People

Abhishek Shrivastava, PhD

Assistant Professor, Arizona State University (2019 - current)

Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University (2013 - 2019)

I develop experimental & computational approaches to solve questions related to the microbiome, biofilms, collective motion, chemotaxis, molecular motors, and protein secretion. During my Postdoctoral training, I became interested in figuring out the factors that shape spatial structure of the human microbiota. We found that motile microbes of the phylum Bacteroidetes that are abundant in the human oral microbiome carry other non-motile bacteria as cargo and shape developing biofilms. Alongside, we also found a molecular rack and pinion machinery that couples with a bacterial Type 9 Secretion System (T9SS) and enables surface navigation.

My lab at Arizona State University combines biology, physics, and computer science to answer curiosity-driven questions that are mostly related to the Microbiome and Microbial systems biology. Many recent reports show that changes in the human microbiome correlate with the occurrence of periodontal disease, oral and colorectal cancers, obesity, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aim to find why and how the microbiome correlates with the above diseases and how we can use this information to design therapeutic strategies. On the Microbial Systems Biology front, we are interested in finding the nuts and bolts of a molecular rack and pinion machinery, driven by the T9SS. Please check the research section of this website for detailed information.

In spring, I teach a course titled Programming for Biologists. This course imparts a functional knowledge of Python. In fall, I teach a course titled Biology of microorganisms. Outside the lab, I enjoy tennis, cricket, volleyball, and random walks.

Lab Members

Jitendra Gosai, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow)

I am passionate about understanding how bacteria regulate complex physiological traits, especially ones that determine association with hosts. My current research includes understanding the regulation and biophysics of T9SS-mediated gliding motility. I use tools ranging from bacterial genetics, protein biochemistry, microscopy and computational biology. Outside the lab, I like capturing stories on CMOS sensors.

Em Henderson (PhD student)

The wide array of microbial communities and the level of complexity to which such small organisms can achieve has always been a fascinating topic to me. During my undergraduate research career at Illinois State University, I focused on the metabolism taking place within Staphylococcal species. I have now transitioned into studying bacterial secretion system machinery, specifically the type 9 secretion system, that certain species utilize in order to carry out functions, like gliding motility. In my free time I enjoy doing puzzles, golfing, and enjoying the Arizona sun!

Sofia Rocha (PhD student)

I am a 4th year PhD student in Microbiology. For my undergraduate, I studied at ASU with a major in Microbiology with a minor in Spanish. I joined the Shrivastava lab as an undergraduate researcher focusing on the role of motility within the human oral microbiome. My current research focuses on the Type 9 Secretion System and the human microbiome and how they influence each other. I am fascinated by the unseen world and love to look at the world at the microscopic level. My hobbies include hiking and traveling with my dogs and family.

Pavani Dadi (PhD student)

I am a fourth-year Ph.D. student in Dr. Shrivastava's and Dr. Shah's labs, researching gut microbial enzymes and their metabolites influence on human physiology. Currently, we're focused on in-vitro characterization of enzymes from gut Bacteroides. In the future, I plan to explore the genetic manipulation of Bacteroides to study their potential links to neurodegenerative diseases. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking, painting, and drawing.

Samyabrata Sen (PhD student)

I am a 3rd year PhD student studying how the Type IX Secretion System (T9SS) powers both the gliding motility of Flavobacterium johnsoniae and shapes the microbiome’s response to diet. By linking microbial movement to community dynamics, my work aims to reveal how microscopic mechanisms influence health. Outside of research, I enjoy writing, soccer, playing FIFA on Xbox, and photographing the skies of Tempe.

Armon Malaekeh (PhD student)

I am a 1st-year Biology PhD student in the Shrivastava Lab and have received my B.S. and M.S. in Biology at ASU. I am interested in bacterial motility in relation to microbiome community development. My current research outlook is based on the collective behavior of Flavobacterium Johnsonaiae and their unique zorbing properties. Understanding these dynamics can beneficially impact real-world applications such as microbiome health and agriculture, infection control, and biomaterials. Outside of the lab I enjoy spending time with my cat Bloo, catching a good happy hour, and doing outside activities with friends.

Nishoni Huber (PhD student)

Microbes may be small, but their impact on our lives is anything but! I’m a first-year Microbiology PhD student, currently rotating in Dr. Shrivastava’s lab. My research interests center on how microbial communities shape health and disease, and the surprising strategies they use to influence their environments. Outside the lab, you’ll usually find me hiking, swimming, traveling, or catching live music.

Saniya Bhatnagar (Master's student)

I am currently pursuing my Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering. I’ve always been interested in biology, especially microbiology and am especially interested in the intersection of computer science and biology with a focus on computational biology. Moving forward, I would like to pursue an education and career in bioinformatics and pursue research that combines computation and microbiology and genetics. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.

Dhrithi Bhat (Master's student)

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computational Life Sciences, building on my undergraduate background in Biotechnology. My research primarily lies in the field of Computational Biology, where I explore biological systems through data-driven and model-based approaches. I have previously worked on Molecular Docking and Dynamics studies, focusing on understanding disease mechanisms in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Alzheimer’s. At present, my research is centred on the computational study of bacterial cells. Beyond academics, I am a trained classical vocalist and have debuted as a playback singer. P.S. I can lose track of time in a library or a cozy café with a good book in hand!

Blue Tartevet (Master's student)

I am pursuing an M.S. in Molecular & Cellular Biology, and have received my B.S. in Microbiology from North Carolina State University. My undergraduate studies were in plant pathology, but my current research is focused on the structure and function of core T9SS proteins in Flavobacterium johnsoniae. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing pool, cosplaying at local conventions, and experimenting with sound on my electric bass.

Ravi Manchikalapati (Undergraduate Researcher)

I am currently studying Biomedical Sciences with a Certificate in Computational Life Sciences. I plan to pursue further education in medicine while continuing my research career, with the goal of advancing biomedical science. My interests lie in exploring the ways microbes affect human health and in investigating the processes governing bacterial movement across surfaces. I enjoy working out in the gym, spending time with friends and family, cooking, and listening to music.

Lab alumni

Abhishek Trivedi, PhD

Indraneel Vairagare

Amanda Zdimal, PhD

Taryn Collins

Riya Garg

Arad Arasteh

Maxim Averbukh

Kaxandra Nessie

Madeleine Zheng

Claudia Brouwer