Xavier Revelo, Ph.D., Principal Investigator - Xavier is an Assistant Professor in the Deparment of Integrative Biology and Physiology (IBP) and Center for Immunology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Xavier obtained a BS from Zamorano University, an MS from the University of Vermont, and his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. In 2012, Xavier moved to Toronto-Canada to complete his postdoctoral training in Immunometabolism at the University of Toronto Banting and Best Diabetes Center. Xavier joined the IBP Department in March of 2018 where his research program focuses on the role of the immune system on metabolic disease. Xavier is an avid long-distance runner who trains year-round for the marathon distance.
Haiguang Wang, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow - Haiguang trained in the laboratory of Dr. Kristin Hogquist investigating the development and function of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. His Ph.D. dissertation was selected as the 2020 Best Dissertation at the University of Minnesota. Upon obtaining his Ph.D., Haiguang worked as a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Dario Vignali lab at the University of Pittsburgh. He returned to Minnesota in 2020 to join the Revelo lab. His research focuses on improving our understanding of the mechanisms by which the intestinal immune system plays an important role in metabolic diseases.
Gavin Fredrickson, IBP Ph.D. student - Gavin received his bachelor's degree in human physiology at the University of Minnesota. He has furthered his passion for physiology by working as a teaching assistant for PHSL 3061. His physiology interests expand to exercise science which is the subject of his current research with the Revelo lab. Upon Graduation, Gavin will pursue a Ph.D. within the field of physiology and metabolism. In addition to his research, Gavin enjoys rock climbing, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends and family.
Fanta Barrow, IBP Ph.D. Candidate - Fanta was born and raised in The Gambia. She completed her B.S. in Biochemistry Biotechnology at Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2017, and after graduation worked as a Biotechnologist in industry before pursuing research at the University of Minnesota. She initially joined the Revelo lab as Researcher I, where she investigated the role of the adaptive immune system in the progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. With a keen interest in the field of Immunometabolism, she chose the Integrative Biology & Physiology graduate program to further her training. Outside of lab, she loves dancing, watching Korean dramas, collecting memories for her memory book and compiling silly pictures of her friends.
Preethy Parthiban, IBP Ph.D. Candidate - Preethy is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the Integrated Biology and Physiology department. Her primary research interest lies in cardiac inflammation with a specific focus on the protective role of cardiac resident macrophages. She completed her Bachelors in Electronics and Communication Engineering in India (2017) and went on to do her Masters in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota (2019). Upon completion of her Ph.D., she would like to join the pharmaceutical industry and establish a research track career. Outside of the lab, Preethy enjoys various arts and crafts including singing, dancing, painting, and crocheting. Being an indoor nut helped her survive the COVID-19 pandemic!
Maya Abumjara, Undergraduate Researcher, UROP Program. Maya is an undergraduate researcher pursuing a B.S. in Biology in the College of Biological Sciences. She is interested in the role of B cells in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, part of her UROP project. Maya plans to attend dental school in the upcoming fall. Outside of the lab, she loves snowboarding, playing the piano, music theater, embroidery, and exploring the greater Minneapolis area. Maya is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin (yes, go Pack go!).
Kira Florczak, Undergraduate Researcher, UROP Program. Kira is an undergraduate researcher currently pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry. She joined our lab to explore her ever going interest in immunology. She is investigating the role of macrophages in NASH, which is a part of her UROP project. When she is not in the lab you can find her hanging out with family and friends, reading, or petting every single cat she lays eyes on!
Huy Nguyen, Undergraduate Researcher, UPRIME Program. Huy is an undergraduate researcher pursuing a B.A. in Human Physiology at the College of Liberal Arts. He originally joined the lab through the UPRIME summer research program and is continuing lab work through his final undergraduate year. He is investigating the role of exercise on the cardiac immunity cell landscape. Outside of the lab he likes to play recreational soccer and explore the food scene of the Twin Cities.