Our Team

Priyanka Pundir, Principal Investigator

I completed my Ph.D. at the Atlantic Veterinary College (UPEI) in the lab of Dr. Marianna Kulka, where I studied non-IgE mast cell activation and the role of orphan GPCRs in inflammation. As a CIHR Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, I trained with Dr. Xinzhong Dong, investigating how mast cell-expressed GPCRs detect bacterial signals and contribute to host defense.

I joined the University of Guelph in 2022 as an Assistant Professor. My lab focuses on innate immunity and host-pathogen interactions, using custom transgenic mouse models to study how immune cells respond to infection and maintain tissue homeostasis.

When I’m not in the lab, I’m usually reading, watching K-dramas, exploring new cafes, or hanging out with my two kids and our orange tabby, Arthur.

Colin Guth, PhD Candidate

Project: Mast cell functions in tissue repair and regeneration

Bailey Lehnert, PhD Student

I completed my BA in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, as well as a BSc in Biology, from Drake University in Iowa in 2026. As an undergraduate, I focused on hands-on laboratory research involving protein interactions and vaccine design. I recently joined the University of Guelph as a PhD student and the Pundir Lab in 2026. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and exploring Guelph’s nature trails.

Carly Kadonoff, MSc Student

Project: Mast cells in bacterial meningitis

Austin Pozniak, MSc Student

Project: Role of mast cells in sculpting CNS immune landscape

Here Kenaci, Project Student

I'm a fourth-year Biochemistry student at the University of Guelph completing my undergraduate research project in the Pundir Lab. I'm interested in immunology and biochemistry, and I have previous experience in environmental microbiology and working as a microbial technologist. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking and trying new recipes, staying active at the gym and going on long walks, and spending time with my friends and family.

Daniel Soto Gonzalez, Project Student

Hello! My name is Daniel Soto and I am a fourth-year Bio-Medical science student. I am very excited to be working with the team this year on the role of mast cells during bacterial meningitis. In my free time, I like to golf during the summer and snowboard during the winter! 

Lab alumni

Hannah Dychtenberg, MSc student (2024-2026) and Undergraduate Project Student (2023-2024). Current Position: PharmD Student, UoToronto

Ellen Sawyer, USRA (2026) and Undergraduate Project Student (2025-2026).

Amarachukwu Akukwe, Undergraduate Project Student (2025-2026)

Sukhmeen Gill, Research Technician (2024-2026)

Erin Rudolph, MSc Student (2023 - 2025) and Undergraduate Project Student (2022-2023). Current Position: Scientist, Ostia Sciences Inc.

Carly Kadonoff, USRA (2025) and Undergraduate Project Student (2024-2025). Current Position: MSc Student, UoG

Yvette Guth, Undergraduate Project Student (2024-2025). Current Position: Medical Student

David Tawse, Undergraduate Project Student (2024-2025). Current Position: Research Associate, Nautilus Environmental

Julia Froment, Undergraduate Project Student (2024)

Austin Pozniak, USRA (2024). Current Position: MSc Student, UoG

Hannah Glowacki, USRA (2023). Current Position: MSc Student, UoG

Cameron Bosveld, Research Technician (2022-2023). Current Position: Research Associate, Nautilus Environmental

Serra Taban, Undergraduate Project Student, 2022-2023