Erin Ostrem, PhD
Scientist I
Erin earned her PhD in the lab of Dr. Jae-Hyuk Yu at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she studied metabolic mechanisms in Aspergillus species. She continued her training as a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Dr. Ophelia Venturelli, at UW–Madison, studying gut microbial ecology and short-chain fatty acid production. Her current research interests center on understanding how resident lung microbiota influence asthma and microbial infections. Outside the lab, Erin enjoys exploring a variety of hobbies, including gardening, mushroom hunting, electroplating, sewing, and food fermentation.
Molly Hellberg
Research Technician
Molly earned her undergraduate degree in Biology with a certificate in Environmental Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. During her studies, she gained field research experience through study abroad programs in Belize, where she studied lionfish, and in Australia, where she researched zooplankton. Currently, her research focuses on using murine models to investigate how asthma protects against respiratory bacterial pathogens. In her free time, Molly enjoys attending concerts, traveling, and trying new foods.
Jasmine Quah
PhD Student, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Jasmine Quah is a PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She began her research career in physical and inorganic chemistry, studying surfactant nanoparticles and nonlinear optical materials. After a brief period producing PET radiopharmaceuticals, she developed a strong interest in therapeutic development. Her current research focuses on the interplay between asthma and respiratory infections, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets. Outside of the lab, Jasmine enjoys video games, trivia nights, and riding her motorcycle.
Amali Samarasinghe, MS, PhD, ATSF
Principle Investigator 
Originally from Sri Lanka, Amali earned an AA in Biology from Pierce College, a BS in Biotechnology, and an MS in Neuroimmunology from California State University, Northridge, before moving to North Dakota to join her husband. She completed her PhD in Molecular Pathogenesis in Dr. Jane Schuh’s lab at North Dakota State University, studying neuroimmune involvement in fungal asthma. Her postdoctoral fellowship in Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the laboratory of Dr. Jonathan McCullers set her on the path to investigate how respiratory viral and bacterial infections impact allergic asthma. After 12 years on the faculty of Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, she moved her research program to UW–Madison in December 2024. She is passionate about mentoring scientists from diverse backgrounds and translating basic immunology into strategies to reduce the burden of asthma and lung disease. Outside the lab, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two Great Danes and reading.
Undergraduate Students
Samuel Sonsalla
Undergraduate Student, Biochemistry and Microbiology
Sam is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, pursuing a double major in Biochemistry and Microbiology. His research interests focus on elucidating molecular mechanisms and host-microbe interactions at the cellular and subcellular levels. Since joining the lab, Sam has conducted a comprehensive literature review examining the role of vitamin D in modulating gastrointestinal and pulmonary health. He is currently utilizing bioinformatics approaches to analyze transcriptomic data, comparing gene expression profiles between patient-derived samples and in vitro models. Outside of the lab, he enjoys golfing, following Wisconsin sports teams, and spending time with friends and family.
Elizabeth Sommar
Undergraduate Student, Biology
Elizabeth is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in biology. Through coursework in physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories, she has developed a foundation in experimental techniques and scientific problem-solving. She is currently interested in the interactions between eosinophils and other leukocytes in the pathophysiology of asthma. Outside the lab, Elizabeth enjoys reading, crocheting, and swimming.
Former Lab Members
Lauren Kojo
High School Student
June 2025-September 2025