de Wit Research Group

The goal of the Molecular Pathogenesis Unit (MPU) is to increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of emerging respiratory viruses on every level from host to molecule. We study the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, Nipah virus, and the 1918 influenza H1N1 virus in animal models and human lung organoids.

Emmie de Wit, Ph.D. (She/Her/Hers)

Principal Investigator, Molecular Pathogenesis Unit

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Education: Ph.D., Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands

Dr. de Wit received her Ph.D. in virology from Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Her research there focused on the replication, pathogenesis and transmission of influenza A virus. Dr. de Wit then moved to the Laboratory of Virology of NIAID in Hamilton, Montana to work in the biosafety level 4 laboratory there. When SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019, Dr. de Wit focused her research on SARS-CoV-2, developing animal models and using those for testing of medical countermeasures and gaining a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.

Headshot of Emmie de Wit, Ph.D.

Meaghan Flagg, Ph.D. (She/Her/Hers)

Postdoctoral IRTA

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Education:

Ph.D., Harvard University

Meaghan is interested in the immune response and immunopathogenesis of viral infections at mucosal surfaces. She uses 3D human respiratory organoid models to study how viruses and the immune response impact epithelial cell function and tissue repair.

Portrait of Meaghan Flagg, Ph.D.

Kerry Goldin, D.V.M. (She/Her/Hers)

Graduate Student

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Education:

St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA

Kerry studies neuropathology associated with emerging respiratory viruses, including Nipah virus and SARS-CoV-2. Prior to coming to NIH, she graduated veterinary school and completed a residency in Anatomic Pathology. Kerry is a Fellow in the Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program.

Portrait of Kerry Goldin, DVM

Lizzette Perez-Perez, M.S. (She/Her/Hers)

IRTA Post-Baccalaureate Trainee 

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Education:

M.S., Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Lizzette’s interest lies in understanding virus-host interactions, specifically viruses originating from bats. Since 2019, with MPU, RML colleagues and collaborators she has been involved in a range of research projects – from developing a minigenome system for Nipah virus, supporting the response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and working with respiratory tract organoids.

Lizzette Pérez-Pérez headshot

Manmeet Singh, Ph.D. (He/Him/His)

IRTA Post-Doctoral Fellow

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Education:

Ph.D., Indian institute of science education and research-Kolkata, India

Languages Spoken: Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali

Manmeet has been working on development of animal model to study Nipah virus neurological disease. He has also been involved in responding to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and working towards understanding the difference in pathogenicity of different SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern.

Portrait of Manmeet Singh, PhD

Brandi Williamson, M.P.H.

Microbiologist

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Education:

MPH, University of California, Berkeley

Languages Spoken: German

Brandi has studied multiple organisms and vectors through her career including Borrelia hermsii, Ornithodoros hermsi, Colorado Tick fever virus, Dermacentor andersoni, orthobunyaviruses, and hantaviruses.

Portrait of Brandi Williamson, MPH

Former Research Group Members

Beniah Brumbaugh, Postbac IRTA 

Reinaldo Mercado-Hernandez, Postbac IRTA 

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