Lab Members
Karen Lithgow, PhD
Principal Investigator
Karen is a new Assistant Professor in the Dept of Microbiology & Immunology at Dalhousie University. Karen completed her PhD with Dr. Caroline Cameron at the University of Victoria and postdoctoral training with Dr. Laura Sycuro at the University of Calgary. Karen is passionate about studying fastidious anaerobic bacteria that play important roles in mediating sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Outside of the lab, Karen enjoys mountain biking, skiing, hiking and reading weird fiction novels.
Julia Nelson
Undergraduate Researcher
Julia is a 4th year undergraduate student majoring in Microbiology & Immunology with a minor in the History of Science & Tech at Dalhousie University. Julia is completing summer research and an honours project in the Lithgow Lab. Outside of school, Julia is involved with various societies on campus including recreational youth and adult programs for folks with disabilities, science outreach and communication efforts, and the campus first aid team. Julia also enjoys camping, hiking, and reading!
Lauren Over
Graduate Student (MSc)
Lauren is completing her Master's in Microbiology & Immunology in the Lithgow Lab. Lauren obtained her Bachelor's in Health Science degree at the University of Calgary, majoring in Biomedical Science. Lauren's undergraduate thesis focused on the interplay between the host immune system and bacterial presence in the context of pregnancy and preterm labour - a field of great interest, which she continues to pursue at Dalhousie University. Beyond the lab, Lauren focuses on competitive ringette, volunteering with various healthcare organizations, and learning as many new languages as possible!
Amanda Williams
Research Technician
Amanda is a Research Technician in the Dept of Microbiology and Immunology. Amanda completed an MSc and BSc in Biotechnology at Brock University, focusing in medical entomology and virology. She is passionate about research that improves human health and quality of life, particularly for those in under-served communities. When not in the lab, Amanda enjoys reading, playing music, hiking, and traveling.
Catherine Radford
Undergraduate Researcher
Experiential Learning
Catherine is a 4th year Experiential Learning student majoring in Microbiology and Immunology, with a certificate in Medical Humanities at Dalhousie University. Bridging her interests in both the sciences and the arts, Catherine completed the Foundation Year Program at the University of King’s College in her 1st year, which inspired her to pursue a minor in Contemporary Studies. Outside of school, she volunteers at the Loaded Ladle on campus and is a member of the Dalhousie Dental Brigades. Catherine also enjoys practising yoga and working on various art projects!
Maddie Stevenson
Undergraduate Researcher
Experiential Learning
Maddie is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Microbiology and Immunology with a certificate in Science Communication. She is completing her experiential learning in the Lithgow Lab. Outside of academics, she enjoys traveling, doing anything crafty, and spending time outdoors!
Lab Pets
Iggy Pup (Karen)
Bear & Wynn (Lauren)
Oscar (Amanda)
