The focus of the BIS is to understand the mechanisms that underly viral diseases. The work focuses, predominantly, on understanding the differential disease outcomes between natural hosts of immunodeficiency lentiviral infections and progressive infections. Our studies rely heavily on cellular and molecular immunological analyses in tissues.
Jason Brenchley, Ph.D.
Chief, Laboratory of Viral Diseases
Senior Investigator, Barrier Immunity Section
Specialty(s): Pathology, Medical Microbiology
Education:
M.S., 1999, Idaho State University
Ph.D., 2003, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Grace Bodykevich, B.S.
Postbaccalaureate Fellow
Education:
B.S., The University of British Columbia
I completed my undergraduate degree in microbiology and immunology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. During my degree, I studied the effect that endogenous retroviruses have on the neutrophil response during HSV-2 infection. As a postbaccalaureate in the lab, I am investigating the microbiome and microbial translocation during HIV infection.
Kelsie L. Brooks, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Education:
Ph.D., Emory University
B.S., Oklahoma University
I am investigating SARS-CoV-2 infections in human samples and non-human primate models, particularly exploring gastrointestinal pathology and inflammation. Additionally, I have examined impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infections on the gut microbiome.
Jesse Do, B.A.
Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow
Education:
B.A. Biochemistry, University of South Florida
My research focuses on the impact Cytomegalovirus poses on the chronic health of hosts with immunocompromised statuses. I am currently assessing the effectiveness of orally administered Valganciclovir in treating CMV infection using NHP models.
Razan Masad, Ph.D.
Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow
Education:
Ph.D., United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
M.Sc., The American University in Cairo, Egypt
B.Sc., Hashemite University, Jordan
Languages Spoken: English, Arabic
My research explores the potential of combining anti-inflammatory drugs with antiretroviral therapy to reduce residual inflammation and premature aging in SIV-infected nonhuman primates. This work aims to develop new therapeutic strategies to manage persistent inflammation and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV.
Alexandra M. Ortiz O’Sick, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist
Education:
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
BA, University of Virginia
Languages Spoken: Spanish
Andrew Rahmberg, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Education:
Ph.D., Harvard University
B.S., Boston University
Delmy Ruiz, B.S.
Postbaccalaureate Fellow
Education:
B.S., Pomona College
Languages Spoken: Spanish
My project aims to understand the degree to which high-fat diets influence the pathogenicity of viral diseases.
Elizabeth Wrobel, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Education:
Ph.D., University of Georgia
M.S., University of Georgia
B.S., Millikin University
Dr. Wrobel is originally from Tinley Park, IL. She attended Millikin University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Following that, she pursued her master’s and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Georgia. During her Ph.D. studies, she focused on emerging and novel paramyxoviruses while gaining experience designing novel viral-vectored vaccines. Dr. Wrobel began her...
Debra Yee, B.S.
Biologist
Education:
B.S., University of Maryland
I am exploring the pathogenesis of emerging viral infections in old world nonhuman primates. These studies will determine the appropriateness of NHPs as a model of human viral infections which will help in the development of antiviral and vaccine development for emerging RNA viral infections.
Former Research Group Members
- Charlotte Langner, B.S. (2019-2021, post-bac), currently Ph.D. student UC Berkeley
- JC Mudd, Ph.D. (2014-2020, post-doc), currently assistant professor Tulane University
- Stephen Lai, B.S. (2016-2019, post-bac), currently medical student California Northstate University
- Carly Starke, B.S. (2015-2019, Ph.D. student), currently post-doc Fred Hutch
- Sarah DiNapoli, B.S. (2014-2016, post-bac), currently MSTP student Johns Hopkins University
- Zachary Klase, Ph.D. (2012-2014, post-doc), currently Associate professor Drexel University
- Molly Perkins, D.Phil. (2011-2014, post-doc), currently Associate director, Bluebird Bio
- Nina Calantone, B.S. (2012-2014, post-bac), currently MSTP student Northwestern University
- Nichole Klatt, Ph.D. (2009-2012, post-doc), currently Professor University of Minnesota
- Lauren Canary, B.S. (2010-2012, post-bac), currently Epidemiologist Centers for Disease Control
- Fabiola Marie Castello Casta, B.S.
- Jacob Flynn, B.S.
- Jennifer Simpson, Ph.D.