Ashwana D. Fricker | Faculty Profiles

Diplomas/Degrees

PhD, Cornell University (2015)

BS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Instutite (2008)

Personal Statement

I joined 91国产 as an Assistant Professor in Fall 2024. Prior to this position, I completed a post-doc with Dr. Flores at California State University, Northridge (2021-2024) studying human-associated microorganisms and the ecological dynamics within their communities. Prior to that role, I taught Introduction to Microbiology at Purdue University (2018-2021) while also studying the effect of an invasive predator on microbial communities as a visiting scholar with Dr. Lindemann at Purdue University (2017-2018). I moved to Purdue from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil researching the persistence factor, RelA, as a post-doc with Dr. Gueiros-Filho at (2015-2017). Before Brazil, I completed my PhD in Microbiology from Cornell University (2015) working on heterologous transposable elements. I transitioned directly to graduate school after finishing a BS in Biochemistry & Biophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2008) where I helped to isolate and determine the dechlorination patterns of Dehalococcoides.

These experiences have given me a deep understanding of different subjects within Microbiology, which I am passionate about passing on to the next generation of scholars!

Recent Courses

Biological Concepts And Methods 1 ( Lab )

Microbiology

Courses Previously Taught

BIO221 (Microbiology for Non-majors) at Purdue University

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is based around the core concepts of student-driven learning and cooperative learning while making the classroom an inclusive space.

In the classroom, I hope to increase student interest which I believe drives self-learning. I provide hands-on exercises (ex. microscopy), projects (ex. unknown species identification), and online tools (ex. bioinformatic searches) within which the students can choose-their-own adventure. These types of activities help students connect more fully with the material.

Classroom community is a fundamental component of education. To establish a strong community, students in my classes work in partnerships, multi-person groups, and entire sections, as they proceeded through the coursework and answer their research questions. To further encourage teamwork and friendly competition, student groups are offered non-point-based rewards for completing team-based activities throughout the semester.

Research Interests

One major contributor to human disease, including obesity, liver diseases, and cancer are the microorganisms residing in the gut, collectively known as the gut microbiome. Each individual has a personalized microbiome that is cultivated through their lifetime and highly dependent on the nutrient intake of the individual. An imbalance of these organisms within an individual, known as dysbiosis, is closely associated with poor health. One mechanism by which microorganisms affect host health is through the production of metabolites that interact with the local epithelial tissues. The production of bacterial metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids, may shift from baseline in a dysbiotic community thus causing increased inflammation. However, live microorganisms (probiotics) or foods aimed at promoting growth of microorganisms (prebiotics) can be consumed to rehabilitate the intestinal microbiome leading to recovery of the microbiome and improved host health. Therefore, my research objectives are to develop diverse and resilient microbiomes through the application of pre- and pro-biotics.

International Experience

In Brazil, I was a postdoctoral researcher studying the mechanism of bacterial persistence in Gram-positive organisms.