Esther Borges Florsheim

Esther Borges Florsheim is an Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), with an affiliation to the Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes. Her research focuses on immunological defenses in health and disease, particularly allergies, mast cell biology, and neuroimmune interactions in the gastrointestinal tract. She earned her B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of São Paulo, followed by postdoctoral training at Yale University.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Immunology, University of São Paulo (2014)
• B.Sc. in Fundamental Sciences for Health, University of São Paulo (2009)

Research Interests: Dr. Florsheim's lab explores how immune systems influence organismal physiology and behavior. Key projects include mast cell regulation of GI physiology, neuroimmune connections, and behavioral outcomes of immune responses. Her work integrates immunology, neuroscience, and physiology to redefine the immune system's role in health.

Lab Mission: The lab prioritizes diversity and inclusion, fostering career development for underrepresented scientists while advancing fundamental biological research.

Students and Collaborators: Current graduate and undergraduate students include Pooja Kher, Bruna Costa Lima, and Camila Mattos de Andrade. Alumni include Jahnvi Parmar and Mayka Galarza. The lab also collaborates with postdoctoral researcher Ana Cristina Roginski.

Professional Contributions: Dr. Florsheim serves on review boards for journals like Immunity and Cell, and is active in organizations such as SACNAS and the American Association of Immunologists.