Geetha Parthasarathy

Geetha Parthasarathy, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Tulane University, located in Covington, LA. Her research focuses on understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Lyme neuroborreliosis, particularly the role of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) in Borrelia burgdorferi-mediated neuroinflammation. She also investigates broader themes in bacterial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, apoptotic mechanisms, and neurodegenerative processes.

Education:

• B.S. (Honors) and M.Sc. (Honors) in Biotechnology from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (India)
• PhD in Microbiology from Michigan State University
• Postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University

Research Interests: Her work bridges microbiology, immunology, and neurobiology to explore how Borrelia burgdorferi triggers neuroinflammatory responses. Key areas include FGF/FGFR signaling pathways, mechanisms of bacterial-induced apoptosis in neural cells, and translational strategies to mitigate neuropathogenic outcomes. Her studies often employ ex vivo models and examine both viable and non-viable pathogen components.

Awards:

• 2019 Laure Woods Emerging Leader Award (Bay Area Lyme Foundation)

Labs/Teams: Leads a research group at Tulane focused on Lyme disease pathogenesis, collaborating with immunologists and neuroscientists to advance understanding of borrelial infections' neurological impacts.