*Please note, this is not an exhaustive list as not all lab members chose to have their bio listed online.
Graduate students
Johanna Holman, B.S.
Master’s of Science, Human Nutrition and Food Sciences
Johanna joined the lab in fall 2020 to investigate the effects of diet on the gut microbiome, and on host-microbial interactions. For the past several years, she has been working with Drs. Tao Zhang and Yanyan Li at Husson University, and her project will combine her previous work on the nutritional biochemistry of broccoli with effects on gut microbes.
2022 Norris Charles Clements Graduate Student Award
2020-2021 University of Maine Graduate Student Employee of the Year
Ayodeji Olaniyi, B.S.
Master’s of Science, Animal Science
Ayodeji is a graduate student in the animal science department. An aspiring and self-motivated student, with practical experience in animal production and proper farm maintenance. Spurred by the needs to improve the production of meat/livestock in Africa and ensure good health and environmental conditions for animals. Also an Animal Science Enthusiast that seeks acquisition of knowledge and the practical use of such knowledge to bridge the gap between research findings and solving Animal production challenges. He joined the lab in 2022 tracking the trends in the spread of Cryptosporidium parvum at the Witter farm. Ayodeji is an international student from Nigeria and he is looking forward to all UMaine has to offer in this next phase of his life.
Lola Holcomb
PhD, Biomedical Science
Joined March 2022, bio in development
Undergraduates
Alexis Kirkendall
Undergraduate Researcher, Biology, Heidelberg University
Alexis is from Ohio and is majoring in Biology at Heidelberg University. Her research interests are in genetics and she has a love for the fascinating world of microbes. She joined the lab through the Summer 2022 REU. She is researching Cryptosporidium in cows, helping in the MSE Symposium, and aiding in the Camel Rumen Microbiome Project this summer.
Marielle Pelletier
Undergraduate Researcher, Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Marielle Pelletier is an undergraduate student on the pre-veterinary track studying Animal and Veterinary Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. She has worked in the veterinary field since high school
and has personally seen the effects of veterinary shortages in various areas of the world. Her experiences in veterinary medicine in both rural and urban Maine as well as in underdeveloped Costa Rican neighborhoods have piqued her interest in the veterinary shortage crisis Maine is currently facing. As a Top Scholar at the University of Maine, Ellie hopes to expand her knowledge in the animal and environmental health areas and connect with local policymakers to create an effective management plan to absorb Maine’s shortage while
advancing her laboratory and research skills.
Lab Affiliates
Adwoa Dankwa, M.S.
Doctorate of Philosophy, Human Nutrition and Food Sciences, Adviser: Dr. Jennifer Perry
Adwoa is a graduate student in Food Science and Human Nutrition department. Adwoa’s work in the Perry lab is focused on understanding the microbial and chemical composition of fermented non-dairy low alcohol beverages and how these influence consumer acceptability over time. Dr. Ishaq serves on Adwoa’s committee to provide expert advice on microbial ecology, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis. Aside from formal mentorship, Dr. Ishaq provides insight, support, and encouragement in all areas that are deemed helpful in making Adwoa succeed in her program. Adwoa originally hails from Ghana and is loving all the seasons Maine has to offer.
Alice Hotopp, M.S.
Doctorate of Philosophy candidate, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Advisors: Drs. Kristina Cammen and Brian Olsen.
Alice is a PhD candidate in Ecology and Environmental Sciences, co-advised by Drs. Kristina Cammen and Brian Olsen. Alice is part of the Genomic Ecology of Coastal Organisms (GECO) research group, which studies the genomic basis of adaptation in sparrow species inhabiting tidal salt marshes along the Atlantic coast of North America. Alice’s research focuses on understanding potential evolutionary drivers of plumage coloration, such as plumage microbial communities, in tidal marsh sparrows.
| Research Students mentored | Current | Former | Total while at UMaine |
| Total all | 26 | 29 | 55 |
| PhD, primary mentor | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| PhD, committee member | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| MS, primary mentor | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| MS, committee member | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| MPS, primary mentor | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| MPS, committee member | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Honors, primary mentor | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Honors, committee member | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Capstone | 12 | 15 | 27 |
| Top Scholar | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| BS, primary mentor | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Join the lab
Interested in our work? Please read the information provided to determine if the Ishaq lab might be right for you before inquiring. Still interested? Send your CV and a brief explanation of what you want to study and why you want to join a research lab.