedara

Cambrey Gallardo

Moawiz Saeed

Meagan Ybarra

Caroline Torres

Gina Gonzalez

Brendan Determann II

Nadine Chacon

Bella Gonzalez

Avani Nagaragere

Jake Moore

San Antonio, TX | 2025

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