Name: Thomas Edward Galbato
Year in Program: 2nd
Department: Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology
Mentor: Dr. Timothy P. Foster
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Education: B.S in Biology with a minor in Chemistry – The University of Tennessee
Past Research Experience: Characterization of the isoleucine biosynthesis pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana.
Current Research Interest: Investigating the role of serotonin (5-HT) in mitochondrial structure, function, and biogenesis in context to viral infection and other diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Publications: N/A
Career Goal: Full Professor at a Research-Intensive University: Elucidating the immunological and psychological roles of dietary metabolites produced by humans and their gut microbiota in diseased phenotypes.
Best Thing about the Program: The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology enables me to study host responses to infection in a wide range of pathogens.
What makes you unique? I spend my free time writing and recording music of all genres. I grow some of the hottest peppers on Earth and enjoy making hot sauce for friends, family, and colleagues.