Lab Members

Susan Bullman, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator

I'm an associate professor in Immunology with a joint appointment in Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and an associate member of the Allison Institute. For my graduate studies in Ireland, I focused on understanding how bacteria contribute to gastrointestinal diseases, shifting my focus after graduate school to explore the critical role microbes play in cancer biology.

At MD Anderson, my lab is focused on uncovering how specific microbes infiltrate human tumors and alter the behavior of cancer. A major focus of our research is understanding why these microbes are associated with a worse prognosis and how they impact the way patients respond to cancer treatments. To tackle these questions, we are adapting and applying advanced technologies like single-cell spatial transcriptomics and proteomics.

Yousuf Al Farqani, M.S.
Research Assistant II

I completed my master’s at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I researched the effects of liver X receptor activation in obesity and type 2 diabetes, focusing on lipid metabolism and cardiac function. I also studied mitochondrial uncoupling protein gene evolution under oxidative stress as an undergrad, which fueled my interest in metabolic research. Currently, as a Research Assistant II in the Johnston and Bullman Labs in Houston, I investigate the role of Fusobacterium in cancer progression through cell culture maintenance and in vivo cancer models.

Ranjit K. Das, M.S.
Senior Research Assistant

I earned a dual M.S. in biotechnology and molecular biology from INN Norway and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. I have experience in molecular biology techniques and strong expertise in working with various mouse models. Throughout my career, I developed an interest in colorectal cancer research. In my current position, I am particularly interested in translational cancer research and am curious about uncovering the role of Fusobacterium in modulating the tumor microenvironment and its implications in cancer progression and therapy. My work primarily focuses on supporting preclinical studies involving murine models, tumor biology and microbiome research. I contribute to experimental design, in vivo animal studies and downstream tissue analysis to advance our understanding of host-microbiome interactions in cancer. Outside of work, I enjoy playing cricket, traveling to new destinations and hiking to explore the outdoors.

Hironori Fukuoka, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow

I was a board-certified gastrointestinal surgeon with a particular focus on colorectal surgery in Japan. While practicing clinically, I developed a strong interest in the relationship between colorectal cancer and the gut microbiota. This led me to pursue a Ph.D. at Yokohama City University, where I conducted research using surgically resected colorectal cancer specimens to study the intestinal microbiome. In the lab, one of my roles is to elucidate the role of bacteria — including Fusobacterium — in distant metastasis of colorectal cancer through both in vivo and in vitro approaches. Outside the lab, I stay busy with my wife raising our three energetic children.

Javier A. Gomez, M.S.
Data Analytics Specialist

Falk Ponath, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow

During my Ph.D., I focused on the molecular biology of the cancer-associated microbe Fusobacterium nucleatum, including the development of genetic tools and the investigation of its (post-)transcriptional regulation. As part of the Bullman and Johnston Labs, I am excited to explore how bacteria, including F. nucleatum, shape the tumor microenvironment using spatial technologies. By understanding these interactions between bacteria and host cells, I hope to uncover potential therapeutic strategies to improve cancer treatment. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors — whether walking, hiking or running — and discovering the many great restaurants in Houston.