Abigail Zimmerman
Post-bacc Scholar (2026.07 - )
My name is Abigail Zimmerman. I am a post-baccalaureate researcher in the He lab for the 2026-27 year. I am from the Chicago area, and I went to the University of Iowa to pursue my undergraduate degree in biology.
My research focuses on the HIL adhesin gene family in Candida auris. Adhesins play a role in fungal pathogenicity by allowing the fungi to colonize surfaces and the human microbiome. The HIL family has been identified as a family of adhesins enriched in Candida auris, but the specific functions of these adhesins in the context of causing disease are not yet known. My research will focus on elucidating these functions through the use of molecular cloning and functional tests.
In my free time, I love watching movies and tv shows, going hiking, and spending time with my cat Louie.