Vascular · Immunology · Microbiology
We are a collaborative laboratory investigating how the microbiome and host shape outcomes after surgery, trauma, and critical illness. Our independent research programs unite fundamental discovery with translational science to reduce infectious burden, improve vascular health, and advance patient care.
Our History
Founded by Dr. John Alverdy, the laboratory has long focused on understanding how interactions between the intestinal microbiome and the host influence the development of life-threatening infections following surgery, trauma, and critical illness. Through decades of NIH-funded research, the lab has advanced fundamental insights into microbial virulence, host-pathogen signaling, and translational strategies to prevent infection.
In 2024, the laboratory expanded with the recruitment of Dr. Sara Gaines and Dr. Lavanya Visvabharathy, who established independent research programs while remaining united under a common scientific vision. Together, the group brings expertise spanning surgical science, microbiome biology, vascular remodeling, and human immunology. This interdisciplinary structure reflects the lab's mission to bridge traditionally separate fields and create a collaborative environment where discoveries at the interface of surgery, host immunity, and the microbiome can be translated into improved patient care.
Selected Publications
Research
VIM Surgery Lab brings together complementary programs in surgical microbiome science, vascular remodeling, and T-cell immunology to understand how host-microbe interactions shape disease and recovery.
The Sara Gaines Lab at UChicago studies how the dysbiotic gut microbiome contributes to uremic vascular toxicity and arteriovenous fistula failure in dialysis patients.
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Dr. Sanjiv Hyoju studies how the gut microbiome, diet, and antibiotics shape infection-related surgical complications, including wound infection, anastomotic leak, peritonitis, and sepsis. His work uses surgical mouse models and microbiome-informed therapeutics to reduce surgical morbidity and advance translational care.
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Dr. Lavanya Visvabharathy studies how T cells respond to infection and how immune memory is shaped by viral and bacterial pathogens. Her laboratory combines human immunology, systems biology, and immunometabolism to understand how infections can produce lasting changes in immune function and contribute to chronic disease.
View ResearchTeam
We are a growing team of surgeons, researchers, and trainees united by the goal of improving outcomes for surgery patients.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Gaines studies how the dysbiotic gut microbiome contributes to uremic vascular toxicity and arteriovenous fistula failure in dialysis patients.
Assistant Research Professor
Dr. Sanjiv Hyoju studies how the gut microbiome, diet, and antibiotics shape infection-related surgical complications, including wound infection, anastomotic leak, peritonitis, and sepsis. His work uses surgical mouse models and microbiome-informed therapeutics to reduce surgical morbidity and advance translational care.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Lavanya Visvabharathy studies how T cells respond to infection and how immune memory is shaped by viral and bacterial pathogens. Her laboratory combines human immunology, systems biology, and immunometabolism to understand how infections can produce lasting changes in immune function and contribute to chronic disease.
Members
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am a general surgery resident at the University of Illinois Chicago, currently completing a dedicated two-year research block in the Division of Vascular Surgery at the University of Chicago. My research focuses on mechanisms of arteriovenous fistula failure in chronic kidney disease, specifically the potential role of gut microbiome-derived uremic toxins in endothelial dysfunction and neointimal hyperplasia. I also have a deep interest in the arts and spent my first career as a professor of painting.
Postdoctoral Fellow
I am a general surgery resident at the University of Chicago, currently completing a dedicated two-year professional development experience. My primary research focus involves exploring targeted nanomedicine approaches to prevent arteriovenous fistula failure in patients with chronic kidney disease. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, working on home improvement projects, and spending time with my golden retriever, Stanley. I hope to pursue a career in vascular surgery following the completion of my residency training.
Research Technician
I am from New York City and graduated in 2025 from UChicago with a degree in environmental science. In my free time, I enjoy birdwatching, drinking whisky, and watching baseball. I am interested in pursuing an MD PhD with a focus on immunoengineering and T cell biology.
Research Technician
I am from New York City, and I majored in Biological Sciences with a specialization in endocrinology. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, visual arts, and skateboarding. I have a special interest in the intersection between reproductive health and T cell biology.
Undergraduate Researcher
I am from Spokane, Washington and majoring in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Immunology. In my free time, I am a freelance writer, enjoy working out, and exploring the outdoors. I am interested in T cell biology and virology.
Undergraduate Researcher
I am an undergraduate student from India majoring in Biochemistry, with a strong interest in gut microbiome research. Outside the lab, I mentor students in Chicago Public Schools and spend my free time exploring the city and its coffee scene.
Medical Student
I am a rising second-year medical student at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. I am interested in pursuing a career in either emergency medicine or pulmonology. This summer, I am working within Dr. Visvabharathy's project to investigate changes in T cells' ability to respond to S. aureus infection in pre- versus post-pandemic cohorts. In my free time, I enjoy reading and biking the Lakefront Trail.
Medical Student
I am a second-year medical student at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine interested in gastroenterology and community health. Georgia-born and Germany-raised, I love to write, read, spend time with my sister, and play video games. I am passionate about connecting with others and contributing to equitable healthcare.
Contact
Location
Department of Surgery
University of Chicago
5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Email
Sara Gaines: sgaines@uchicago.edu
Lavanya Visvabharathy: Lavanya.Visvabharathy@bsd.uchicago.edu
Collaborations
We actively seek collaborators in microbiome science, nanomedicine, vascular biology, and translational surgery.