I am Vishant Gandhi, a PhD student in Dr. Karsten Zengler's Lab at UC San Diego, where I study host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions within the microbiome and use synthetic biology methods to address human health challenges. I completed my undergraduate degree in bioengineering at UC Riverside, where I developed an early interest in genetic engineering and systems biology. My passion for bioengineering began in high school while conducting a foundational experiment with GFP-transfected bacteria, inspiring me to explore the potential of biological systems to improve health. Before starting my PhD, I worked as a Postbaccalaureate IRTA fellow at the National Institute on Aging in the Experimental Gerontology Section with Dr. Rafael DeCabo, investigating mouse aging models in the Study of Longitudinal Aging in Mice. 

My doctoral research employs the MIND technique to explore substrate preferences and interactions within the urinary tract and pulmonary system, using MetaDNA-Seq, MetaRNA-Seq, and MetaRibo-Seq to define ecological niches and identify therapeutic targets. I aim to develop strategies to modulate these microbiomes using prebiotics and probiotics to restore microbial balance and counteract conditions like interstitial cystitis and cystic fibrosis. I am particularly interested in solutions to common bacterial diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cystic fibrosis (CF) that are understudied and disproportionately affect underserved communities. My goal is to translate microbiome research into actionable solutions for public health through collaborations with institutions like the NIH. I aim to develop robust synthetic microbial communities and therapeutics that improve human health and address pressing public health challenges.

Outside the lab, I enjoy watching F1, pickleball, hiking, exploring San Diego, and engaging with science communication initiatives to inspire the next generation of researchers.