Shevach Research Group

The major focus of the Cellular Immunology Section over the past 25 years has been furthering our understanding of the function of T regulatory cells (Tregs) that express the transcription factor Foxp3. Our group was one of the first in the world to realize the importance of Treg and we performed many of the initial studies that described their phenotype and function. The study of Tregs is now one of the most active areas of research in basic and clinical immunology and the therapeutic use of Treg is now in the clinic. It was originally assumed that Treg were a dedicated lineage of cells that developed only from thymic precursors, but more recent studies have clearly documented that Foxp3+ T cells also develop from conventional T cells (Tconv) in extra-thymic peripheral sites in vivo, and these are termed peripherally induced Tregs (pTregs). Treg can also be generated in culture in the presence of transforming growth factor-b1 (TGF-b1) and are termed induced Tregs (iTreg). The relative importance of tTreg and pTreg is unknown. 

Although most of our studies deal with Tregs in mouse models, over the past 15 years we have also carried out studies on human Tregs (hTregs) derived from normal donors. Our ongoing studies are described below and have been divided up into five major projects with significant overlap between the projects. We also intentionally validate new and novel findings that we learn in one species with similar studies in another species, as there appears to be conservation of many aspects of Treg function across the species.

Cell Immunology Fig Image

Two fundamentally different suppressor modes characterize Treg suppressor mechanisms. In the “active” mode, Treg cells secrete immunoinhibitory molecules that exert their effects on other cell types. In contrast, in the “counteractive” mode Treg cells are actively engaged in removing vital components from other cells types including antigen, costimulatory molecules, cytokines, and inflammatory signals thereby decreasing the activation of T effector cells. B. Akkaya and E.M. Shevach, Cellular immunology 2020.

Credit: NIAID
Short Title
Shevach Research Group
Person List Page Type
Research Group
Ethan M. Shevach, M.D.

Ethan M. Shevach, M.D.

Chief, Cellular Immunology Section

Education:

M.D., 1967, Boston University

Dr. Shevach received his M.D. from Boston University in 1967. Following clinical training, he joined the Laboratory of Immunology as a senior staff fellow in 1972, was appointed a senior investigator in 1973, and became a section chief in 1987. Dr. Shevach served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Immunology from 1987 to 1992 and editor-in-chief of Cellular Immunology from 1996 to 2007. Dr. Shevach is the author of more than 450 papers.

Learn more about Ethan M. Shevach, M.D.

Ethan Shevach, M.D.

Angela Thornton, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., Microbiology and Immunology, The George Washington University 

B.A., Biology, University of Virginia  

Pat Korty, M.S.

Microbiologist

Education:

M.S., Animal Science, The University of Maryland 

Abir Panda, Ph.D.

Research Fellow (VP)

Education:

Ph.D., Biotechnology, Bose Institute, India

Abir received his Ph.D. in biotechnology in 2016 from Bose Institute, Kolkata, India. He is currently studying the critical roles of NK, Antigen Presenting Cells (APC), and Tregs in maintaining immune homeostasis in the steady-state and augmentation of anti-viral and anti-tumor immunity in murine models and human cancer patients.

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Xuan Xie, Ph.D.

Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Biological Sciences, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Xuan received her Ph.D. in biological sciences in 2018 from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, where she studied the functions of 2 deubiquitinases (USP5 and USP13) during the assembly and disassembly of stress granules in Professor Masayuki Komada’s laboratory. She is currently working on novel approaches for the development of human Treg modulating mAbs for the treatment of cancer or...

Learn more about Xuan Xie, Ph.D.

Yong-Hee Kim, M.D., Ph.D.

Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

M.D., Ph.D., Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea

Yong-Hee received his Ph.D. in immunology in 2013 from Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea where he worked in Chung-Gyu Park’s laboratory. Currently, he is studying pTreg induction and transplantation tolerance.

Learn more about Yong-Hee Kim, M.D., Ph.D.

Mohammad Nizam Mansoori, Ph.D.

Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Osteoimmunology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Drug Research Institute, India 

Nizam received his Ph.D. in the area of osteoimmunology from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), India, in 2017. He joined NIH as a Visiting Scientist in 2017. Currently, he is studying the mechanism of antigen specific CD8 T cell regulation by iTregs both in vitro and in vivo. In 2020, he received an AAI Trainee abstract award.

Learn more about Mohammad Nizam Mansoori, Ph.D.

Melissa Blain, M.S.

Biologist

Education:

M.S., Medical Biology, C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University 

B.S., Biochemical Pharmacology, University at Buffalo

Melissa Blain is a research biologist in the Shevach laboratory since 2008. She has a M.S. in medical biology with a concentration in hematology and immunology, and a B.S. in biochemical pharmacology.

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Sruthi Chempati, M.S.

Biologist

Education:

M.S., Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University  

B.S., Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University

Sruthi Chempati is a research biologist in the Shevach laboratory. She received a M.S. in biological sciences and a B.S. in biotechnology. Prior to joining the Shevach laboratory, she worked in an immunology laboratory focused on generation of EGFRvIII CAR T cells and in a R&D laboratory focused on murine tumor model studies with Flow Cytometry technical competency.

Learn more about Sruthi Chempati, M.S.

Madalyn Jones, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.S., Biomedical Sciences, Troy University

Madalyn is currently working to identify the role of the transcription factor Helios in human CD8+ T cells. She received her B.S. in biomedical sciences from Troy University. Madalyn plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. and continue research as a physician-scientist.

Learn more about Madalyn Jones, B.S.

Neil Yang, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.S., Biology, Case Western Reserve University

Neil received a B.S. in biology from Case Western Reserve University in 2021. His current work involves the study of the transcription factor Helios in conventional T cells.

Learn more about Neil Yang, B.S.

Soha Kazmi, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate Fellow 

Education:

B.S., Biology and Chemistry, University of Florida

Soha received a B.S. in biology and chemistry from the University of Florida in 2022. She is currently studying Ly49/LILRs- MHC Class-I interactions in anti-viral and anti-tumor immunity in murine models and human patient samples.

Learn more about Soha Kazmi, B.S.

Sooho Myoung, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.S., Statistics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sooho received a B.S. in statistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2023. Prior to joining NIH, he worked in Dr. Gowthami Arepally’s laboratory at Duke University Medical Center, where he studied the role of complement in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Currently, he is studying the transcription factor Helios in conventional T cells. He plans to pursue a career as a...

Learn more about Sooho Myoung, B.S.

Section
Research
Content Manager
Catherine Bullis
Content Coordinator
Jennifer Caron
Group photo of Shevach research group members.

Cellular Immunology Section, 2023. Front row (left to right): Xuan Xie, Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow, Soha Kazmi, Postbaccalaureate Fellow, Ethan Shevach, Principal Investigator, Pat Korty, Microbiologist, Madalyn Jones, Postbaccalaureate Fellow, Angela Thornton, Staff Scientist. Back Row (left to right): Abir Panda, Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow, Nizam Mansoori, Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow, Neil Yang, Postbaccalaureate Fellow, Yong-Hee Kim, Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow, Melissa Blain, Biologist, Suveena Sharma (alumnus), Biologist. Top Left Corner (left to right): Sruthi Chempati, Biologist, Sooho Myoung, Postbaccalaureate Fellow.

Credit: NIAID
June 06, 2023

Lionakis Research Group

Opportunistic fungal infections represent major causes of morbidity and mortality despite the administration of antifungal therapy. A better mechanistic understanding of host-fungal interactions will inform the development of improved immune-based strategies for the prevention, risk stratification, prognostication, vaccination, and treatment of vulnerable patient populations. In the Fungal Pathogenesis Section (FPS), we use an integrated bench-to-bedside multidisciplinary approach encompassing immunology, mycology, and genetics to investigate protection against and susceptibility to pathogenic fungi. We evaluate large cohorts of patients with inherited or acquired susceptibility to fungal disease and study antifungal immune responses in vitro and in vivo in a variety of clinically relevant mouse models of fungal disease. Thus, we employ various immunological, biological, and imaging approaches to measure biological determinants of disease outcomes in humans and mice. Our research directly informs clinically actionable interventions, including developing targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions in at-risk patients.

Short Title
Lionakis Research Group
Person List Page Type
Research Group
Michail Lionakis, M.D., Sc.D.

Michail Lionakis, M.D., Sc.D.

Chief, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology
Chief, Fungal Pathogenesis Section

Specialty(s): Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine
Provides direct clinical care to patients at NIH Clinical Center

Education:

M.D., Sc.D., University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece

Dr. Lionakis obtained his M.D. and Sc.D. from the University of Crete in Greece. In 2002, he came to the United States and worked as a research fellow at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) under the mentorship of Dimitrios Kontoyiannis. At MDACC, Dr. Lionakis did clinical research on risk factors, diagnosis, and management of opportunistic fungal infections in cancer patients and bench research focusing on pharmacology and microbial factors in mouse and Drosophila models of invasive aspergillosis, fusariosis, and candidiasis.

Learn more about Michail Lionakis, M.D., Sc.D.

Michail S. Lionakis, M.D., Sc.D., poses for a photo

Princess Barber, M.S.N.

Case Manager

Education:

M.S.N., Walden University
B.S., Nursing, Columbia Union College

Princess comes to FPS with a clinical background working in cardiology, oncology, infectious diseases, and management. As a case manager in FPS, she provides care coordination and protocol implementation on the section’s natural history and interventional studies on human fungal infections and autoimmunity.

Learn more about Princess Barber, M.S.N.

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Lucas Dos Santos Dias, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellow, 2022, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Ph.D., Microbiology, 2017, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
M.Sc., Biology and Biotecnology of Microorganisms, 2012, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
Bachelor, Biomedicine, 2010, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil

Languages Spoken: Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish

Lucas did his postdoctoral research fellowship with Bruce Klein, where he focused on the development of fungal vaccines and mechanisms of T-cell-mediated antifungal immunity. He has accumulated more than 10 years of research experience in fungal immunology, as evidenced by 20 manuscripts and more than 300 citations. At NIAID, he is focused on various projects related to AIRE-dependent mechanisms...

Learn more about Lucas Dos Santos Dias, Ph.D.

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Eliezer Heller, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow

Education:

B.S., 2023, Yeshiva University

Eliezer obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology from Yeshiva University. In his undergraduate studies, he researched IPLA2-6A-associated neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster and gained experience in confocal microscopy and image analysis, and fruit fly-associated assays. He joined FPS as a postbaccalaureate research fellow, where his work will focus on translational research aspects of the...

Learn more about Eliezer Heller, B.S.

Eliezer Heller, B.S. poses for a photo

Iivo Hetemäki, M.D., Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

M.D., Ph.D., University of Helsinki, Finland

Iivo completed his Ph.D. under the mentorship of Petteri Arstila and Eliisa Kekäläinen, focusing on adaptive immune responses in inborn errors of immunity, including autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED). At FPS, Iivo's research centers on uncovering the mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation in APECED and how they can be remedied with immunomodulatory drugs.

Learn more about Iivo Hetemäki, M.D., Ph.D.

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Shen-Huan Liang, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Pathobiology, Brown University

Shen-Huang (Stacy) completed her Ph.D. under the mentorship of Richard Bennett, specializing in fungal genetics and pathogenesis in Candida albicans. In the FPS, Stacy will be investigating the regulatory roles of lipid mediators during systemic candidiasis.

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Ashira Lubkin, M.D., Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

M.D., Ph.D., New York University
B.S., Columbia University

Ashira worked as a research associate at Rockefeller University in the lab of Ralph Steinman. She obtained her Ph.D. and M.D. from NYU, where she studied the pathogenesis of pore forming leukocidins from Staphylococcus aureus in the lab of Dr. Victor Torres. Her research at FPS focuses on the relationship between excessive type 1 inflammation and mucosal candidiasis. She is interested in defining...

Learn more about Ashira Lubkin, M.D., Ph.D.

A headshot of Ashira Lubkin.

Jessie MacAlpine, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., University of Toronto

Jessie completed her Ph.D. in the lab of Dr. Leah Cowen at the University of Toronto, where she identified a small molecule secreted by commensal bacteria that inhibits fungal pathogenesis. In FPS, her work is focused on characterizing vaginal immune response in the context of both health and fungal disease in the setting of diabetes mellitus.

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Heather Moorman, M.S.P.H., B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.P.

Clinical Research Coordinator

Education:

M.S.P.H., Johns Hopkins University
B.S.N., Georgetown University

Heather comes to FPS with a clinical, research, and public health systems background and was previously a study coordinator with the Laboratory of Immune System Biology. She manages and coordinates our natural history and interventional studies on human fungal infections and autoimmunity.

Learn more about Heather Moorman, M.S.P.H., B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.P.

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Joe Pechacek, M.S., M.D.

Clinical Fellow, Infectious Diseases

Education:

Residency, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Pittsburg Medical Center
M.D., Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
M.S., Georgetown University
B.S., Biology, The George Washington University

Joe joins FPS with an interest in clinical research and in elucidating host factors driving susceptibility to fungal infection to learn how to better manage patients with complex fungal infections, especially in the context of immune dysregulation.

Learn more about Joe Pechacek, M.S., M.D.

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Brendan Snarr, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., McGill University
B.S., Biochemistry, University of Victoria

Brendan studied the immune response to pulmonary Aspergillus infections and evaluating novel therapeutics against microbial biofilms during his doctoral research. At FPS, Brendan will be investigating the neuroinflammatory responses against fungal meningoencephalitis.

Learn more about Brendan Snarr, Ph.D.

Brendan Snarr, Ph.D.

Taura Webb, C.R.N.P.

Nurse

Education:

M.S., Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate, Bellarmine University

Taura comes to FPS with a clinical background, working with genitourinary cancers and, more recently, nephrology consultation service with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, focusing on nephrological complications from varying underlying disorders. Her work will focus on the clinical care of patients with inherited and acquired susceptibilities to fungal disease...

Learn more about Taura Webb, C.R.N.P.

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Andrew Wishart, M.Sc.

Contractor

Education:

B.Sc. (Honors), M.Sc., Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town

Andrew focused his educational studies on secreted biomarkers in cancer. He then moved to the United States, where he worked as a research technician in the Oudin Lab at Tufts University, investigating drivers of breast cancer metastasis. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrew worked as a clinical genomic technologist at the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, where he...

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Andrew Wishart, M.Sc.

Yan Xin, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Chinese Academy of Sciences

Yan Xin obtained his Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He then performed postdoctoral research on fungal immunology at Tsinghua University under the mentorship of Dr. Xin Lin. In the FPS, Yan Xin will study the molecular mechanisms of host susceptibility to invasive candidiasis and chromoblastomycosis.

Learn more about Yan Xin, Ph.D.

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Huihui Zhang, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Huihui Zhang completed her Ph.D. at Shanghai Jiao Tong University under the supervision of Dr. Qian Feng at the School of Pharmacy. During her Ph.D., her research focused on delineating the immune regulatory mechanisms of macrophages in asthma. In FPS, Huihui is studying the molecular mechanisms of phagocyte-dependent defense against Aspergillus during pulmonary infection.

Learn more about Huihui Zhang, Ph.D.

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Lu Zhang, M.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

M.D., Clinical Medicine, Peking University

Lu Zhang received her M.D. from Peking University under the supervision of Dr. Ruoyu Li, where she focused her research on investigating the host immune mechanisms underlying susceptibility to phaeohyphomycosis in CARD9 deficiency. At FPS, she will study the CARD9-dependent mechanisms of protection against fungal infection in the skin including against refractory chromoblastomycosis.

Learn more about Lu Zhang, M.D.

Headshot of Lu Zhang, M.D.

Former Research Group Members

  • Michael Abers, M.D., Assistant Clinical Investigator, Chief, Opportunistic Bacterial Pathogenesis Unit, LCIM, NIAID, NIH
  • Timothy Break, Scientist I, Meso Scale Diagnostics, Rockville, Maryland
  • Amanda Collar, M.D.-Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, New Mexico
  • Gregory Constantine, M.D., Staff Clinician, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases (LPD), NIAID, NIH
  • Shiva Deljookorani, B.S., Medical School, University of Maryland
  • Jigar Desai, M.S., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack University Medical Center, New Jersey
  • Tom DiMaggio, Clinical Project Manager, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, NIAID, Bethesda, Maryland
  • Rebecca Drummond, Birmingham Fellow, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy / Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
  • Elise Ferré, MPH, PA-C, Clinical Analyst, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), FDA, Maryland
  • Yannis Hadjiyannis, B.Sc., Medical School, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
  • Ahnika Kline, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology; Associate Director, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, UCSD, California
  • Mukil Natarajan, Medical Officer, Office of Antimicrobial Products, Center for Drug Evaluation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
  • Sebastian Ochoa, Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Allergy and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
  • Vasileios Oikonomou, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Italy
  • Stacey Rose, Assistant Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, Associate Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
  • Monica Schmitt, C.R.N.P., Clinical Analyst, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), FDA, Maryland
  • Daisuke Yamanaka, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Japan
  • Marissa Zarakas, D.D.S., M.D., Internal Medicine Resident, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Section
Research
Content Manager
Catherine Bullis
Content Coordinator
Jennifer Caron
February 18, 2025

Molecular Development of the Immune System Section Research Group

To carry out the research performed in the Molecular Development of the Immune System Section (MDISS), our team of dedicated scientific and clinical staff study patients using our combined expertise in genetics/genomics, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and immunology.

Short Title
Molecular Development of the Immune System Section Research Group
Person List Page Type
Research Group
Helen C. Su, M.D., Ph.D.

Helen C. Su, M.D., Ph.D.

Chief, Human Immunological Diseases Section
Director, NIAID Clinical Genomics Program
Acting Chief, Molecular Development of the Immune System Section

Specialty(s): Allergy and Immunology, Pediatrics
Provides direct clinical care to patients at NIH Clinical Center

Education:

M.D., Ph.D., Brown University

Helen Su received M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Brown University. She completed training in pediatrics at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Washington University, and subspecialty training in allergy and immunology at NIAID. After postdoctoral training with Michael Lenardo, M.D., in the Laboratory of Immunology, she joined the Laboratory of Host Defenses in 2007 as a tenure-track clinical investigator and was tenured in 2016. She has received the Society for Pediatric Research E. Mead Johnson Award and the Gale and Ira Drukier Prize in Children’s Health Research. She was elected a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians.

Learn more about Helen C. Su, M.D., Ph.D.

photo of Helen Su, M.D., Ph.D.

Jing Cui, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Developmental Biology, Fudan University, China

Languages Spoken: Chinese

My research focuses on understanding the pathological mechanism of early-onset inflammatory bowel disease due to genetic defects. I am also interested in developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies for cancers.

Learn more about Jing Cui, Ph.D.

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Sarah Weber, Ph.D.

Project Manager

Education:

Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Working closely with Dr. Lenardo, I assist with day-to-day lab management in a multitude of capacities such as writing scientific reports, implementing, and optimizing procedures for lab efficiency, and liaison to the technology transfer office.

Learn more about Sarah Weber, Ph.D.

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Chen Xiang, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Languages Spoken: Chinese

My research efforts are directed toward investigating and comprehending the underlying pathological mechanisms of atherosclerosis attributed to either gene mutations or autoimmune diseases.

Learn more about Chen Xiang, Ph.D.

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Lixin Zheng, M.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

M.D., The Third Military Medical University, China

Languages Spoken: Chinese

I currently have two main projects in the lab: developing therapeutic immunogens for treating autoimmune disorders and profiling lipidomics and metabolomics of inherent immune disorders.

Learn more about Lixin Zheng, M.D.

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Maria Zhu, B.A.

Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.A., Biological Chemistry and Classics, Grinnell College

Languages Spoken: Mandarin

I am working with Dr. Jing Cui on understanding how rare mutations can lead to the early onset of inflammatory bowel disease.

Learn more about Maria Zhu, B.A.

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Former Research Group Members

This list only is comprised of former members since 2020.

Ping Jiang, B.S., Biologist. On detail in NIAID.

Carol Trageser, Lab Manager. Retired.

Ann Yong-jin Park, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow. Staff Fellow at the FDA.

Leilei Xu, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow. Transferred to the NIAID Signaling Systems Section.

Elif Everest, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow. Transferred to the NINDS Translational Neuroradiology Section.

Heather Moorman, M.S.P.H., B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.P., Clinical Research Nurse. Transferred to the NIAID Fungal Pathogenesis Section.

Rachel Palmer, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into M.D./Ph.D. program at University of Pennsylvania.

Justin Gabrielski, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into Ph.D. program at University of Pennsylvania.

Abdul Habib Franca Omar, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into M.D. program at University of Missouri.

Alison Pagalilauan, M.S., Laboratory Technician. Enrolled into Ph.D. program at Emory University.

Alex Waldman, B.S., Graduate Student in NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. Returned to Emory University to complete M.D.

Simone Gottlieb, B.A., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into M.D. program at Northwestern University.

Runa Cheng, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into M.D./Ph.D. program at University of California, San Francisco.

Yikun Yao, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow. Professor & Principal Investigator at Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai.

Helen Matthews, R.N., Clinical Research Nurse. Retired.

Satoshi Kubo, M.D., Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow. Associate Professor & Principal Investigator at University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan.

Matthew Lynberg, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into M.D. program at Georgetown University.

Rhea Kataria, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into M.D./Ph.D. program at University of Chicago and NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program.

Zinan Zhang, A.B., Graduate Student in NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. Returned to Harvard University to complete M.D.

Jessica Phan, B.A., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into M.D./Ph.D. program at Harvard University and NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program.

Samantha Shafer, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into M.D./Ph.D. program at Emory University and NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program.

Juan Ravell, M.D., Staff Clinician. Physician at Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health.

Sarah Cook, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into M.D. program at Vanderbilt University.

Samuel Chauvin, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow. Enrolled into M.D./Ph.D. program at University of Pennsylvania.

Section
Research
Content Manager
Catherine Bullis
Content Coordinator
Jennifer Caron
Sarah Weber
March 20, 2025

Tolia Research Group

The Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section (HPISV) seeks to uncover the fundamental phenomena necessary to develop the next generation of vaccines through structural vaccinology. Structure-guided design of immunogens to elicit well-defined immune responses will likely lead to significant improvements in vaccine efficacy and durability.

We pursue three areas of research:

  1. Host-pathogen interactions
    Pathogens must interact with the host for survival. We aim to uncover and exploit these interactions to prevent disease.
  2. Neutralizing Antibodies
    Antibodies play key roles in protection against infectious disease. We aim to determine the mechanisms of productive antibody neutralization of pathogens.
  3. Structural vaccinology for infectious diseases
    Producing antigens that focus the immune response to protective epitopes and result in durable protection is critical for future vaccines. We aim to design and engineer novel antigens with enhanced efficacy and durability.

We focus on the infectious diseases malaria and COVID-19. Malaria affects a third of the world`s population, leads to 200-300 million cases per year, and results in approximately half a million deaths annually. A majority of fatalities are suffered by children under the age of five. Most morbidity and mortality due to malaria are caused by the parasites Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Vaccines against these pathogens are likely to play key roles in malaria control efforts and are expected to be a central component for the eradication of malaria through an integrated program. COVID-19 has emerged as a significant global health priority and continuous development of vaccines is necessary to ensure protection against new variants. We aim to leverage structural vaccinology to develop potent and durable vaccines for malaria and COVID-19.

HPISV uses the tools of structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, immunology, and microbiology to examine proteins and protein complexes associated with pathogenesis. Specific approaches include:

  • X-ray crystallography, Electron microscopy, Biophysical methods (SAXS, BLI, ITC, AUC)
  • Human monoclonal antibody isolation, characterization, and examination
  • Human-guided and computational protein design
  • In vitro functional assays and in vivo preclinical studies in rodents and non-human primates
Short Title
Tolia Research Group
Person List Page Type
Research Group
Niraj Harish Tolia, Ph.D., FASTMH

Niraj Harish Tolia, Ph.D., FASTMH

Senior Investigator
Chief, Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section

Education:

Ph.D., 2004, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences, NY

B.Sc., 1999, Imperial College, London

Dr. Tolia became the Chief of the Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology section in the Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology in May 2018. He is a tenured Senior Investigator in the Division of Intramural Research, NIAID. He has pioneered the structural and biophysical studies of host-pathogen interactions, antibody neutralization and immunogen design for malaria.

Learn more about Niraj Harish Tolia, Ph.D., FASTMH

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Thayne Dickey, Ph.D.

Scientist

Education:

University of Colorado Boulder; Ph.D.
Carleton College; B.A.

Dickey is working on developing and implementing a structure-based antigen design pipeline to create improved vaccine immunogens. His team has successfully improved the immunogenicity of malaria and SARS-CoV-2 antigens in animals and are now advancing promising candidates and expanding our scope of targets.

Learn more about Thayne Dickey, Ph.D.

Richi Gupta, Ph.D.

Scientist

Education:

George Mason University; Ph.D.

Gupta is a scientist in the Host pathogen Interaction and Structural Vaccinology (HPSIV) section at Laboratory of Malaria Immunology & Vaccinology (LMIV). She is currently working on antibody neutralization and immunogen design for malaria vaccine candidates. Her research interests are vaccine development, bioinformatics, and microbiome.

Learn more about Richi Gupta, Ph.D.

Ajay Kumar, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SAS Nagar), India; Ph.D.

Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, India; M.Sc.

Ajay is dedicated to advancing structural vaccinology for malaria with a focus on the examination of crucial malaria immunogens. His research emphasizes a structural approach to design, aiming to empower and customize antigens for improved efficacy in combating malaria.

Learn more about Ajay Kumar, Ph.D.

Palak N. Patel, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

Nirma University, India; Ph.D.

Saurashtra University, India; M.Sc.

Patel is a structural biologist with a focus on understanding the mechanisms of antibody neutralization of malaria parasites, and the design and engineering of novel immunogens.

Learn more about Palak N. Patel, Ph.D.

Nichole D. Salinas

Section Manager/Biologist

Education:

Washington University in St. Louis; M.A.

Central Michigan University; B.Sc.

Salinas's training is in biochemistry with an emphasis on protein production and purification and biophysical characterization of proteins. She currently works on the development of nanoparticle-based vaccines utilizing structure-based vaccinology approaches.

Learn more about Nichole D. Salinas

Shashank Shekhar, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

Jawaharlal Nehru University, India; Ph.D.

Banaras Hindu University, India; M.Sc.

Shekhar is working on the structural vaccinology of malaria. His research interest lies in the structural study of key malaria immunogens and conducting structure-guided design of vaccines.

Learn more about Shashank Shekhar, Ph.D.

Dashuang Shi, Ph.D.

Scientist

Education:

University of Sydney, Ph.D.

Xiamen University, M.Sc.

Xiamen University, B.Sc.

Shi is working on the design and structural characterization of novel malaria vaccines to display antigens on nanoparticles. He is seeking to develop a next generation of malaria vaccine to be able to elicit both humoral and cell-mediated immunity for better protection.

Learn more about Dashuang Shi, Ph.D.

Wai Kwan (Candy) Tang, Ph.D.

Senior Scientist

Education:

The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Ph.D.

Tang is a structural biologist and protein biochemist with a focus on host-pathogen interactions and the humoral immune response to infection.

Learn more about Wai Kwan (Candy) Tang, Ph.D.

Section
Research
Content Manager
Catherine Bullis
Content Coordinator
Jennifer Caron
December 08, 2023

Jankovic Research Group

Parasitic diseases provide unique in vivo models for studying immune responses due to the biological diversity of the pathogens involved and their ability to evade host defense mechanisms in order to establish persistent infections. The overall objective of our work is to better understand the immunology of host-pathogen interaction and basic aspects of CD4+ T cell effector and regulatory function. We believe that characterization of the mechanisms that govern the induction of host resistance versus immunopathology is critical for successful immune intervention and rational design of more effective vaccines and immunotherapies for infectious diseases.

Short Title
Jankovic Research Group
Person List Page Type
Research Group


 

Dragana Lj. Jankovic, Ph.D.

Senior Associate Scientist, Immunoparasitology Unit

Dragana Lj. Jankovic, Ph.D., is a Senior Associate Scientist in the Immunoparasitology Unit. The overall objective of our work is to better understand the immunology of host-pathogen interaction and basic aspects of CD4+ T cell effector and regulatory function.

Learn more about Dragana Lj. Jankovic, Ph.D.

Dragana Lj. Jankovic, Ph.D.

Victoria Peluf

Post-Baccalaureate Student

Education:

Bachelor of Science, Colgate University, New York

Victoria Peluf

Former Research Group Members

2017 – 2019    Lexie Carletti, B.S. University of Washington, WA, post-baccalaureate student;
Medical Student at Oregon Health & Science University Oregon Health & Science University

2019 – 2021    Claire Conarroe, B.S. Washington & Lee University, VA, post-baccalaureate student; 
Ph.D. Student in Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program at UVA School of Medicine 

Section
Research
Content Manager
Catherine Bullis
Content Coordinator
Jennifer Caron
January 11, 2023

O'Connell Research Group

The Clinical Parasitology Unit is an interdisciplinary group of clinically trained LPD staff members who oversee the clinical research portfolio and provide clinical care, consultations, and training in tropical medicine and parasitology. The overriding goals of this program are:

  • To gain insight into the clinical syndromes associated with parasitic infections
  • To understand and help define the pathogenesis underlying clinical disease
  • To identify better ways of treating individual infections and to prevent secondary consequences of treatment
  • To develop better diagnostic tools for the species-specific diagnosis of active parasitic infection

Although the Clinical Parasitology Unit has protocols to see patients with any parasitic infection, the overwhelming majority of patients have neurocysticercosis, filarial infections (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, loiasis, mansonellosis), strongyloidiasis, Chagas disease, hookworm infections, ascaraisis, giardiasis, echinococcosis, and leishmaniasis. We occasionally see patients with gnathostomiasis, African trypanosomiasis, and malaria, among others.
 

Short Title
O'Connell Research Group
Person List Page Type
Research Group
Elise M. O’Connell, M.D.

Elise M. O’Connell, M.D.

Chief, Clinical Parasitology Unit
Associate Research Physician

Specialty(s): Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine
Provides direct clinical care to patients at NIH Clinical Center

Education:

M.D., Loyola University Chicago

Dr. O’Connell received her medical degree from Loyola University of Chicago. She is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases and completed residency at Indiana University and fellowship at the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID/NIH).

Learn more about Elise M. O’Connell, M.D.

Elise M. O’Connell, M.D.

Jessica Bass, D.O.

Infectious Disease Clinical Fellow

Education:

D.O., Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Residency, NCH Healthcare System Internal Medicine Residency
Chief Resident, NCH Healthcare System Internal Medicine Residency
Fellowship, NIH Infectious Disease Fellowship

Languages Spoken: Spanish

My research projects include identifying Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibiotic resistance genes, diagnosis of H. pylori utilizing an entero-string test, and clinical outcomes of H. pylori resistance-guided treatment in patients who have failed prior therapies. My clinical interests include tropical medicine and parasitology.

Learn more about Jessica Bass, D.O.

Headshot of Jessica Bass

Thomas Brown, R.N.

Nurse Specialist, CCRP

Thomas is the study coordinator for the following protocols: Natron, Pilot Study of Mepolizumab in Episodic Angioedema with Eosinophilia, Collection of blood, body fluid and tissue specimens from healthy donors for use in in vitro research, An Open-Label, Proof-of-Concept Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Dexpramipexole (KNS-760704) in Subjects with Hypereosinophilic Syndrome, A Phase 2...

Learn more about Thomas Brown, R.N.

A headshot of Thomas Brown in a gray shirt.

Perla Adames Castillo, R.N.

Nurse Research Specialist

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Perla is study coordinator for the Cysticercosis, Leishmaniasis, and Chagas arm of the Parasite Screening protocols.

Learn more about Perla Adames Castillo, R.N.

Gregory M. Constantine, M.D.

Assistant Research Physician, Human Eosinophil Section (HES), Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases (LPD)

Specialty(s): Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine
Provides direct clinical care to patients at NIH Clinical Center

Education:

M.D., University of Texas Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX

Residency, Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

Chief Residency, Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

Fellowship, Allergy and Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, NIH, Bethesda, MD

Gregory Constantine, M.D., is an Assistant Research Physician Clinician at NIAID. He has been involved in translational research in eosinophilic disorders since joining the Human Eosinophil Section in 2020. He received his M.D. from the University of Texas Long School of Medicine, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). He was then selected and served as...

Learn more about Gregory M. Constantine, M.D.

Photo of Gregory M. Constantine, M.D.

Gustavo Cuevas

Clinical Research Coordinator

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Harris Richard Droghini, M.D.

Allergy and Immunology Fellow

Education:

BMus, Vanderbilt University 
M.D., Medical University of South Carolina

I am interested in the modulation of the immune system and allergic responses by helminth infections, in particular, the human whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) in a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT05706116). I am also working on developing a novel approach to characterize the human gut microbiome.

Learn more about Harris Richard Droghini, M.D.

Headshot of Harris Richard Droghini

Ejiofor Ezekwe, M.D., Ph.D.

Allergy and Immunology Clinical Fellow

Education:

Pediatrics Residency, University of North Carolina
Ph.D., University of North Carolina
Medical School, University of North Carolina

Janitzio Guzman, M.D.

Infectious Diseases Fellow

Education:

Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency, University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Tulsa, OK
Doctor of Medicine, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Bachelor of Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Janitzio is a combined adult/pediatric infectious diseases fellow with an interest in the immunopathogenesis of helminthic infections. He is working in Elise O’Connell’s group to study the immune response to subarachnoid neurocysticercosis, including the role of autoantibody formation in disease. His clinical interests include parasitic infection, neglected tropical diseases, and infections...

Learn more about Janitzio Guzman, M.D.

A headshot of Janitzio Guzman in a suit and a tie.

Paneez Khoury, M.D., M.H.Sc., FAAAAI

Senior Clinician; Director, Allergy & Immunology Fellowship Training Program, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases (LAD)
Head, Eosinophil Clinical Research Unit, Human Eosinophil Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases (LPD)

Specialty(s): Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine
Provides direct clinical care to patients at NIH Clinical Center

Education:

M.D., University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL

M.H.Sc., Duke University, Durham, NC

Paneez Khoury, M.D. is Senior Clinician in NIAID. She has been involved in translational research in eosinophilic disorders since joining the Human Eosinophil Section in 2012. She is the head of the Eosinophil Clinical Research Unit in the Human Eosinophil Section where she leads clinical investigative trials and studies in a variety of eosinophilic disorders. She received her M.D. from University...

Learn more about Paneez Khoury, M.D., M.H.Sc., FAAAAI

A headshot of Paneez Khoury in a lab coat.

Amy Klion, M.D.

Co-Deputy Chief, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases
Chief, Human Eosinophil Section

Education:

B.A., Princeton University

M.D., New York University School of Medicine

Dr. Klion earned her B.A. from Princeton University and her M.D. from New York University School of Medicine. After completing a residency in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins University, she was a postdoctoral fellow in the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases from 1989 to 1991. She completed her fellowship in infectious diseases at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, where she was appointed an assistant professor in the division of infectious diseases prior to returning to the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases in 1997 as a staff clinician. She became a tenure-track clinical investigator in the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases in 2009 and a senior clinical investigator in 2014.

Learn more about Amy Klion, M.D.

A headshot of Amy Klion in a green shirt.

Michelle M. Luera, M.S.N.

Registered Nurse

Education:

M.S.N., Nursing Informatics, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
B.S., Nursing, Florida International University, Miami, FL

Michelle is a certified pediatric nurse with experience in hematology/oncology, bone marrow transplant, and clinical research. She is also a study coordinator on the LPD screen, and she has experience in Chagas disease and the Hypereosinophilia protocol.

Learn more about Michelle M. Luera, M.S.N.

Headshot of Michelle M. Luera

Emily E. Miltenberger, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow

Education:

B.S., 2021, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Languages Spoken: French, Korean

Emily’s project is focused on characterizing the inflammatory cascade observed in the central nervous system of patients with subarachnoid neurocysticercosis. She also runs and optimizes diagnostic assays for the disease.

Learn more about Emily E. Miltenberger, B.S.

Headshot of Emily E. Miltenberger

Celeste Gerise Nelson M.S., C.R.N.P.

Advanced Practice Nurse (C.R.N.P.)

Celeste is a family nurse practitioner with the Laboratory of Allergic Diseases since 2008 working on multiple protocols for allergic disorders including urticaria, atopic dermatitis, capillary leak and genetic disorders of allergic inflammation.

Learn more about Celeste Gerise Nelson M.S., C.R.N.P.

Portrait of Celeste Gerise Nelson M.S., C.R.N.P.

Thomas Nutman, M.D.

Lab Chief, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases
Chief, Helminth Immunology Section

Provides direct clinical care to patients at NIH Clinical Center

Education:

A.B., Brown University, Providence, RI

M.D., University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH

Dr. Nutman received his A.B. from Brown University and his M.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He did an internal medicine residency at New York University (Bellevue) and postdoctoral training in the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases (LPD). He is board certified in internal medicine and allergy and immunology. He also holds a diploma/certificate in tropical medicine and...

Learn more about Thomas Nutman, M.D.

A headshot of Thomas Nutman in a white shirt.

Adrienne Showler, M.D.

Attending Physician 

Education:

Medical School, University of Ottawa
Residency, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine
Fellowship, University of Toronto Hospital

Languages Spoken: French

Dr. Adrienne Showler is an infectious disease and clinical tropical medicine physician focused on diagnosis and treatment of neglected tropical diseases in travelers and foreign-born populations.

Learn more about Adrienne Showler, M.D.

A headshot of Adrienne Showler with a blue background.

JeanAnne M. Ware, M.P.H., C.R.N.P.

Nurse Practitioner, C.R.N.P., FNP-BC

Education:

BSN, Johns Hopkins University
MSN, University of California San Francisco Family Nurse Practitioner Program
M.P.H., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Clinician and Associate Investigator on clinical trials for parasitology including leishmaniasis, neurocysticercosis, filarial diseases and Chagas disease, and hypereosinophilic disorders.

Learn more about JeanAnne M. Ware, M.P.H., C.R.N.P.

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Lauren Wetzler, MHS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Education:

MHS, Physician Assistant, Drexel University
BS, Biology, University of Maryland, College Park

Lauren began her career in 2011, initially specializing in neurosurgery and trauma. She transitioned to clinical research at NIH in 2014, serving as an associate investigator on multiple natural history and investigational drug studies spanning a range of parasitic infections and hypereosinophilic syndromes.

Learn more about Lauren Wetzler, MHS, PA-C

Former Research Group Members

  • Nina Lei Tang, BS, Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow; Education: BA, Barnard College; Languages spoken (other than English): French
  • Nina studied the immunopathology of neurocysticercosis with a particular focus on the local immune environment of subarachnoid neurocysticercosis and the persistence of seropositivity following cure of active disease. After NIAID: M.D./Ph.D. program at Baylor College of Medicine
  • Aissatou Bah, BS. After NIAID: M.D. program at University of Minnesota
  • Madelyn Corda, BS. After NIAID: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Lauren Thumm, R.N. After NIAID: Merck
  • Nicole Holland, R.N. After NIAID:  HRSA
  • Jiana L. Blaha, MHS
  • William J. Sears, M.D., MHS
Section
Research
Content Manager
Catherine Bullis
Content Coordinator
Jennifer Caron
Clinical Parasitology Unit, June 2022

Clinical Parasitology Unit, June 2022: Front Row (left to right): Nicole Holland, R.N. (former member); Perla Adames Castillo, R.N.; Amy Klion, M.D.; Paneez Khoury, M.D., MHSc; JeanAnne Ware, M.P.H., C.R.N.P.; Elise O’Connell, M.D., Senior Investigator; Celeste Nelson, M.S., C.R.N.P. Back Row (left to right): Gregory Constantine, M.D.; Thomas Nutman, M.D.; William Sears, M.P.H., M.D. (former member); Lauren Wetzler, MHS, PA-C; Thomas Brown, R.N.; Ejiofor Ezekwe, M.D., Ph.D.

Credit: NIAID
October 28, 2024

Duffy Vaccine Development Research Group

LMIV Vaccine Development Unit develops and performs clinical evaluation of prototype malaria vaccines. Each candidate vaccine must undergo a rigorous development process that requires input from many highly skilled scientists with specific areas of expertise. These include creation of expression systems, fermentation optimization, scale-up of purification technology, clinical good manufacturing practices (cGMP) production, formulation, quality control, preclinical testing, and clinical trials.

This product-oriented research differs from investigator-initiated research conducted in most laboratories. The need for multiple, highly technical inputs makes it impractical to have a single person knowledgeable in all aspects of a specific product.

For these reasons, the unit has adopted an organizational structure used by most biotechnology companies to conduct this development process. This model incorporates best practices from both public and private sectors to rapidly advance vaccine products into Phase II clinical trials. Our organizational approach is coupled with creative management practices, allowing us to operate and fund the program within the framework of the federal government. In addition, the LMIV collaborates with numerous private and public research organizations across the globe; see a comprehensive list of collaborating organizations and the research topics conducted with each.

The Vaccine Development Unit has focused research to eradicate malaria through development of a vaccine to interrupt malaria transmission (VIMT), including transmission-blocking components and pre-erythrocytic components. Another goal of the Vaccine Development Unit is to design and develop vaccines specifically to protect pregnant women and their infants.

Short Title
Duffy Vaccine Development Research Group
Person List Page Type
Research Group
Patrick E. Duffy, M.D.

Animal Studies Unit

The Animal Studies Unit (headed by Lynn Lambert) conducts pre-clinical studies of novel malaria antigens in small mammals and non-human primates. The animal studies unit collects samples from animals for further testing by various LMIV lab groups. The animal team also develops novel animal models to study malaria infections, malaria disease, and maintains rodent breeding colonies and Plasmodium parasites life cycles.

Lynn Lambert

Animal Resources Manager

Education:

RLATg, CMAR

Lynn Lambert has headed the Animal Studies Unit for 22 years, ensuring the safety and welfare of laboratory animals. She works directly with the Animal Care and Use Committee to ensure compliance with all animal regulations. She also leads contract staff to conduct technical procedures.

Learn more about Lynn Lambert

Holly McAleese, B.S.

Research Support Specialist III

Education:

B.S., Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Member of the animal studies unit that assists PI’s and Post docs from various LMIV lab groups with the development and management of approved animal protocols, collect and organizes data and performs all technical procedures required to achieve completion of studies.

Learn more about Holly McAleese, B.S.

Sachy Orr-Gonzalez

Research Support Specialist IV

Education:

RLATg, CMAR

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Member of the animal studies unit that assists PI’s and Post docs from various LMIV lab groups with the development and management of approved animal protocols, collect and organizes data and performs all technical procedures required to achieve completion of studies.

Learn more about Sachy Orr-Gonzalez

Tarik Ouahes, B.S.

Research Support Specialist III

Education:

B.S., Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore

Languages Spoken: French

Member of the animal studies unit that assists PI’s and Post docs from various LMIV lab groups with the development and management of approved animal protocols, collect and organizes data and performs all technical procedures required to achieve completion of studies.

Learn more about Tarik Ouahes, B.S.

Alaysies Queen

Research Support Specialist III

Education:

LATg

Languages Spoken: French

Member of the animal studies unit that assists PI’s and Post docs from various LMIV lab groups with the development and management of approved animal protocols, collect and organizes data and performs all technical procedures required to achieve completion of studies.

Learn more about Alaysies Queen

Brandi Richardson, M.S.

Research Support Specialist III

Education:

M.S., Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois Chicago

B.S., Animal Sciences, Purdue University

Member of the animal studies unit that assists PI’s and Post docs from various LMIV lab groups with the development and management of approved animal protocols, collect and organizes data and performs all technical procedures required to achieve completion of studies.

Learn more about Brandi Richardson, M.S.

Myesha Singleton, B.S.

Research Support Specialist II

Education:

B.S., Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

A.S., Northern Virginia Community College

Member of the animal studies unit that assists PI’s and Post docs from various LMIV lab groups with the development and management of approved animal protocols, collect and organizes data and performs all technical procedures required to achieve completion of studies.

Learn more about Myesha Singleton, B.S.

Conjugation Development Unit

The Conjugation Development Unit (CDU, headed by Puthupparampil V. Scaria) focuses on development of malaria vaccine candidates targeting different stages of malaria parasite life cycle. CDU has developed a protein-protein conjugate nanoparticle technology to deliver malaria antigens. This technology has been employed in developing transmission blocking, pre-erythrocytic and pregnancy malaria vaccines. Utility of this vaccine technology has been demonstrated in successful clinical trials of transmission blocking vaccine in malaria endemic areas. CDU continue to work on further improving the efficacy of this vaccine as well as combination of it with anti-infection vaccine with a goal to develop a multistage vaccine that may contribute to elimination of malaria. In addition, CDU explores novel vaccine technologies including mRNA, liposomes, VLP etc. for malaria vaccines through external collaborations and internal development.

Puthupparampil V. Scaria, Ph.D.

Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., Delhi University

Languages Spoken: Malayalam

Have extensive experience in the research and development of Nanoparticle delivery technologies for therapeutic and vaccine candidates in academic and industrial environments. Currently heading the Conjugation Development Unit at LMIV to develop new Malaria vaccine candidates employing protein-protein conjugate nanoparticle technology, as well as developing and evaluating new vaccine platforms such as mRNA technology through internal development and external collaborations.

Learn more about Puthupparampil V. Scaria, Ph.D.

Beth Chen, M.S.

Senior Research Associate

Education:

M.S., Biochemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry

Languages Spoken: Chinese

Malaria vaccine development by protein, peptide and Oligo modification and conjugation. Conjugates and Protein purification by using AKATA(FPLC) to make final product of the vaccine. Protein, peptides and Oligo analysis by UPLC, HPLC, MALS, SDS-PAGE, western blot etc.

Learn more about Beth Chen, M.S.

Christopher G. Rowe, M.S.

Microbiologist

Education:

M.S., Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University

B.S., Biological Sciences, UMBC

Malaria vaccine development by protein, peptide and Oligo modification and conjugation. Assay development to determine molar substitution ratios, conjugate composition by amino acid analysis.

Learn more about Christopher G. Rowe, M.S.

Clinical Trials Unit

The Clinical Trials Unit (headed by David Cook) conducts clinical trials in the United States and Africa. The clinical team assists in the design and planning for all LMIV human clinical studies, including observational studies, experimental medicine studies such as controlled human infections, and interventional trials to assess vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy.  The clinical team coordinates all activities required to initiate, conduct, manage, and oversee all aspects associated with vaccine trials, including initiation, enrollment period, study close out, data cleaning, and reporting.

David Mack Cook, M.D.

Clinical Fellow/Medical Officer

Education:

M.D., Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD

Residency, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD

B.S., Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

Lead investigator on several clinical trials, including trials of malaria whole organism vaccines, transmission blocking vaccines, and induced blood stage vivax malaria models in the U.S. and Mali. Lead investigator on several non-IND clinical studies, including investigations of malaria prevalence in vulnerable populations (pregnant women and infants) in Mali, Liberia, and Guinea. Associate investigator or medical advisory investigator on several clinical studies in the U.S., Mali, Liberia, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. Mentor to post-bac students, medical students, and clinical fellows in the CTU.

Learn more about David Mack Cook, M.D.

Maria Conner, MPS, CAPM

Project Manager

Education:

MPS, Project Management, Georgetown University

CAPM, Project Management Institute

B.S., Biology, Mount St. Mary’s University

Background in biology and chemistry with research lab experience. Trained and credentialed in project management with special focus on domestic and international clinical trial planning and operations.

Learn more about Maria Conner, MPS, CAPM

Aye D. Diallo, PA

Clinical Research Physician Assistant

Education:

M.S., Physician Assistant Studies, Philadelphia University

B.S., Biology, George Washington University 

Languages Spoken: French, Fulah

Working at LMIV to help advance human clinical studies for Malaria vaccines. Currently coordinating international clinical trials for a vaccine candidate in pregnant women in Mali and for future vaccine trials in Guinea. Also assisting with the conduct of studies at the clinical center.

Learn more about Aye D. Diallo, PA

Viyada Doan, M.S.

Clinical Data Manager

Education:

M.S., University of Maryland University College

Languages Spoken: Thai

I worked as a data manager at the NIH/Fogarty International Center, managing the Malnutrition and Enteric Disease (Mal-ED) cohort study database for 8 years. My current projects are clinical trials of PfSPZ Vaccine designed to prevent malaria infection caused by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf).

Learn more about Viyada Doan, M.S.

Judith Eastwick Epstein, M.D.

Clinical Investigator

Education:

M.D., Harvard Medical School
B.S., Columbia University 
Barnard College

Dr. Epstein’s research has focused on development of a vaccine to prevent malaria. This has included work on attenuated whole organism vaccines to prevent infection as well as transmission blocking vaccines.

Learn more about Judith Eastwick Epstein, M.D.

Joel Goldberg, M.D., Ph.D.

Clinical Fellow

Education:

M.D., Tulane University

Ph.D., The Scripps Research Institute

Interested in clinical trials and global health. Associate investigator on LMIV malaria trials against P falciparum in Mali and P vivax at the NIH clinical center.

Learn more about Joel Goldberg, M.D., Ph.D.

Sara A. Healy, M.D., MPH

Staff Clinician

Education:

M.D., Tulane University School of Medicine

MPH, International Health and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

B.S., Biology, Drake University

Collaborating with colleagues across West Africa, Dr. Healy currently runs multiple phase 1 and 2 studies evaluating malaria vaccines. Her research is focused on designing and executing malaria transmission blocking vaccine clinical trials, vaccines to interrupt malaria transmission, and strategies to prevent malaria infection in pregnant women.

Learn more about Sara A. Healy, M.D., MPH

Emily Higbee, M.S.P.H.

Clinical Research Coordinator

Education:

M.S., Tulane University School of Public Health

B.S., Zoology, Spanish, University of Wisconsin Madison

I have been a clinical study coordinator with LMIV since 2020. I currently work on both domestic and international projects, where I support the study conduct and help facilitate the day-to-day activities. Previously, I worked as a biologist with LMIV where I coordinated international entomology projects and assisted in the standard membrane mosquito feeding assays.

Learn more about Emily Higbee, M.S.P.H.

Alemush Imeru, MPH

Clinical Coordinator

Education:

MPH, Boston University

BSBA, Suffolk University

Languages Spoken: Amharic, French

I have been actively involved in malaria vaccine development, clinical research operations, and management for over 14 years. As a result, I have extensive subject matter knowledge relating to clinical research, enabling me to lead the formation and execution of policies and guidance documents.

Learn more about Alemush Imeru, MPH

Rathy Mohan, M.S.

Lead Data Coordinator

Education:

M.S., Applied Computer Science, Columbus State University

Certification Program, Applied Data Science, MIT

Bachelor of Engineering, SRM University

Languages Spoken: Tamil, Malayalam , Telugu

Currently working on multiple protocols, providing support from developing CRFs, setting up the database, user training, running DSMB/SRCP reports, and working with PIs and other team members on data requests.

Learn more about Rathy Mohan, M.S.

Regina White, M.L.A., M.S., CCRP

Clinical Trials Coordinator

Education:

M.S., Johns Hopkins University

M.L.A., Johns Hopkins University

E.S, B.A., University of Maryland

Certified Clinical Research Professional

Extensive experience in Clinical Research Administration, Regulatory Affairs and Management and Supervision of Research Coordinators. Currently providing guidance and regulatory support to LMIV Investigators and study teams for protocol development, preparation of initial submissions to the IRB as well as protocol maintenance applications for amendments, annual progress reports, safety reports and...

Learn more about Regina White, M.L.A., M.S., CCRP

John Woodford, MBBS, Ph.D.

Staff Clinician

Education:

Ph.D., University of Queensland, Australia

MBBS (Hons), University of Queensland, Australia

B.Sc., University of Queensland, Australia

Establishing human malaria challenge models for accelerated testing of early phase interventions for falciparum and vivax malaria prior to field studies. Helping respond to the pandemic by integrating COVID-19 epidemiology studies into the malaria research agenda in Mali, West Africa.

Learn more about John Woodford, MBBS, Ph.D.

Entomology Unit

The Entomology Unit (headed by Jen C.C. Hume) manages all the entomological assays conducted by LMIV both in the US and at field sites overseas. These include Standard Membrane Feeding Assays (SMFA), Direct Skin Feeding Assays (DSF), Direct Membrane Feeding Assays (DMFA), live mosquito collections, mosquito spray catches and mosquito mark-release-recapture studies. The unit manages new state of the art insectary facilities on the NIH main campus to support LMIV assays and provide capacity for conducting P. falciparum Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) studies as well as mosquito feeding assays for evaluating P. vivax transmission blocking vaccines using the Induced Blood Stage Malaria (IBSM) model.

Jen C. C. Hume, DPhil

Scientist

Education:

DPhil, Malaria Transmission, 2005, University of Oxford, UK

B.Sc., 1st Class Honors, Parasitology, 1999, University of Glasgow, UK

Languages Spoken: French

Dr Hume set up and managed her first insectary at the University of Oxford during her doctoral studies and over the past 20 years has worked in a number of institutions and insectaries worldwide. A parasitologist by training, her particular area of interest is malaria transmission, a fascinating intersection of malaria parasites, mosquitoes and their reluctant human host. Dr Hume previously...

Learn more about Jen C. C. Hume, DPhil

Heather Goodman, ScM

Laboratory Research Coordinator

Education:

ScM, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

B.S., Chemistry/Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University

My research interests are vector biology and vector ecology, and mosquito-borne diseases. I am involved with various aspects of our onsite research on the NIH campus including SMFAs and maintaining our insectary. Additionally, I support and help coordinate entomological activities for our international TBV clinical studies with our colleagues overseas.

Learn more about Heather Goodman, ScM

Olga V. Muratova, M.S.

Biologist

Education:

M.S., Physiology, 1981, Lomonosov Moscow State University Faculty of Biology

Languages Spoken: Russian

Olga Muratova has been working in malaria research for more than 30 years. She contributed to development, standardization and optimization of multiple laboratory assays and techniques, including malaria parasites culture and gametocyte production, GIA, ELISA, IFA and Membrane-Feeding assay. Olga’s main focus is malaria transmission-blocking vaccine development.

Learn more about Olga V. Muratova, M.S.

Edward S. Owen, B.S.

Biologist

Education:

B.S., Biology, Pennsylvania State University

My research focus has been parasitology, specifically malaria and means of combatting it. I have worked previously on finding novel pharmaceutical means of treatment and combatting resistance, and currently am dedicated to supporting the mission of developing and deploying highly efficacious malaria vaccines as part of LMIV through the use of SMFA’s and maintaining our insectary.

Learn more about Edward S. Owen, B.S.

Formulation Unit

The Formulation Unit (headed by Kelly Rausch) develops formulations for pre-clinical animal studies of vaccines, and coordinates with external partners to incorporate proprietary or commercial adjuvants into LMIV vaccine products.  The formulation unit performs optimization experiments for formulations as well as stability and integrity experiments on pre-clinical materials and develops the pilot scale procedures that are transferred for cGMP manufacturing of vaccines for LMIV clinical trials. The formulation unit oversees the production of the cGMP manufacture at contracted facilities and the submission to appropriate regulatory authorities for clinical use of the vaccine. The formulation unit also produces, in conjunction with field sites pharmacy teams, the SOPs and trainings required for the shipment, storage, and administration of the vaccines for clinical protocols.

Kelly Rausch, M.S.

Formulation and Product Specialist

Education:

M.S., Life Science, Chemistry, Biology, 2007, University of Maryland, College Park

B.S., Biology, 1996, Virginia Tech

I am a biologist with a broad background and interest in natural biological systems, entomology, evolutionary biology, and bioprocesses, specifically in how these areas apply to malaria vaccine development. I work with LMIV Teams and external collaborators to provide the best potential formulations for various malaria vaccine concepts with the expectation to deliver a stable cGMP manufactured...

Learn more about Kelly Rausch, M.S.

Emma K. Barnafo, M.S.

Biologist

Education:

M.S., Chemical and Life Sciences, 2011, University of Maryland, College Park

B.S., Biochemistry/Biotechnology, 2001, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

Languages Spoken: Akan, French

I work on multiple projects that involve the preclinical formulation and development of a vaccine that reduces malaria transmission by at least 80% for the duration of one season.

Learn more about Emma K. Barnafo, M.S.

Immune and Molecular Assay Unit

The Immune and Molecular Assay Unit (headed by Irfan Zaidi) performs immunological and molecular assays on pre-clinical and clinical samples.  These studies include ELISA, Binding Inhibition Assays (BIA), Flow Cytometry, and PCR assays. In addition, the immunology department manages pre-clinical and clinical sample inventories, and the molecular assays team prepares samples for next generation sequencing.

Irfan Zaidi, Ph.D.

Senior Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., Biological Sciences, Open University, UK

M.S., Applied Molecular Microbiology, University of Nottingham, UK

B.S. (HONS), Biochemistry, University of Wales, Cardiff, UK

Languages Spoken: Urdu, Hindi, Kiswahili

Infectious diseases immunologist with an extensive background in innate and adaptive immunology, immunophenotyping, vaccines and correlative studies. My current interests include understanding the mechanisms for generating sterile immunity against malaria infections.

Learn more about Irfan Zaidi, Ph.D.

Nada Arabi Hamdo Alani, M.S.

Senior Research Associate

Education:

M.S., Microbiology, AlMustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

B.S., Science/Biology, AlMustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

Languages Spoken: Arabic, Dutch

Expertise in serology assays that are used to evaluate humoral responses induced by malaria vaccines.

Learn more about Nada Arabi Hamdo Alani, M.S.

Yai A. J. Doritchamou, Ph.D.

Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., Universite Paris Descartes , France

M.Sc., Universite d’Abomey-Calavi, Benin

B.Sc., Biomedical Assistant Engineer Diploma, Universite d’Abomey-Calavi, Benin

Languages Spoken: French

A vaccine scientist with deep knowledge of pregnancy malaria pathogenesis and immunity, and a passion to develop new interventions including therapeutic antibodies to protect pregnant women and their fetuses from this scourge. Current research activities aim at identifying antigen targets of functional human monoclonal antibodies that might be used to optimize vaccine design to protect pregnant women from placental malaria.

Learn more about Yai A. J. Doritchamou, Ph.D.

Junhui Duan, Ph.D.

Biologist

Education:

Ph.D., Showa University, Japan

Languages Spoken: Chinese

Skilled in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, and her research projects are involved in malaria vaccine development and disease control.

Learn more about Junhui Duan, Ph.D.

Kendrick Lionell Highsmith, M.S.

Senior Research Associate

Education:

M.S., Biotechnology Studies, 2006, University of Maryland Global Campus

B.S., Integrated Science and Technology/Biotechnology, 1999, James Madison University

I am an ASCP certified Flow Cytometry Specialist with 20 years of specialized training in molecular biology and immunology. Presently, I’m currently in the Immunology core lab where I support varies labs within LMIV with flow cytometry and FACS services.

Learn more about Kendrick Lionell Highsmith, M.S.

Pinar Kemanli, M.Sc.

Contractor

Education:

M.Sc., Molecular Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey

B.Sc., Biochemistry, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey 

Languages Spoken: Turkish

My research area is vaccine development for infectious diseases with molecular immunology focus. I am performing immunoassays to support Malaria vaccine development. I am also supporting serological assay optimization for Covid-19.

Learn more about Pinar Kemanli, M.Sc.

Jillian Kyle Neal, B.A.

Biologist

Education:

B.A., Biology, 2007, University of Delaware

Laboratory biologist with a background in preclinical toxicology and more than 15 years of research experience who specializes in molecular assay development. Interested in applying innovative technology solutions to traditional research questions.

Learn more about Jillian Kyle Neal, B.A.

Molecular Biology Unit

The Molecular Biology unit (headed by Nicholas MacDonald) lends molecular biology support to LMIV’s projects.  The group is responsible for design of the Pichia and E. coli expression constructs, expMession clones and research cell banks, all of which constitute the vaccine pipeline at LMIV.  The unit manages the generation of the cGMP working and  master cell banks used in vaccine manufacture, and the cell bank testing required for IND submission.

Nicholas J. MacDonald, Ph.D.

Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., Genetics (for research conducted at the University of Zurich), University of Glasgow

M.S., Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University

B.Sc. (Hons)., Molecular Biology, University of Glasgow

Traditional molecular biologists focusing on the design and expression of recombinant malaria vaccine candidates primarily in Pichia and E. coli. Responsible the generation of research cell banks for the LMIV pipeline and overseeing the generation of the cGMP working and master cell banks used in vaccine manufacture, and the cell bank testing required for IND submission.

Learn more about Nicholas J. MacDonald, Ph.D.

Process Development Unit

The Process Development Unit (PDU, headed by David L. Narum), as a team, develops a series of steps to produce investigational malaria vaccines, biomolecules composed of recombinant, conjugated protein-protein nanoparticles for phase 1 and 2 human clinical trials.  The process initiates with identifying an expression clone using predominately yeast (Pichia pastoris) or bacteria (Escherichia coli) expression platforms.  An expression clone is fermented under controlled conditions in small benchtop bioreactors (0.5 – 5L) to produce a recombinant protein of interest (POI).  The POI is purified following protocols to identify tangential flow filtration and chromatography medias suitable for both positive and negative selection, to yield process steps that provide both high quality and quantity.  Throughout development of step-wise processes for fermentation and purification, analytical assays (developed in parallel) are used to characterize the biochemical and biophysical makeup of the POI.  Once all steps are established at bench scale, the PDU increases to pilot-scale manufacturing using a 60L in-house fermenter; and prepares full documentation (including POI analytics) for technical transfer to a cGMP contract manufacturing organization, which then produces the investigational malaria vaccine for human use.


Select publications:

  1. Singh K, Burkhardt M, Nakuchima S, Herrera R, Muratova O, Gittis AG, Kelnhofer E, Reiter K, Smelkinson M, Veltri D, Swihart BJ, Shimp R Jr, Nguyen V, Zhang B, MacDonald NJ, Duffy PE, Garboczi DN, Narum DL. (2020) Structure and function of a malaria transmission blocking vaccine targeting Pfs230 and Pfs230-Pfs48/45 proteins. Commun. Biol. Jul 24;3(1):395.
  2. Reiter, K., Suzuki, M., Olano, L.R., Narum, D.L. (2019) Host cell protein quantification of an optimized purification method by mass spectrometry.  Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 174, pp. 650-654. 
  3. Burkhardt, M., Reiter, K., Nguyen, V., Suzuki, M., Herrera, R., Duffy, P.E., Shimp, R., MacDonald, N.J., Olano, L.R., Narum, D.L. (2019) Assessment of the impact of manufacturing changes on the physicochemical properties of the recombinant vaccine carrier ExoProtein A.  Vaccine, 37 (38), pp. 5762-5769.
  4. MacDonald, N.J., Nguyen, V., Shimp, R., Reiter, K., Herrera, R., Burkhardt, M., Muratova, O., Kumar, K., Aebig, J., Rausch, K., Lambert, L., Dawson, N., Sattabongkot, J., Ambroggio, X., Duffy, P.E., Wu, Y., Narum, D.L.  (2016) Structural and immunological characterization of recombinant 6-cysteine domains of the Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage protein Pfs230.  J. Biol. Chem. 291: 19913-19922.
  5. Shimp, R.L., Rowe, C., Reiter, K., Chen, B., Nguyen, V., Aebig, J., Rausch, K., Kumar, K., Wu, Y., Jin, A.J., Jones, D.S., Narum, D.L.  (2013) Development of a Pfs25-EPA malaria transmission blocking vaccine as a chemically conjugated nanoparticle.  Vaccine  31:2954-2962.
     

Victor Raul Herrera Espinoza

Biologist

Education:

Master’s, Marine Microbiology, Nagasaki University, Japan

Bachelor's, Microbiology, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Peru

Languages Spoken: Spanish, Japanese

Extensive experience in fermentation recovery and protein purification operations, with focus on process development from small to pilot scale production of malarial vaccine products expressed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic platforms, suitable for use in human clinical trials (phase I-II) with subsequent technology transfer of optimized in-house pilot scale protein production operations to external...

Learn more about Victor Raul Herrera Espinoza

Vu Nguyen, M.S.

Research Scientist

Education:

M.S., Information Technology, University of Maryland

B.S., Chemistry, Virginia Tech

Languages Spoken: Vietnamese

Researching various fermentation expression platforms, such as, Pichia pastoris, E. coli, mammalian cells, insect cells, etc., to maximize quality and quantity of novel malaria proteins. Ultimately, transferring in-house applied research to external contract manufacturing organizations to produce clinical grade cGMP malaria vaccines for human trials.

Learn more about Vu Nguyen, M.S.

Karine Reiter, M.S.

Biologist

Education:

M.S., John Hopkins University

B.S., George Washington University

Languages Spoken: French

Biologist with extensive experience in protein analysis. I develop assays for the biochemical and biophysical characterization of research and investigational recombinant protein-based malaria vaccine antigens. The assays are also used to evaluate process efficiencies related to product quality and quantity.

Learn more about Karine Reiter, M.S.

Quality Control Unit

The quality control unit (headed by Daming Zhu) sets quality control standards and provides quality control evaluation for preclinical and clinical bulk drug substance, drug products, and formulations of clinical trial materials. The quality control department prepares data packages for IND filings.

Daming Zhu, M.S.

Biologist

Education:

M.S., China Agricultural University, China

B.S., Jilin University, China

Languages Spoken: Chinese

Daming Zhu is a biochemist by training with many years of research experience relating to immunology and vaccinology and has co-authored more than 40 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. She is a recognized expert in quality control of vaccines, particularly with the protein-based vaccines. She led the quality control unit of LMIV and developed numerous quality control methods, including...

Learn more about Daming Zhu, M.S.

Weili Dai, MMed

Research Associate

Education:

Master of Medicine, Xi’an Medical University, China

Bachelor of Medicine, XingJiang Medical University, China

Languages Spoken: Chinese

As an experienced technologist with vaccine quality control, Weili performs routine evaluations of preclinical and clinical vaccines and related materials using various methods and instruments. She also devotes her time preparing QC data and documents.

Learn more about Weili Dai, MMed

Timothy Daniel, B.A.

Postbaccalaureate IRTA

Education:

B.A., Chemistry, Harvard

Languages Spoken: Swahili

My research interests involved working towards ways to reduce suffering of disease in third world countries, and the most efficient way to achieve this is a focus on prevention of the disease itself. Currently, I am heavily focused on verifying the viability of varying samples of the malaria vaccine for clinical trials, generally through SDS-Pages and Western Blots.

Learn more about Timothy Daniel, B.A.

Holly McClellan, M.S.

Microbiologist

Education:

M.S., B.S.

Quality control studies in support of IND applications to the FDA for malaria vaccine candidates put forward by the Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology (LMIV). Transmission Blocking Vaccine / Vaccine to Interrupt Malaria Transmission TBV/VIMT program team coordinator serving as program liaison to the Portfolio Review Team (PRT) for the LMIV.

Learn more about Holly McClellan, M.S.

Recombinant Antigen and Antibody Development Unit

The Recombinant Antigen and Antibody Development Unit (headed by Jonathan P. Renn) has three primary goals. First, we generate novel recombinant proteins for pre-clinical malaria vaccine discovery. These novel proteins are tested in small animal models for improvements in function over current malaria vaccine candidates. Second, we produce human monoclonal antibodies from subjects that have been infected by malaria or received a vaccine. Third, we develop novel assays using our monoclonal antibodies and antigens to interrogate immune responses induced by malaria infection or vaccination. By understanding the host antibody response to malaria infection or vaccination we can improve current vaccines or discover novel vaccine targets.

Jonathan P. Renn, Ph.D.

Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame

Postdoctoral Fellow, Northwestern University

I am a protein biochemist by training and in my current position at LMIV is leading the recombinant antigen and antibody development unit. My research interests include designing and producing novel malaria antigens for preclinical vaccine development, production of human monoclonal antibodies, and development of novel assays to support malaria vaccine development.

Learn more about Jonathan P. Renn, Ph.D.

Martin Burkhardt, B.S.

Biologist

Education:

B.S., Biology, University of Massachusetts North Dartmouth

Uses recombinant DNA technology to produce human antibodies to characterize effectiveness of malaria vaccine antigens. Develops novel applications in mixed mode chromatography to purify malaria vaccine candidates.

Learn more about Martin Burkhardt, B.S.

Matthew Cowles, B.A.

Research Associate

Education:

B.A., Biochemistry

Implement and validate liver stage and blood stage antigen multiplex panels to screen clinical samples. Express, refold, and purify liver stage vaccine candidates in E. coli. Help characterize/process proteins/antibodies produced by the group by ELISA and western blot.

Learn more about Matthew Cowles, B.A.

Holly Torano, B.S.

Biologist

Education:

B.S., Biology, John Brown University

Provides molecular biology support for DNA and adenoviral vector Plasmodium vaccine candidates. And performs parasite assays that evaluate functional activity from vaccine studies.

Learn more about Holly Torano, B.S.

Scientific Operations and Management Unit

The Scientific Operations and Management Unit (headed by Richard L. Shimp Jr.) oversees and manages all aspects of LMIV operations including procuring of laboratory and IT equipment, human resources, property, and finances. 

Richard L. Shimp Jr., M.S.

Scientific Operations Manager

Education:

M.S., Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University

B.S., Biology, West Virginia Wesleyan College

Course Work Only, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, West Virginia University

Responsibilities include AMBIS, HR, Operations, Property, Surplus, IT Equipment, Software, and all aspects of Laboratory Operations. I have experience in fermentation, purification, technology transfer, and cGMP as well as laboratory assays that support these functional areas.

Learn more about Richard L. Shimp Jr., M.S.

Chaketa Ingram

Secretary II

Education:

H.S. Diploma

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Chaketa Ingram serving as a Secretary for LMIV. In this compacity, she processes AMBIS orders collecting data for budget related task, Travel, Property, Surplus, IT Equipment, Software, fermentation-purification technology transfer, cGMP as well as laboratory assays that support these functional areas, and all aspects of Laboratory Operations.

Learn more about Chaketa Ingram

Rhea J. Stevens, MPH

Sample Management Coordinator

Education:

MPH, George Washington University

B.S, George Washington University

I am part of LMIV’s Operations Team. My main responsibilities include receipt and inventory of samples collected during LMIV clinical and animal pre-clinical trials, upkeep of sample management database, training and support to LMIV Freezerworks users and those in partnerships in clinical sites in West Africa, and clinical trial logistics.

Learn more about Rhea J. Stevens, MPH

Section
Research
Content Manager
Catherine Bullis
Content Coordinator
Jennifer Caron
November 21, 2022

HIS Research Group

The Humoral Immunology Section studies the antibody response to HIV-1 and SARS-COV-2 infection or vaccination. Ongoing research focuses on antibody discovery and antibody-virus co-evolution in infected patients or non-human primate models, with the goals of providing templates for vaccine design and antibodies with potential for clinical utility in preventing or treating infection.

Short Title
HIS Research Group
Person List Page Type
Research Group
Theodore C. Pierson, Ph.D.

Richard Koup, M.D.

Deputy Director, Vaccine Research Center
Chief, Immunology Laboratory and Immunology Section
Acting Chief, Vaccine Immunology Program
Acting Head, Tissue Analysis Core

Contact: rkoup@mail.nih.gov

Education:

M.D., 1982, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
M.S., 1979, University of Connecticut​, Stamford, CT
B.S., 1978, University of Connecticut​, Stamford, CT

Dr. Koup received his B.S. in biophysics in 1978 and his M.S. in biochemistry in 1979 from the University of Connecticut​. He attended Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he obtained his M.D. in 1982. Dr. Koup served an internship and residency in internal medicine with the Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, from 1982 to 1985.

Learn more about Richard Koup, M.D.

Richard A. Koup, M.D.

Evan Cale, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Contact: evan.cale@nih.gov

Education:

Ph.D., Immunology, 2011, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Dr. Evan Cale is a staff scientist in the Antibody Immunity Section. He earned his Ph.D. in Immunology at Harvard University’s Division of Medical Sciences under the mentorship of Dr. Norman Letvin. He began working at the VRC in 2012 as a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of John Mascola, M.D. His work focuses on the isolation and characterization of HIV-1 bNAbs from infected donors using...

Learn more about Evan Cale, Ph.D.

Evan Cale, Ph.D. photographed outside with a large rock and a mountain in the background

Nicole Doria-Rose, Ph.D.

Chief, Antibody Immunity Section
Stadtman Tenure Track Investigator

Contact: doriarosen@mail.nih.gov

Education:

Ph.D., 1998, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Nicole Doria-Rose earned her PhD from Cornell University in 1998, followed by post-doctoral work at the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute. She has been a researcher at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 2006 and the Vaccine Research Center since 2011. Her goals are to understand the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) for HIV and COVID, and to use those insights to develop effective vaccines.

Learn more about Nicole Doria-Rose, Ph.D.

Nicole Doria-Rose, Ph.D.

Maryam Mukhamedova, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Contact: maryam.mukhamedova@nih.gov

Hua Wang, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Contact: hua.wang2@nih.gov

Former Research Group Members

Xueling Wu, Ph.D. - Currently faculty at the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center at Columbia University. 

Rebecca Lynch, Ph.D. - Currently faculty at George Washington University 

Rui Kong, Ph.D. - Currently faculty at Emory University 

Section
Research
Content Manager
Catherine Bullis
Content Coordinator
Jennifer Caron
Photo of the Humoral Immunology Core and Humoral Immunology Section Research Group

Humoral Immunology Core and Humoral Immunology Section: (left to right) Stephen Schmidt, Nicole Doria-Rose, Yuliya Petrova, Walker Black, John Mascola, Zenia Vrakas, Evan Cale, James DalSanto, Sabrina Bush, Colin Howe, Maryam Mukhamedova, Behnia Rezazadeh Shirazi, Rosemarie Mason, Travis Terry, Kevina Birungi, Hua Wang
November 07, 2022

Xin-zhuan Su Research Group

The Malaria Functional Genomics Section develops and uses genetic and genomic approaches to study host-malaria parasite interaction and molecular mechanisms of the interaction using the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii as a model. We have characterized large numbers of microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from several P. yoelii parasites and performed many genetic crosses to identify parasite genes linked to parasite development, virulence, and drug resistance. We are studying host immune signaling pathways in response to parasite infections, focusing on innate signaling and regulation of type I interferon production and inflammatory responses after malaria infection. We are mapping and characterizing parasite molecules that interact or modulate host responses. We are also interested in screening for new antimalarial drugs, particularly compounds that can block malaria transmission and/or modulate host immune responses and studying mechanisms of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum.

Short Title
Xin-zhuan Su Research Group
Person List Page Type
Research Group
Xin-zhuan Su, Ph.D.

Xin-zhuan Su, Ph.D.

Chief, Malaria Functional Genomics Section

Education:

Ph.D., 1990, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Languages Spoken: Mandarin and Amoyese Chinese

Dr. Su received his Ph.D. in parasitology from the University of Georgia in 1990. He joined the NIAID Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases in 1992 and became an investigator in the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research in 2001 and a senior investigator in 2006.

Learn more about Xin-zhuan Su, Ph.D.

Photo of Xin-zhuan Su Ph.D.

Trinity Oluebubechukwu Obiorah, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow

Education:

B.S., 2024, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD

Languages Spoken: French, Igbo

Ms. Obiorah is interested in learning more about the disease mechanisms and host immune response following malarial infection and how those can be leveraged for developing/improving vaccinations and treatments. She plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. and continue studying topics that have an impact on global health, specifically in tropical regions.

Learn more about Trinity Oluebubechukwu Obiorah, B.S.

Portrait of Trinity Oluebubechukwu Obiorah, B.S.

Rachel V. Stadler, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral IRTA Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., 2022, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

B.S., 2016, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

I am interested in understanding the 3D motility of Plasmodium parasites throughout their lifecycle. In particular, I want to understand the interactions between the parasites and their environment and the mechanics related to Plasmodium movement. To do so, I am helping build a single-objective light sheet microscope to achieve higher temporal and spatial resolution imaging.

Learn more about Rachel V. Stadler, Ph.D.

portrait of Rachel V. Stadler, Ph.D.

Awet Alem Teklemichael, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., 2021, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan

Languages Spoken: Amharic

Dr. Teklemichael is studying the molecular mechanisms of cerebral malaria, focusing on the metabolic changes in response to infection of Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) and methods to alleviate disease severity. He is also interested in the discovery and development of antimalarial drugs.

Learn more about Awet Alem Teklemichael, Ph.D.

portrait of Awet Alem Teklemichael, Ph.D.

Jian Wu, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., Hunan Normal University

Languages Spoken: Mandarin

Dr. Wu conducts basic research related to malaria. Taking advantages of rodent malaria model, Dr. Wu combines Plasmodium genomics, host immunology as well as host cell signaling to explore potential immune regulation ways for malaria intervention.

Learn more about Jian Wu, Ph.D.

Portrait of Jian Wu, Ph.D.

Fangzheng Xu, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., University of Goettingen

Languages Spoken: Chinese

Infections of different rodent malaria parasite strains induce varied host responses. Dr. Xu is interested in genetic mapping and investigating the molecular mechanisms of parasite genes in modulating the host responses including IFN-I response and malarial anemia.

Learn more about Fangzheng Xu, Ph.D.

Portrait of Fangzheng Xu, Ph.D.

Former Research Group Members

Deirdre Joy, Program Officer, NIAID
Xiaorong Feng, Research Scientist, Walter Reeds Army Medical Center, USA
Tetsuya Furuya, Associate Professor, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology 
Fangli Lu, Professor, Sun Yat-sen University, China
Dipak Kumar Raj, Assistant Professor, Brown University, Rhode Island
Hongying Jiang, General Health Science Fellow; Review Scientist, FDA/USA
Jing Yuan, Professor, and Chair, Dept. of Biology, Xiamen University, China
Jianbing Mu, Staff Scientist, LMVR/NIAID
Maria Jose Lopez Barragan, Principal Scientist Malaria DPU, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Spain; FDA now
Sittiporn Patardilokrat, Assistant Professor, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Pedro Moura, Senior Scientist, Merck, USA
Martine Zilversmit, Investigator, American Museum of Natural History, New York
Xiangyu Yao, Group Leader of Biochemistry Laboratory, Roche, China
Sethu Nair, John Hopkins University, Postdoctoral
Rich Eastman, Scientist, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
Norinne Lacerda-Queiroz, INEM – CNRS/University of Orleans, France (second postdoctoral)
Cui Zhang, Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
Xiao He, Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Immunology, TU Dresden, Germany
Maricarmen Hernandez , Postbaccalaureate IRTA Research Fellow
Yu-Chih Peng, Ph.D., Visiting Fellow
Brajesh Kumar Singh, Ph.D., Visiting Fellow

Section
Research
Content Manager
Catherine Bullis
Content Coordinator
Jennifer Caron
Group photo of the Xin-zhuan Su Research Group.

Malaria Functional Genomics Section, 2024. Left to right: Trinity Obiorah, Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow; Awet A. Teklemichael, Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow; Rachel Stadler, Postdoctoral IRTA Fellow; Xin-zhuan Su, Senior Investigator; Jian Wu, Staff Scientist; Fangzheng Xu, Visiting Fellow.

Credit: NIAID
February 19, 2025

Guerrerio Research Group

Our research program is focused on understanding the key genetic, immunologic, and biochemical pathways that lead to the development of food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, and other related diseases, and how this information can be translated into therapeutic benefit. Our group uses a multifaceted approach using both human samples and mouse models to perform basic, translational, and clinical studies. Our current efforts are focused on investigating the environmental and immunologic factors that influence the development and severity of food allergy, identifying new approaches for the prevention and treatment of food allergy, and identifying single gene disorders associated with an increased propensity for food allergy and other allergic conditions.

Short Title
Guerrerio Research Group
Person List Page Type
Research Group
Pamela Guerrerio, M.D., Ph.D.

Pamela Guerrerio, M.D., Ph.D.

Chief, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases
Chief, Food Allergy Research Section 

Provides direct clinical care to patients at NIH Clinical Center

Education:

PH.D. in Human Genetics, Johns Hopkins University
B.S. in Biology, University of Iowa

Dr. Guerrerio joined NIAID in 2014 and is currently a Senior Investigator and Chief of the Food Allergy Research Section. Her research program is focused on understanding the key genetic, immunologic, and biochemical pathways that lead to the development of food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, and other related diseases, and how this information can be translated into therapeutic benefit.

Learn more about Pamela Guerrerio, M.D., Ph.D.

Pamela A. Guerrerio, M.D., Ph.D.​

Katelin Lara Davis, D.V.M.

Molecular Pathology Fellow

Education:

NIH Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program in partnership with Purdue University

Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Residency and Ph.D. Coursework, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

D.V.M, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

B.S., Walsh University, North Canton, OH

I am working on my Ph.D. research in the FARU lab. As a veterinarian and researcher, I have a strong interest in animal modeling of human diseases and comparative pathology. My research focuses on investigating the role of the innate immune system in food allergy sensitization, the development of food allergies, and oral tolerance.

Learn more about Katelin Lara Davis, D.V.M.

Portrait of Katelin Lara Davis, DVM

Estefania Claudio Etienne, Ph.D.

Biologist

Education:

Ph.D., Universidad de Oviedo, Spain

Languages Spoken: Spanish

My research is focused on PI3K delta syndrome (APDS), a disease caused by a gain of function mutation in the gene encoding PI3Kdelta. Clinical manifestations are diverse, ranging from severe recurrent infections to lymphoproliferation.  My work is focused on understanding whether these patients are more prone to allergic disease and the underlying mechanisms involved.

Learn more about Estefania Claudio Etienne, Ph.D.

Portrait of Estefania Claudio Etienne, Ph.D.

Tamara T. Haque, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University

B.S., Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University

Languages Spoken: Bengali

I am currently working on elucidating the role of TGFbeta and PI3K signaling in humoral and innate immune responses that lead to type 2 inflammation. My long-term research interests are to understand signaling mechanisms that give rise to aberrant IgE production and responses. I am also interested in mast cell biology in allergic diseases and beyond.

Learn more about Tamara T. Haque, Ph.D.

Portrait of Tamara T. Haque, B.S.

Stella P. Hartono, Ph.D.

Allergy and Immunology Fellow 

Education:

M.D., Ph.D., Immunology, Mayo Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN

Residency, Pediatrician Scientist Training and Development Program, Texas Children’s Hospital - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

B.S., Chemistry and Microbiology, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, Pomona, CA

Languages Spoken: Bahasa

I am interested in the immune response to allergens in the context of vaccines. I am currently using a system biology approach to determine the mechanisms underlying immune stress-related responses (ISRR) to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Using a similar approach in addition to high dimensional flow-cytometry, I am also attempting to elucidate how early peanut introduction alleviates the development of...

Learn more about Stella P. Hartono, Ph.D.

Portrait of Stella P. Hartono, M.D., Ph.D.

Muhammad Bilal Khalid, M.D.

Education:

MBBS, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Pakistan

Languages Spoken: Urdu, Punjabi

Dr. Khalid is a Clinical Fellow of Allergy and Immunology in the Laboratory of Allergy Diseases, Food Allergy Section. He is leading the clinical trial ‘The Safety of Administering a Second Dose of a COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine in Individuals Who Experienced a Systemic Allergic Reaction to an Initial Dose’. His research interests include understanding the biomolecular and phenotypic differences in...

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Portrait of Muhammad Bilal Khalid, M.D.

Stephanie Ann Kubala, M.D., FAAP

Allergy and Immunology Clinical Fellow

Education:

M.D., Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University

B.A., Boston University

Languages Spoken: Spanish

My research is focused on investigating the factors that drive quality of life in food allergic patients as well as the atopic clinical attributes of patients with the immunodeficiency Activated Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase (PI3K) Delta Syndrome (APDS). Additionally, my laboratory research focuses on APDS variant’s effects on mast cell biology in vivo and in vitro using mouse models.

Learn more about Stephanie Ann Kubala, M.D., FAAP

Portrait of Stephanie Ann Kubala, M.D., FAAP

Karen Laky, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist, Food Allergy Research Unit

Education:

Ph.D., University of Connecticut
M.S., Adelphi University
B.S., SUNY Binghamton

Karen Laky, Ph.D., is the Staff Scientist of the Food Allergy Research Unit. Patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding TGFβ receptors, exhibit a high prevalence of food allergy, asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, and other allergic conditions. By studying LDS and other genetic disorders associated with defects in genes required for TGFβ signaling, we can achieve greater insight into the key cellular and signaling pathways that regulate allergic inflammation.

Learn more about Karen Laky, Ph.D.

Portrait of Karen Laky, Ph.D.

Lashawna Alesia Leak, B.S.

Research Support Specialist III

Education:

B.S., Biology, minor in Chemistry, Coppin State University

My research interests include epicutaneous sensitization and other rodent models of food allergy. I am known as the mouse expert and assist post-doctoral fellows and other trainees and staff with their mouse experiments. I have expertise in many procedures including intravenous tail injections and teach trainees these techniques.

Learn more about Lashawna Alesia Leak, B.S.

Portrait of Lashawna Alesia Leak, B.S.

Min (Jenny) Li, Ph.D.

Biologist

Education:

Postdoctoral Training, 2008-2013, Yale University, School of Medicine

Postdoctoral Training, 2005-2007, Peking University

Ph.D., 2005, China Agricultural University 

Languages Spoken: Chinese

My current projects include investigating the utility of the basophil activation test in diagnosing peanut and milk allergy and interrogating the immune phenotype of patients with genetic diseases that predispose to food allergy including Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) and deficiency of RUNX Family Transcription Factor 1 mutant (RUNX1)​​​​​​​.

Learn more about Min (Jenny) Li, Ph.D.

Portrait of Min (Jenny) Li, Ph.D.

Joanna Marje Chinyere Utoh, FNP-C

Family Nurse Practitioner

Education:

M.S., Nursing, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University

B.S., Nursing, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University

B.A., Tufts University

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Joanna Utoh is a Family Nurse Practitioner who works in the Laboratory of Allergic Diseases in the Food Allergy Research Section at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. She works on 3 protocols including a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study to assess the safety of administering a second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in individuals who experienced a systemic...

Learn more about Joanna Marje Chinyere Utoh, FNP-C

Portrait of Joanna Marje Chinyere Utoh, FNP-C

Ellen Zektser, R.N., B.S.N., M.P.H., C.P.N.

Nurse Study Coordinator

Education:

M.P.H., Certificates in Health Communication and Health Education, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins

Certificates in Health Communication and Health Education

B.S., Nursing, Towson University

Languages Spoken: Russian

I provide support to our various clinical research studies. Currently, our studies include: a natural history of food allergy and genetics study, an oral food challenge study of patients with high IgE and eczema, and an IND study related to Covid Vaccine Allergies.

Learn more about Ellen Zektser, R.N., B.S.N., M.P.H., C.P.N.

Ellen Zekster headshot
Section
Research
Content Manager
Catherine Bullis
Content Coordinator
Jennifer Caron
Pamela Guerrerio (Food Allergy Research Unit) Research Group

Back row, L to R: Jessica Kinard, B.S., Biologist; Marjohn Rasooly, C.R.N.P., Nurse Practitioner; Mathilde Turfkruyer, Ph.D., visiting post-doctoral fellow; Caeden Dempsey, R.N., Nurse Study Coordinator; Zoe Schmiechen, B.S., post-baccalaureate fellow

Front row, L to R: Katherine Weissler, Ph.D., post-doctoral fellow; Karen Laky, Ph.D., Staff Scientist; Pamela Guerrerio, M.D., Ph.D., Chief; Madeline Dahut, GPP student; Lashawna Leak, RSS

Credit: NIAID
October 11, 2022
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