Stanimir Rachev
Hometown: Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Education: Columbia University (Biochemistry)
Dual Mentors: Eugene Chang, Rustem Ismagilov
Project Discription
I am interested in understanding microbial ecology in the gut and the role of diversity in stability. Diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease involve a disturbance in the microbiome composition, which makes the host more susceptible to pathogens. In the Ismagilov group, I will be using microfluidics to develop an in vitro model of microbial interactions. The end goal will be finding whether specific metabolic niches or species are essential for a robust community. If such species are identified, I will then use mouse models in the Chang group to validate their role in vivo with the aim of future therapeutic treatments.