About the Merchak Lab
Dr. Andrea Merchak received her BS at Centre College in Danville, KY where her research focused on behavioral neuroscience in green monkeys and ring neck dove. After graduation she worked at Telaris Therapeutics where she was formally trained in bone marrow chimerism and the immune system. She applied these concepts to her thesis work in the lab of Dr. Alban Gaultier at the University of Virginia where she earned a PhD while studying the gut microbiome in multiple sclerosis and mood disorders. Her path then took her to the University of Florida where she worked as a postdoc in Dr. Malú Tansey's Lab as a Gator NeuroScholar. Ultimately the lab became independent in 2025 with the move to Indiana University Indianapolis.
Our Community
Welcome to Merchak Lab, where we are dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the gut-immune-brain axis. Our research group is committed to conducting groundbreaking studies to tackle neurological disorders. With an interdisciplinary approach, we delve into the complexities of the human brain and its intricate connection to the immune system and gut health. The Merchak Lab is housed under the Tansey Lab 4.0 run by Dr. Malú Tansey in the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at the Indiana Univeristy School of Medicine in Indianapolis, IN. Innovation and research go hand in hand with our group! We aim to mix creative minds to brainstorm, share ideas, and break new ground. It's all about teamwork and having fun while tackling exciting challenges. Come be a part of our journey to the future together!