Dr. Fiester joined the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2024. In addition to his Research Professorship at Furman University, he maintains Clinical Associate Professorships at Florida State University College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program at Lee Health, Florida State University College of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency Program at Lee Health, School of Health Science Research at Clemson University and Department of Pathology at Prisma Health while also serving and as a Research Investigator for the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center Dorn Research Institute. He has previously held positions as an Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina, a visiting faculty member at Miami University and the BSL-3 Facility Coordinator at Kent State University.  Dr. Fiester's research interests primarily focus on the elucidation of virulence mechanisms in ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species) pathogens and the development of novel therapeutics to treat them as well as other clinically relevant projects often in collaboration with the aforementioned institutions. 

Eduarda Kffuri Gonçalves is a master’s student in biology at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she also earned her Bachelor of Science in biology in Spring 2024. She is currently conducting research with Dr. Fiester where her work primarily focuses upon the elucidation of virulence mechanisms in and novel treatment options for A. baumannii. Her academic interests focus on microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and biomedical innovation. As an undergraduate, Eduarda worked as a medical assistant in a pain management clinic, where she developed hands-on experience in clinical procedures and patient interaction. She also shadowed a pediatric general surgeon, gaining meaningful insight into the healthcare field and surgical practice. Eduarda is passionate about making an impact through science and education. After completing her master’s degree, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. or a university teaching role to contribute to scientific advancement and help cultivate the next generation of biologists.

Luis A. Ramos is a senior majoring in biology with a concentration in pre-professional biology. Since the summer of 2024, he has been working with Dr. Fiester on the production of several academic papers in addition to laboratory research. Outside of academics, Luis serves as a medical scribe across four emergency departments within the Lee Health system, where he gains firsthand exposure to acute patient care and clinical decision-making. Committed to lifelong learning and the well-being of his community, Luis is passionate about advancing scientific understanding of disease prevention and management. After graduating this fall, Luis will pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree, with plans to complete a residency in Internal Medicine and sequentially specialize in Cardiology. 

Lily E. Jensen is a biology major with a concentration in microbiology. In her free time Lily enjoys figure skating. While at FGCU, Lily has worked at two different pharmaceutical/medical device companies. She has gained experience working in different ISO level cleanrooms/labs as well as operating different medical devices per FDA regulations. Following graduation from FGCU, Lily hopes to attend law school.

Megan C. Murray is a senior graduating this spring. She is currently majoring in biology with a microbiology concentration. Megan started working with Dr. Fiester in Spring 2025 and will be pursing a senior research project in Fall 2025. Megan plans to pursue a graduate degree following her spring graduation to engage in long term research and eventually a professorship. Megan is interested in researching disease-causing bacteria to better understand a medicinal defense against them.

Allison J. Seibert is a senior biology major at Florida Gulf Coast University. She is thrilled to be contributing to Dr. Fiester’s research lab and gaining valuable experience in the field. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a master's program in physician assistant studies. Currently, she works as a medical assistant, further strengthening her clinical background. Allison will be joining our lab in Fall of 2025.