Lab Members
The Vargas-Muñiz Lab is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the academic workforce. We firmly believe that diversity improves the quality of research and education, making academia stronger. Each individual unique background contributes a distinct perspective to address complex scientific problems. In agreement with our ideals, we welcome inquiring minds regardless of their race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veteran status, military obligation, marital status, and physical, mental or sensory disability. If you are interested in doing research in the Vargas-Muñiz Lab please contact Dr. Vargas-Muñiz.
Principal Investigator
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José Vargas-Muñiz (He/His/Him)
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José Vargas-Muñiz is a molecular mycologist and an Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He trained at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (B.S. Industrial Biotechnology) with Dr. Carlos Ríos-Velázquez, Duke University (Ph.D. Molecular Genetics and Microbiology) with Dr. William J. Steinbach, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Postdoc, Fungal Cell Biology) with Dr. Amy S. Gladfelter. Outside of the lab, José Vargas-Muñiz is active in the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanic and Native American in Science (SACNAS) and serves as the Chair of the Student Presentation Subcommittee.
Ph.D. Students
Master Students
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Rebecca Jean Busch
Rebecca Jean Busch is a graduate student and teaching assistant at the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She is currently working in the Vargas-Muñiz Lab studying mycology/microbiology with a focus on fungal septins. She received her BS in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago in three years with her Capstone Thesis on climate change and vector-borne disease. Her certifications include TEFL from ITA Chicago and CPhT (ExCPT) with 5 years of experience. In her free time, she likes to pursue art, music, linguistics, and nature. |
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Makenzie Bullard
Makenzie Bullard is a graduate student and teaching assistant at the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She is currently working in the Vargas-Muñiz lab studying fungal pathogen-host interactions. She is from Florence, AL, where she completed her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Geographic Information Systems at the University of North Alabama. She is a certified pharmacy technician, which inspires her to one day have a career in research and drug development. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and caring for her plants. |
Undergraduate Researchers
Join us!
If you are interested in doing a undergraduate research project with us please fill out this survey. After filling the survey, Dr. Vargas-Muñiz will reach out to you.
Current Members: Olaronke Akinola, Stephanie Anthonies, Wyatt Boyer, and Carson Doty.
If you are interested in doing a undergraduate research project with us please fill out this survey. After filling the survey, Dr. Vargas-Muñiz will reach out to you.
Current Members: Olaronke Akinola, Stephanie Anthonies, Wyatt Boyer, and Carson Doty.
Former Lab Members
Morgan Burmeister (undergraduate, Fall 2021-Fall 2022)
Alban Sinani (undergraduate, Fall 2021)
Sarah Lukavsky (undergraduate, Spring 2021): Currently Superb scholar at Dr. Weber's Lab
Alban Sinani (undergraduate, Fall 2021)
Sarah Lukavsky (undergraduate, Spring 2021): Currently Superb scholar at Dr. Weber's Lab
