C. Joaquin Cáceres. BSc, PhD (Principal Investigator)
I am an Assistant Professor in the VMPM department. I obtained my BSc from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and my PhD in Microbiology from Universidad de Chile in 2017, under the mentorship of Marcelo López-Lastra. My PhD focused on non-canonical mechanisms of mRNA translation used by retroviruses, hepatitis C, and hantaviruses. In 2018, I began my postdoc at the University of Georgia (UGA). In 2022, I was promoted to Assistant Research Scientist (non-tenure track faculty). My research at UGA focused on the influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, I participated in developing and testing novel vaccine platforms and antivirals. My current research focuses on the pathogenesis and viral-host interactions of influenza and coronaviruses relevant for animals and humans.
Poulami Basu Thakur. BSc, MS, PhD, (Postdoctoral Research Associate)
I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Caceres Lab in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine. I obtained a BSc with Honors in Biological Sciences from the University of Calcutta, India, and an MS in Plant Pathology & Microbiology from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. After that I completed my PhD in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. My doctoral research was conducted at the Influenza Division of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the mentorship of Dr. Jessica Belser (CDC) and the co-mentorship of Dr. Anice Lowen (Emory University). My doctoral research examined how bacterial species in the human upper respiratory tract influence the infectivity and replication of human and zoonotic influenza
A virus. My research interests include emerging respiratory viruses in human and animal populations and the development of diagnostics and therapeutics to
combat these infections.
Sofia Cabrera, MSc Biotechnology, (Research Scientist I)
I recently joined the Cáceres lab as a Research Scientist. I received my BSc from Universidad de las Americas in 2022 and my MSc in Biotechnology from Northeastern University in 2025. I am particularly interested in viral diseases affecting livestock and in translating early scientific discoveries into practical tools such as vaccines.
Nayrmaliz Marrero, B.S Microbiology, (Graduate Student Research Assistant)
I am pursuing a PhD in Microbiology with a focus on virology. I got my Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology at Iowa State University in 2025. Throughout my undergraduate program, I had multiple research opportunities, including work with bacteria, fungi, and viruses. My biggest interest is in molecular biology and genetics. After this program I’d like to become a physician and integrate research into my practice.
Serban Constantin Oancea (Undergraduate Research Assistant)
I am a Junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and minoring in pharmacology/toxicology at Iowa State University. Through my undergraduate coursework and my lab experience I have developed a strong interest in combining these fields to improve the quality of life. In the future I hope to pursue a masters degree to deepen my knowledge and understanding.
Luke Valerio-Garsow (Undergraduate Research Assistant)
I am a junior studying Biology and minoring in genetics at Iowa State. I am on the pre-medicine path and hope to one day become a primary care physician to combine my passion for science and love for working with people!
Violet Montgomery (Undergraduate Research Assistant)
I am a freshman pursuing a degree in Animal Science at Iowa State. I hope to attend veterinary school after graduation. Through my coursework at Iowa State, I have developed a strong interest in learning more about research and microbiology.
Tommy Nguyen, B.A Biology, DVM student (Veterinary Student Research Assistant)
Tommy Nguyen spent the summer of 2025 in the Caceres lab working on his project titled “Host range and binding profiles of Influenza A(H5N1) in livestock species”. He further plans to pursue veterinary medicine as a career and hopes to go into academia.