Mae Long Research Group

Our work involves the study of bacterial-host interactions using relevant cellular and animal model systems. We seek to elucidate immunologic mechanisms involved in these interactions and use this knowledge to advance preclinical therapeutic and vaccine development efforts.

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Long Research Group, 2022: Front Row (left to right): Mahelat Tesfamariam, Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow; Carrie Mae Long, Senior Investigator; Crystal Richards, Biologist (former member); Picabo Binette, Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow (former member).

Credit: NIAID

Carrie Mae Long, Ph.D.

Chief, Bacterial Immunology and Pathogenesis Unit
Stadtman Tenure-Track Investigator

Education:

Ph.D., 2016, West Virginia University

B.S., 2011, Gardner-Webb University

Dr. Long graduated summa cum laude from Gardner-Webb University with a B.S. in 2011. She received her Ph.D. in immunology and microbial pathogenesis from West Virginia University in 2016. Here, she studied the role of regulatory T cells and microRNAs in chemical allergy at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC). After earning her doctorate, Dr. Long moved to Hamilton...

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Het Adhvaryu, B.Sc.

Graduate Partnership Program Predoctoral Student

Education:

Ph.D. Candidate, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, College of Medicine

Mr. Adhvaryu is investigating host metabolic and immune responses to Coxiella burnetii.

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Matthew W. Anderson, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.S., 2023, Biology, Minors in Spanish and Biochemistry, Hillsdale College

Mr. Anderson’s work focuses on investigating the post-vaccination hypersensitivity responses that can occur following vaccination against Q fever. This approach is multi-faceted, with particular emphasis on developing methods to track vaccine dissemination as well as characterize local immune responses. In addition to his work with Coxiella burnetii, he is also developing methods for working with...

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Katie Pierce, M.Sc.

Graduate Partnership Program Predoctoral Student

Education:

Ph.D. Candidate, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, College of Medicine
M.Sc., Biology, Louisiana Tech University
B.S., Human Biology, Indiana University Bloomington

I am currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences studying host cell manipulation during Coxiella burnetii infection in human macrophages. I am currently focusing on cell stress pathways in the host that are targeted by Coxiella burnetii for vacuole formation and intracellular growth. I am continuing this work in Carrie Mae Long’s lab at the NIAID Rocky Mountain...

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Jonathan Shikany, B.S.

Graduate Partnership Program Predoctoral Student

Education:

Ph.D. Student, Montana State University, Department of Chemical Engineering
B.S., Biological Engineering and Biochemistry, Montana State University

Jonathan’s research focuses on free-living amoeba in natural and engineered systems. He does field sampling to map the distribution of pathogenic amoeba in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and studies the interactions between amoeba and bacterial pathogens.

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Mahelat Tesfamariam, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow

Education:

B.S., Biology, Georgia State University

Languages Spoken: Amharic

Ms. Tesfamariam’s research focuses on the identification of bacterial and host factors involved in the unique virulence profile of Dugway Coxiella burnetii strains. Her work involves type IV secretion system effector protein characterization and animal models of host pathogen interactions, including infection and vaccination-challenge.

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Former Research Group Members

Picabo Sweet Binette, B.S., IRTA Postbaccalaureate Fellow
Crystal L. Richards, Ph.D., Biologist

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