People

Lab Members




Professor
Department of Microbiology and Cell Science University of Florida
Email | CV

Jamie Foster

Jamie Foster is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida. Dr. Foster’s research lab is located at the Space Life Sciences Lab – Exploration Park, Merritt Island, FL

Education: Ph.D., 2000, Zoology, Mechanisms of developmental remodeling in the symbiosis between the Hawaiian squid Euprymna scolopes and the luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri, University of Hawai’i; M.S., 1996, Biological Sciences University of Southern California; B.S., 1992, Zoology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Research Interests: Dr. Foster is dedicated to understanding the complex interactions of symbiotic microbes with their surrounding environment.

Madeline Vroom

Maddie is currenting working on her Ph.D research at the University of Florida Space Life Science Lab.
 
Education: B.S. 2016, Microbiology, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH.
 
Maddie’s interest focuses on investigating the role that mutualistic bacterial symbionts play in the physiological development of their animal host. Maddie’s current research involves elucidating the mechanisms by which apoptosis-driven morphological changes occur in juvenile Euprymna scolopes colonized with symbiotic Vibrio fischeri and the effect of a space environment (microgravity) on these developmental events.
 

Natasha Sng

Natasha is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Florida Space Life Science Lab.

Education: Ph.D., 2017, Plant Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Florida; M.S., 2011, Translational Medicine, Harvard and University of Western Australia; B.S., 2009, Biomedical Genetics, University of Western Australia.

Research interest: Natasha’s research interest focuses on understanding the plant-microbial interaction of crops grown in conditions observed on the International Space Station. Her research will identify important microbes that will aid in producing food that is safe and sustainable for astronauts in future space exploration missions.

Professor Octavius Squidby

Prof Squidby is the Lab Mascot providing emotional calmness and stress relief.
 
Education:  Cephalopodiatrist Extraordinaire