Our lab focuses on uncovering how the mucosal immune system protects the respiratory tract from viral infections, emphasizing its distinct role compared to systemic immunity. We study immune responses to viruses like influenza A and coronaviruses, using rodent models to dissect how different infection routes influence mucosal and systemic immunity. Employing advanced technologies such as high dimensional flow cytometry, systems serology, and single-cell transcriptomics, we map immune responses across key respiratory tissues. Our goal is to identify correlates of protection and inform the development of vaccines that elicit strong, durable mucosal immunity through various platforms and delivery methods.
Mucosal Immunology and Virology Unit, 2025. Left to right: Jessica A Maas, B.S.; Ethan A. Courchesne, B.S.; Amanda Zelkoski, Ph.D.; Neeltje van Doremalen, Ph.D.
Neeltje van Doremalen, Ph.D.
Chief, Mucosal Immunology and Virology Unit (MIVU)
Stadtman Tenure-Track Investigator
Education:
Ph.D., Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Languages Spoken: Dutch
Ethan A. Courchesne, B.S.
Postbaccalaureate Fellow
Education:
B.S., Montana State University
Ethan earned his B.S. in microbiology from Montana State University in 2020 where he studied host-pathogen interactions in honeybees. Following this, he joined MIV in 2020 as a postbaccalaureate fellow. Ethan is interested in investigating preventative measures to limit pandemic severity. He is currently engaged in examining vaccines, with the goal to induce protective immunity in both the upper...
Jessica A. Maas, B.S.
Biologist
Education:
B.S., Oklahoma State University
Jessica earned her B.S. in biology from Oklahoma State University in 2019 and spent several years working in animal research as a Senior Laboratory Animal Technician at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana, working on infectious diseases in a Biosafety Level 4 setting before joining MIVU in 2025 as a biologist. Jessica supports lab projects for MIVU through work in lab and animal procedures.
Amanda Zelkoski, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Education:
Ph.D., Emerging Infectious Diseases, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
B.S., University of Maryland, College Park
Amanda earned her Ph.D. in Emerging Infectious Diseases from the of the Health Sciences in 2025. Her dissertation work examined the innate immune responses to the lipid nanoparticle component of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. She is currently investigating how different vaccination routes influence the development of mucosal immunity and how adjuvants can enhance those mucosal immune responses.
