Undergraduates

Arnold Wang
I’m from the Greater Houston area and a Junior here at Texas A&M majoring in Biology. I hope to advance my knowledge of microbiology while contributing to the lab’s ongoing research. Outside of the lab, my hobbies include reading, traveling, and miniature painting.

Dominic Tharakan
I am a Senior Biology major at Texas A&M from San Antonio, on the pre-medical track. I aim to leverage the skills and expertise gained in the Paredes-Sabja Lab towards a career in medicine that integrates clinical practice with ongoing research. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing guitar, photography, and playing sports.

Alexandra Aldridge
Alex is a Senior undergraduate student studying Molecular and Cell Biology at Texas A&M University. Her research is focused on the development of fluorescent reporters to track localization and expression of spore surface proteins. She is pursuing medical school following graduation.

Rayyan Quazi
I’m a Junior at Texas A&M, I am a Pre-med majoring in Biology. I’m originally from The Woodlands. I’m interested in Anatomy and how the systems of the body work. Some hobbies I enjoy is playing sports such as football and basketball. I also like traveling, singing, and having fun with my friends.

Rohan Keshwala
I’m a Senior Microbiology major originally from Austin, TX. In the lab I’m working on developing a EMS treatment to identify novel suppressor mutations to restore spore surface layers. I plan to pursue a PhD and pursue a career in the life sciences. Outside the lab I enjoy going to Taco Bell and watching Marvel movies.

Selena Cardona
My name is Selena Cardona, I am from Houston, Texas, and I am a third year microbiology undergraduate here at Texas A&M. Following my bachelors, I plan to enter an MD/PhD program. I I want to continue contributing to new advancements in medicine and microbiology. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog, crocheting, and reading.

Madhura Naik
I’m a Junior at Texas A&M University, majoring in Microbiology on the pre-med track, and originally from Dallas, TX. I’m passionate about understanding the complexities of microbial life and how they impact human health as I work toward my goal of pursuing a career in medicine. Also, I enjoy traveling, singing, painting, and playing badminton.

Michael Louie
I’m a sophomore at Texas A&M University from Kingwood, Texas. I’m double majoring in Biochemistry and Microbiology, and am looking to go to graduate school to pursue a PhD. I am deeply interested in research concerning microbial processes and their effects on the human body. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, playing the cello, and listening to classical music.

Nicolas Khouri
I’m a Junior Biology major at Texas A&M on a pre-med track. I’m originally from Beirut, Lebanon. A fun fact about me is that I am fluent in Arabic and French. I enjoy the outdoors, playing sports, and discovering new music. In the lab I’m interested in studying the mechanisms driving assembly of the outer layers of C. difficile spores and using what I learn as a physician in the future.

Siena Palicke
Howdy! My name is Siena Palicke and I am Senior majoring in Microbiology at Texas A&M. The knowledge and skills I have acquired through research will propel me into the field of medicine after I receive my degree. A fun fact about me is that I am from Orange County, California. In my free time I love to read, play with my dog, run long distance and hike.

Paige Wurster
Paige is a Senior BIMS major graduating in August 2025. After graduation she plans to get a Master’s in Microbiology and is waiting to hear back from graduate schools. Her plans after that are not set in stone but she hopes to keep doing research, and work in a lab. When Paige is not in class or doing research, she plays on the Texas A&M women’s rugby team. She also enjoys baking, going to the gym, and gardening.