Aram, originally from the (former) Soviet Union and raised in India, is now an Assistant Professor at NC State's Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. He specializes in insect gut microbiology, focusing on the coevolution of insects and their gut microbiomes. He is also co-chair of the Program Advisory Council of Experts at the World Bioprotection Forum. In this free time, he enjoys trailwalking, drawing and playing the bass.

Clara, the lab's technician, has a deep interest in insect-microbe interactions. While her official bio is currently under construction, we're certain it will be as fascinating as the unseen world she studies.

Marissa, a local from Cary, NC, holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Meredith College, with a passion for entomology. Her research in the Mikaelyan Lab explores the impact of diet on termite trophallaxis rates, and in her spare time, she enjoys photography, drawing, and sharing her entomological enthusiasm through volunteering.

Marllon earned his Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences in 2017 and a Master's degree in Ecology and Conservation in 2020, both from the State University of Paraíba-UEPB. His expertise spans entomology, ecology, and microbiology, with a particular focus on the relationship between termites and fungi. Currently, he is pursuing his doctorate under the supervision of Dr. Maria Avany Bezerra-Gusmão at the Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, co-supervised by Dr. J.J Lelis at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, and Dr. Aram Mikaelyan at North Carolina State University. His research delves into ecological studies in Brazil's semi-arid regions, exploring biodiversity and ecosystem functions, particularly through the interplay of fauna, soil, and plant relationships.