Amali Samarasinghe, MS, PhD, ATSF
Principal 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.
Stephane Esnault, MS, PhD
Scientist-III
Stephane earned a master’s degree in microbiology from the University of Pharmacy, Paris-Sud, France, and a PhD in immunology from the University of Pharmacy, Reims, France in 1996. Starting as a postdoctoral researcher at UW-Madison in 1997 where he studied intracellular pathways implicated in gene expression and protection synthesis in human eosinophils in Dr. James Malter Laboratory until 2008. After a year working at a pharmaceutical company, he returned to UW-Madison as a Scientist-III in Dr. Nizar Jajour’s Laboratory. Here he assisted in conceptual design and determining the contribution of eosinophils in asthma. In 2023, he received Emeritus status and honorary appointment to continue his collaboration with his laboratory at UW-Madison. He moved back to France to work part-time at the University Hospital of Lille, where he assisted Drs. Guillaume Lefèvre, Delphine Staumont-Sallé, Geoffrey Mortuaire and Frédéric Dezoteux helping research the roles of human eosinophils in type-2 diseases. In 2026, he is continuing his collaboration with UW-Madison as part of Dr. Amali Samarasinghe Laboratory where he continues to study roles of eosinophils in disease. He enjoys following sports (all kinds) and horse races (trotters), walking, biking, yoga, cooking and eating a lot of chocolate and pastries.
Molly Hellberg
Research Technician, Manager
Molly earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a certificate in Environmental Studies 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.
Undergraduate Students
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.
Fahad Mian
Undergraduate Student, Biology
Fahad Mian is a 2nd year undergraduate majoring in Biology. He is currently involved in investigating the role of Insulin Growth Factor 1 during viral Influenza A viral infection. Outside of the lab he enjoys traveling, playing tennis or any racket sport, and cooking.
Suvarshini Reddy
Undergraduate Student, Biology
Varshini is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin Madison on a Pre-Medical track, majoring in Biology with a Certificate in Genetics in a Modern World. Outside the lab, she enjoys reading, traveling, tennis, baking and spending time with family and friends.
Summer Members
Mofeoluwa Akinbogun
Medical Student, Shapiro Summer Research Program
Mofe is currently a medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, where his undergraduate research focused on the role of glucosylceramide synthase in the life cycle of enveloped RNA viruses. As a Shapiro Summer Research Program scholar, he is currently investigating allergic asthma’s affect on pathogen burden and gene expression in relation to lung epithelial cells. Outside the lab, Mofe enjoys traveling, reading, following professional sports, and volunteering.
Lauren Kojo
Undergraduate Student, Biology and Forensic Science
Lauren is in her second year of undergrad at UW-Platteville studying Biology, with a pre-med emphasis, and Forensic Science, with a Death Investigation Emphasis. In the Samarasinghe Lab her main interests focus is on epithelial cells’ relationship with fungal allergens. Outside the lab she enjoys playing basketball for the UW-Platteville women’s basketball team, reading, spending time with family, and trying new foods.
Kavya Kashyap
Incoming Undergraduate Student, Microbiology and Global Health
Kavya is a rising first-year undergraduate student studying microbiology and global health at UW-Madison. Currently, she is assisting in an invitro project focused on allergic asthma’s impact on a secondary bacteria infection. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, hiking, biking, and trying new foods.
Lab Alumni
Samuel Sonsalla
Undergraduate Student, Biochemistry and Microbiology
Sam was an undergraduate student in the Samarasinghe Lab from June of 2025-May of 2026 when he graduated with his Bachelors degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Wisconsin Madison. He is going on to pursue graduate school at UW Madison and will continue in the Samarasinghe Lab as a PhD student.