Primary Investigator
Ursula Jakob
Primary Investigator
Dr. Jakob's research is on the biochemical aspects of the bacterial response to heat shock.
Dr. Jakob received her B.S. degree in 1991 from Regensburg University in Germany, and her Ph.D. in 1995 also from Regensburg University. From 1996 until 1998 she was a postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Michigan with a fellowship from the German government, and from 1998 until 2001 she was an Assistant Research scientist at UM.
Dr. Jakob has been chosen as a "Biological Scholar" at the University of Michigan, a prestigious designation awarded by a University-wide committee. She is also a recipient of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award in the Biomedical Sciences 2000. In addition, she won a Sokol Postdoctoral Award in 1998.
Staff Scientists
Bryndon Oleson
Research Scientist
Bryndon received his PhD from the Medical College of Wisconsin and joined the Jakob lab in 2018 as a postdoctoral fellow. Using C. elegans as a model organism, Bryndon studies epigenetic regulation of proteostasis and aging, and how early life events can influence organismal longevity. Outside the lab, Bryndon enjoys hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, cooking, and craft beer.
Graduate Students
Pavithra Mahadevan
Graduate Student (She/Her)
Pavithra completed her Masters from Heidelberg University, Germany. In lab, she investigates the role of polyphosphates in amyloidogenic processes and neurodegeneration. If not seen bopping around the lab with her headphones on, she can be found on a quest to find good coffee, plants and food.
Luke Rolling
Graduate Student
Luke grew up in Michigan and completed his BS degree here at the University of Michigan in 2021. He is interested in the role histone modifications play in hormetic adaptions to stress and how such adaptions influence longevity pathways in both cell culture and mammalian models. Outside of lab he enjoys spending time with his wife, engaging with his local church, fishing, hiking, camping, and lifting weights.
Akash Rai
Graduate Student (He/They)
Akash completed his MS right here at MCDB with the Jakob lab. Having dipped his toes into the biology of polyphosphate, he couldn't wait to uncover the secrets of this ancient biopolymer. His research focuses on delineating the mechanism of how polyphosphate interacts with the cytoskeleton to influence cellular migration and contact inhibition. He aims to apply this research to further the understanding of tumorigenesis and cancer. When he isn't in lab, Akash is training to be an aerialist. He believes that every problem can be solved by putting on a pair of high heels and playing the PS5 (not necessarily in that order).
Janakraj Bhattrai
Graduate Student
Janak completed his MS from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, India. In the lab, he studies the connection between redox regulated histone modifications and longevity pathways in C. elegans. He enjoys hiking, camping and playing soccer.
Jian Guan
Graduate Student
Jian received his BS at the Ocean University of China in 2019. Using E. coli as a model organism, he investigates the role of polyphosphate in the formation and function of bacterial phase separated condensates.
Lab Staff
Traci Banjanin
Lab Manager and Research Technician
Sarah Zalubas
Research Technician (She/Her)
Ke Wan
Research Laboratory Technician Senior
Ken joined the Bardwell lab as a technician from an HHMI lab in June 2013. Ken’s work is mainly on protein expression and purification. He makes all kinds of constructs for E. coli, Baculovirus insect cell and yeast systems as well as purifying proteins with or without tags using the AKTA system. He enjoys screening and optimizing protein crystals. Ken likes traveling, swimming and fishing.
Undergraduates
Aanchal Jain
Undergraduate (She/Her)
Aanchal is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, majoring in MCDB. She is originally from Okemos, MI, and plans on attending medical school after the completion of her undergraduate degree. Aanchal is currently working with Akash to explore the role of polyphosphate in filopodia formation. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.
Alpana Rajagopal
Undergraduate (She/Her)
Alpana is a freshman at the University of Michigan majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She is also minoring in Medical Anthropology and is on the pre-med track. Alpana is from Farmington Hills, Michigan and excited to learn as much as possible. She is currently working with Janak to observe the effect of silencing genes on lifespan. Outside of the lab, she enjoys dancing and is on a coed fusion team called Michigan Manzat!
Kat Goralka
Undergraduate (She/Her)
Adam Jackiw
Undergraduate (He/Him)
Adam is a junior at the University of Michigan, majoring in Biochemistry and Mathematics. He is working with Bryndon on studying the role of epigenetic regulation on cellular stress responses and aging. Outside of lab, he enjoys practicing Muay Thai and is preparing to apply to medical school.
Hannah Zunker
Undergraduate (She/Her)
Hannah is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Asian Languages and Cultures. She is originally from Seattle, WA and plans to use her knowledge in the research field to make a positive impact on the world. Hannah is working with Akash on polyphosphate's role in cell-cell contact inhibition and its impact on tumorigenesis. Outside of the lab, she enjoys working out, hiking, and exploring the world.
Caden Proctor
Undergraduate
Caden is a sophomore at the University of Michigan, majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Computer Science. He is originally from St. Clair, MI and plans on pursuing a doctorate in Biochemistry after graduation. Caden is working with postdoc Agnes Ulfig researching redox status and lifespan in C. elegans. Outside of the lab, he enjoys making music, working out, and playing in the Michigan Marching Band.