Lab Members
Our lab group changes frequently as students go on to complete their degrees; this is our current research group. To see lab Alumni, scroll down.
Kell Helmuth
Research Technician
I graduated with my B.S in Microbiology from NDSU in 2024. I started with Dr. Amat’s lab shortly after in the summer of 2024. I am originally from western North Dakota where I was raised on my parent’s cattle ranch. My interests in science and microbiology and my passion for livestock production aligned well for my spot in Dr. Amat’s lab as the Research Specialist. I find pride in being able to solve problems and innovate solutions and research for an industry I care about and benefit producers in my home state.
In my free time, I enjoy golfing and snowboarding. I also like being outside and working with my hands. I like to go home and help my folks on the ranch when I can.
Gabriella Magossi
Graduate Student (PhD)
My research is focused on finding alternatives for the use of antibiotics in animal production, specifically beef cattle. One of my focuses is evaluating essential oils' effects on the nasopharynx microbiome and bovine respiratory disease pathogens. My second research is focused on finding bacteriophages that target different bovine pathogens and can potentially be used for phage therapy.
These projects match my interest in microbiology and animal health since I come from a background of getting my doctor of veterinary medicine from the University of Sao Paulo in Botucatu, Brazil, and my masters in food microbiology from Kansas State University. I am also interested in using bioinformatics to analyze 16s rRNA sequencing and whole genome sequencing.
Justine Kilama
Graduate Student (PhD)
I earned my Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University in Uganda, followed by a Master in Animal and Veterinary Science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
My childhood farming experience and internship in precision poultry and dairy farming in Israel have shaped my interests in livestock research as an opportunity for improving animal welfare and productivity to meet the growing demands of an ever-rising human population.
Currently, my research focuses on leveraging the potentials of microbiomes to enhance reproductive efficiency in livestock. I am excited about the prospect of creating next-generation probiotics that will improve reproductive outcomes and increase disease resistance in both livestock and potentially humans.
I do view the microbes as "tiny but mighty machines" constantly multitasking to carry out vital metabolic processes, much like “small men moving big mountains."
Godson Aryee
Graduate Student (PhD)
My research focuses on the gut microbiome, with a particular emphasis on methanogenic archaea. I investigate the effects of high-fiber and high-concentrate diets on the maternal gut microbiota, methane emissions, and the offspring microbiota of beef heifers.
This aligns with my background in animal science and computational analysis. I hold an MPhil in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the University of Education, Winneba, and an MS in Animal Sciences from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. I enjoy working with computation and big data analysis. Outside the lab, I play soccer, hike, and explore different cuisines.
Md Shafinul Islam
Graduate Student (Masters)
I am a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Microbiology. I hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Bangladesh. Prior to this, I worked as a practicing veterinarian and in the pharmaceutical industry. My primary research focus is on developing antimicrobial alternatives to combat infectious diseases in cattle. Currently, I am working on a project that utilizes an ocular microbiome-based approach to mitigate pink eye disease in cattle. In my free time, I enjoy diving into the Marvel Universe as a dedicated fan.
Alumni
Luke Kosel: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Emily Webb: Graduated with a Masters in 2023.
Sarah Leucke: Graduated with a Masters in 2023.
