Lead Faculty or PI: Shailesh Shahi
Lab Name: Shahi Lab (Faculty member in the Mangalam Lab; independent lab launching soon)
Website:

Research Topic:
Obesity, Gut Microbiota, and Multiple Sclerosis

Project and Position Details:
Shahi lab studies how obesity influences the immune system, gut microbiota, and brain health, with a special focus on multiple sclerosis (MS). He investigates:

• How obesity-driven changes in gut bacteria increase hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production, altering immune cell activity and worsening inflammation.
• How these mechanisms disrupt gut–brain communication and contribute to MS severity.
• Translating these findings into new microbiome- and metabolism-targeted therapies for MS.

 We are needing assistance with contributing in ongoing research and general lab duties.

Qualifications
We seek an undergraduate with a interest in obesity, microbiology, the gut microbiome, and multiple sclerosis, eager to gain hands-on research experience with mouse models and human samples while learning essential lab techniques.

Time Commitment
At least 10 hours a week with blocks of time of 3-4+ hours, 2-3 days a week, Monday-Friday 9:00-5:30 pm. In the future with enough training, after hours/weekends.

Compensation
Volunteer
Academic Credit

Start Date
ASAP

Timeline
Ongoing, potential to be a continuous position

Application Instructions:
Email to: Shailesh-shahi@uiowa.edu with your resume/CV.