About the lab
Our Mission
At Needham Lab Laboratory, our mission is to advance scientific research and discovery through innovative technology and cutting-edge methodologies. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality data and analysis, while maintaining the highest standards of ethical practice.
Our Services
We offer a wide range of laboratory services, including sample preparation, data analysis, and consulting services. Our team of experienced scientists and technicians work closely with clients to develop customized solutions to meet their specific needs.
Our Team
Our team is comprised of highly skilled and experienced scientists and technicians who are dedicated to advancing scientific research and discovery. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality data and analysis, and to maintaining the highest standards of ethical practice.
Our Facilities
Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with the latest technology and instrumentation, ensuring that we are able to provide our clients with the highest quality data and analysis. Our facilities are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of scientific research and discovery projects.
Our Publications
Our team of scientists and technicians are dedicated to advancing scientific research and discovery, and have published numerous articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Our publications cover a wide range of topics, including biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our laboratory services, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to hear from new clients and collaborators.
Lab members
Brittany Needham, PhD
Brittany Needham, PhD
Brittany Needham, PhD
Principle Investigator
I did my graduate work at UT Austin studying bacterial cell surfaces in Stephen Trent's lab, followed by postdoc work at Caltech studying the gut-brain axis in Sarkis Mazmanian's lab. I find being a scientist to be fascinating and rewarding, and am lucky to have great lab members answering new questions about gut bac
Principle Investigator
I did my graduate work at UT Austin studying bacterial cell surfaces in Stephen Trent's lab, followed by postdoc work at Caltech studying the gut-brain axis in Sarkis Mazmanian's lab. I find being a scientist to be fascinating and rewarding, and am lucky to have great lab members answering new questions about gut bacterial signaling. When I'm not in the lab I'm outside with my 3 kids, husband, and puppy who likely needs a haircut.
Alyssa Conrad
Brittany Needham, PhD
Brittany Needham, PhD
Lab manager, Researcher
I went to college at Indiana Wesleyan University and struggled to find my niche in the biology field. I began doing microbiology research focusing on the ability of essential oils to inhibit or kill pathogenic bacteria. I fell in love with microbiology and worked two jobs after college that focused mainly on food mi
Lab manager, Researcher
I went to college at Indiana Wesleyan University and struggled to find my niche in the biology field. I began doing microbiology research focusing on the ability of essential oils to inhibit or kill pathogenic bacteria. I fell in love with microbiology and worked two jobs after college that focused mainly on food microbiology. Both jobs provided valuable knowledge but my first job specifically gave me a great understanding of various types of probiotic cultures, which has given me a unique perspective in the Needham lab. I am very excited to return to academia after working in the science industry for the past two years and to have a part in innovative research.
Outside of work I enjoy hanging out with my horse, Jake, birdwatching, and crocheting.
Amilia Nusbaum
Jaymie Connerly
Jaymie Connerly
Graduate Student
Hi! I graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a B.S in Behavioral Neuroscience. I found my love for neuroscience in my undergraduate studies and after multiple unique research experiences, I have become passionate about interdisciplinary neuroscience. I knew my desire to conduct interdisciplinary neuroscience was
Graduate Student
Hi! I graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a B.S in Behavioral Neuroscience. I found my love for neuroscience in my undergraduate studies and after multiple unique research experiences, I have become passionate about interdisciplinary neuroscience. I knew my desire to conduct interdisciplinary neuroscience was not a phage when I did a rotation in Dr. Needham’s lab. As I knew that I had found a one in a myelin lab, everything just synapsed together, and I joined the lab. I’m axon-hilarated to conduct research that focuses on intricate ways microbes influence our brain. In my free time, you may think that I just come up with science puns, but in fact, I like to spend time outdoors either hiking, biking, or swimming.
Jaymie Connerly
Jaymie Connerly
Jaymie Connerly
Graduate Student
Hey! I study the mechanisms by which gut-derived metabolites can change neurodevelopment! My interest in research began while I studied leptin resistant Iberian pigs at my alma mater, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Following graduation I joined the Mazmanian Lab at Caltech investigating the role of the microbiome in Alzheimer's
Graduate Student
Hey! I study the mechanisms by which gut-derived metabolites can change neurodevelopment! My interest in research began while I studied leptin resistant Iberian pigs at my alma mater, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Following graduation I joined the Mazmanian Lab at Caltech investigating the role of the microbiome in Alzheimer's mouse models for the Alzheimer's Gut Microbiome Consortium. I love Indianapolis and enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and my corgi, Moxie.
Anne Tanner, PhD
Anne Tanner, PhD
Anne Tanner, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar
I got my PhD in virology and have been working in biotech for the last few years, developing strategies for the detection, identification, and prevention of infectious disease. I'm excited to incorporate this background into my current and future work.
Danae Koslovsky
Anne Tanner, PhD
Anne Tanner, PhD
Research Technician, Gnotobiotic Specialist
I graduated with my B.S. in Biology from Duke University in 2023. I have a strong interest in neuroscience and animal behavior. I'm lucky to be able to continue my passion for biological research with the Needham lab and one other lab in the neuroscience department. When I'm not working, I like s
Research Technician, Gnotobiotic Specialist
I graduated with my B.S. in Biology from Duke University in 2023. I have a strong interest in neuroscience and animal behavior. I'm lucky to be able to continue my passion for biological research with the Needham lab and one other lab in the neuroscience department. When I'm not working, I like spending time outdoors looking for snakes and salamanders, reading, and watching TV with my cat.
Mohamad Obeid
Mohamad Obeid
Mohamad Obeid
Undergraduate Researcher,
UROP
Hello! I am an undergraduate student at Indiana University majoring in neuroscience. My interest in neuroscience stems from just how much we have left to learn about the brain and all its connections, and being a part of Dr. Needham’s lab is part of that discovery! I love going to the gym, reading, and spending time with friends and family!
Josh West
Mohamad Obeid
Mohamad Obeid
Undergraduate Researcher, LHSI
I am currently an undergraduate student at IU Indianapolis working towards a B.A. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Forensic and Investigative Science. I love to learn new things and I am excited to be able to conduct research for the first time in the Needham lab. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, and the outdoors.
Lab Alumni
Precious Parker
Precious Parker
Precious Parker
Research Technician, Gnotobiotic Specialist
My name is Precious Parker, I graduated from Indiana Northwest university in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. I am now attending Unity College pursing my master’s degree in animal science and behavior. I love science and the aspect of it. My favorite quote about science is by Albert Szen
Research Technician, Gnotobiotic Specialist
My name is Precious Parker, I graduated from Indiana Northwest university in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. I am now attending Unity College pursing my master’s degree in animal science and behavior. I love science and the aspect of it. My favorite quote about science is by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi. He said, “Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought.”
Andrew Ortega
Precious Parker
Precious Parker
Research Technician, Gnotobiotic Specialist
My name is Andrew Ortega, I luckily am a part-time technician in the Needham lab as well as another lab in the same department. I graduated from the University of Utah in 2022 and am glad to continue to pursue my passion for research here. I'm not totally sure where I picture myself to be in the
Research Technician, Gnotobiotic Specialist
My name is Andrew Ortega, I luckily am a part-time technician in the Needham lab as well as another lab in the same department. I graduated from the University of Utah in 2022 and am glad to continue to pursue my passion for research here. I'm not totally sure where I picture myself to be in the next few years, but I do love both of my labs and lab work I currently do, so I just plan to keep that ball rolling!
Khushi Patel
Khushi Patel
Khushi Patel
Undergraduate Researcher
My name is Khushi Patel and currently finishing up my Bachelors in Neuroscience and Biology. I am deeply passionate about neuroscience research and am thankful for the opportunity to continue to research in Dr. Needham’s lab. Outside lab, I love traveling, listening to Rnb and playing volleyball.
Jesse Guraya
Khushi Patel
Khushi Patel
Undergraduate Researcher
Hi, I’m Jesse Guraya! I love anything microbiology-related and my dog Bruno!