Boritz Research Group

Learn more about Eli Boritz, M.D., Ph.D.

Eli Boritz, M.D., Ph.D.

Chief, Virus Persistence and Dynamics Section (VPDS)

Contact: boritze@niaid.nih.gov

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

Education:

M.D., Ph.D., University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO

Dr. Boritz began his HIV research career in the mid-1990s as a summer student in the laboratory of Dr. John K. Rose. An interest in fundamental and translational studies of host-virus interactions then led him to pursue combined M.D./Ph.D. training at University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. He completed his Ph.D. in the Immunology Program studying HIV-specific CD4 T-cell responses...

 Mohammad M. Abu-Laban, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University

M.Sc., Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University

B.Sc., Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University

Languages Spoken: Arabic

Dr. Abu-Laban investigates HIV-latently infected cells using high throughput cytometry-based staining and sorting, and identifies unique chromatin states in infected cells. His research interests include immune responses to acute HIV infection, including B cell and follicular helper T cell interactions, and phenotyping latent and productive infection in patient samples. 

Learn more about  Mohammad M. Abu-Laban, Ph.D.

Frida Belinky, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel

M.Sc., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

B.Sc., Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel

Languages Spoken: Hebrew, Russian

Dr. Belinky’s research focuses on intra-Host HIV evolution and the identification of positive selection in the env gene under different conditions. Her research interests include bioinformatics methods focusing on molecular evolution, phylogenetics, and sequence analyses.

Learn more about Frida Belinky, Ph.D.

 Ayushman Dobhal, M.D.

Fellow

Education:

M.D., Smolensk State Medical Academy, Russia

Residency training, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

Languages Spoken: Hindi, Russian

Dr. Dobhal’s primary research interests include understanding the viral aspects of the HIV-1 bnAb induction paradigm, fundamental and translational nuances of host-virus interaction, evolutionary dynamics and persistence of viruses in infectious diseases. Acute respiratory infections due to human coronaviruses (HCoVs) have been identified in children and adults from 2010 to 2020 as part of the...

Learn more about  Ayushman Dobhal, M.D.

Vanessa Isabel Guerra Canedo, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Biology, Simon Fraser University

M.Sc., Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, San Francisco State University

B.S., Biology, Humboldt State University

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Dr. Guerra Canedo is an evolutionary and computational biologist. Her primary research focuses on the coevolution of rapidly evolving genes. She examines the evolution of viruses, such as avian influenza (H5N1), to better understand the evolutionary process of newly emerged mutations that are able to confer susceptibility and resistance to antiviral drugs.  

Learn more about Vanessa Isabel Guerra Canedo, Ph.D.

Sung Hee Ko, Ph.D.

Research Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), South Korea

M.S., Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), South Korea

B.S., Pusan National University, South Korea

Languages Spoken: Korean

Dr. Ko’s research interests are the study of virus genetic diversity and its evolution using single genome sequencing. He has developed a high-throughput and high-accuracy single genome sequencing strategy by combining unique molecular identifiers and long-read sequencing technology. The method has been applied to studies of HIV dynamics under bNAb treatment and intra-individual SARS-CoV-2...

Learn more about Sung Hee Ko, Ph.D.

 Maggie Lucas, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.S., Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Maggie Lucas’s research project involves using high-throughput single genome amplification and sequencing to investigate within-host diversity and evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Her research interests include topics related to infectious disease, immunology, and vaccine development.

Learn more about  Maggie Lucas, B.S.

Prakriti Mudvari, Ph.D.

Research Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Molecular Medicine, George Washington University

M.S., Genomics and Bioinformatics, George Washington University

B.S., Biology, Bowling Green State University

Languages Spoken: Nepali

Dr. Mudvari’s research interests are the application of novel genomics-based technologies to understand the biology and host cellular response to HIV and other emerging pathogens. Her research projects characterize the transcriptome of HIV infected CD4 T cells in patients undergoing long term antiretroviral therapy. 

Learn more about Prakriti Mudvari, Ph.D.

Liliana Pérez Rodríguez, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., Rutgers University

B.S., University of Puerto Rico

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Dr. Pérez Rodríguez’s research focuses on understanding immunological markers, metabolic states and mechanisms that allow HIV to persist in HIV-positive individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy by performing single-copy sequence analysis, virus phylogenetic studies and high-throughput gene expression analysis of HIV-positive individuals.

Learn more about Liliana Pérez Rodríguez, Ph.D.

Pierce E. Radecki, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis
B.S., Bioengineering, University of Maryland

Dr. Radecki is a computational biologist with interests in genomic data mining, algorithm development, evolutionary biology, and translational bioengineering. He contributed to research projects ranging from medical virology to applied machine learning with big genomic data. His doctoral research studied methods to better predict and understand the functional nature of RNA structures  in vivo...

Learn more about Pierce E. Radecki, Ph.D.

Hannah Shepard, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.S., Biology, Global Health, Duke University

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Hannah Shephard’s research project focuses on utilizing a digital PCR system to quantify SARS-CoV-2 gRNA and sgRNAs. She also supports ongoing VPDS HIV reservoir investigation and collaborative studies. She is passionate about research and its potential to improve the burden of infectious disease for populations around the world.

Learn more about Hannah Shepard, B.S.

Marc William Theberge Jr., B.S.

Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.S., Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University

Marc Theberge is involved in method development as well as in vitro studies focused on improving our understanding of the HIV reservoir. His research interests revolve around human immunology, virology, and chronic illness.

Learn more about Marc William Theberge Jr., B.S.

Portrait of Marc William Theberge, Jr., B.S.

Former Research Group Members

Ellie Bayat-Mokhtari, Ph.D., Postdoc Fellow 6/2020-5/2021, current Data Scientist, Amazon

Aisha Aljanahi, Ph.D., Postdoc Fellow 10/2020-6/2021, current Data Scientist, Diamond Age Data Science

Divya Kilam, Ph.D., Postdoc Fellow 10/2018-4/2020, current Data Scientist, CareDx, Inc.

Wiriya Rutvisuttinunt, Scientist 9/2019-3/2020, current Program Officer, NIAID

Si Young Lee, Ph.D., Scientist 6/2018-6/2020, current Scientist, National Cancer Institute

Max Lee, B.A., Postbaccalaureate Fellow 5/2019-6/2021, current Ph.D. candidate, Tufts University

Samuel Smith, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow 8/2018-6/2020, current MSI, George Washington University

Daniel Crespo-Vélez, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow 10/2017-6/2019, current MSIII, U. of Puerto Rico

Saami Zakaria, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow 7/2017-6/2018, current MSIV, Thomas Jefferson U.

Mehdi Hamouda, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow 7/2016-6/2017, current Ph.D. Candidate, NIH-OxCam

Alexander Le, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Fellow 7/2016-6/2017, current MSIV, SUNY-Downstate

Gideon Wolf, B.A., Summer Intern 2017, current M.D./Ph.D. Candidate, UMD Medical School

Lisa Mayer, Emerging Leaders in Data Science (ELDS) Rotating Fellow 11/2021-2/2022

Sydney Foote, Emerging Leaders in Data Science (ELDS) Rotating Fellow 10/2019-1/2020

Section

Content Manager

Content Coordinator

September 26, 2022

Calvo Research Group

Read more about Calvo Research Group

The mission of the MEU is to understand the complex mechanisms of vector-host and vector-pathogen interactions at the biochemical and molecular levels. A combination of bioinformatic analyses, recombinant protein production, structural biology, assay development, and gene editing (based on the CRISPR/Cas9 system) is being used to discover the functions of salivary proteins and their possible function(s) in blood feeding and pathogen transmission. The aim is to develop new control strategies to reduce or eliminate vector-borne diseases.

Short Title

Calvo Research Group

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Learn more about Eric Calvo, Ph.D.

Eric Calvo, Ph.D.

Chief, Molecular Entomology Unit
Stadtman Investigator
NIH Distinguished Scholar

Education:

Ph.D., Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

B.Sc., University of Havana, Cuba

Languages Spoken: Spanish, Portuguese

Dr. Calvo was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. He received his B.Sc. in biochemistry from the University of Havana, Cuba, and his Ph.D. from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. He did postdoctoral work at the University of California, Irvine, and NIAID. Dr. Calvo became a staff scientist first at the FDA and then at NIAID, where he is now an Earl Stadtman tenure...

Brian Bonilla, A.A.

Laboratory Technician

Education:

STEM program, 2019, Montgomery College, Rockville, Maryland

Associate of Arts, 2011, Montgomery College, Rockville, Maryland

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Brian is interested in the entomological field of arthropod vectors and the human pathogens they transmit. He received an Associate of Arts degree from Montgomery College, Maryland. Through many years of research work at NIH, Brian has amassed impressive expertise in molecular and biological techniques and procedures. He is highly specialized in the maintenance and rearing of various arthropods...

Learn more about Brian Bonilla, A.A.

Molly Ring, B.Sc.

Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow

Education:

B.Sc., Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

Molly Ring received her B.Sc. in microbiology and infectious disease from Colorado State University in 2023. During her undergraduate degree, she conducted research on the efficacy of repeat ivermectin mass drug administrations for the control of malaria (RIMDAMAL) at the Centers for Vector-Borne Infectious Disease, Colorado State University. While at Colorado State University, she worked on a...

Learn more about Molly Ring, B.Sc.

Erika Sayuri Nishiduka Costa, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Molecular Biology, 2023, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

M.Sc., Molecular Biology, 2018, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

B.Sc., Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Languages Spoken: Portuguese

Dr. Nishiduka was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She earned her B.Sc. in chemical engineering from the Federal University of São Paulo, followed by both her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in molecular biology from the same institution. Driven by an interest in biomolecules that impact human health, her research focuses on characterizing biologically active compounds using advanced omics techniques. She...

Learn more about Erika Sayuri Nishiduka Costa, Ph.D.

Paola Carolina Valenzuela-Léon, Ph.D.

Research Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, (CINVESTAV, IPN), Mexico City, Mexico

M.S., Molecular Biomedicine, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV, IPN), Mexico City, Mexico

B.Sc., Chemical Pharmaceutical Biologist, Autonomous University of Guadalajara, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Paola Carolina Valenzuela León earned her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in molecular biomedicine from CINVESTAV, Mexico, where she studied the role of mosquito saliva on dengue virus infection of cultured human fibroblasts. Following her doctoral work, Dr. Valenzuela León joined Dr. Calvo’s group as a visiting postdoctoral fellow, where she investigated the direct interaction of mosquito salivary proteins to...

Learn more about Paola Carolina Valenzuela-Léon, Ph.D.

Former Research Group Members

Emma Duge, B.Sc., IRTA Postbaccalaureate, Ph.D. candidate, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara
Ines Martin-Martin, Ph.D., Research Fellow, Principal Investigator, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
Olivia Kern, B.Sc., IRTA Postbaccalaureate, Ph.D. candidate, Department of Global Health, University of Washington
Andrew S. Paige, B.Sc., IRTA Postbaccalaureate, Ph.D. candidate, School of Biological Sciences, Columbia University
Lindsay Martin, B.Sc., IRTA Postbaccalaureate, Ph.D. candidate, College of Arts and Science, Vanderbilt University
Karina Botello, MNAS-MS, IRTA Postbaccalaureate Fellow, Health Educator, NHLBI, Bethesda, MD
Leticia Barion Smith, Ph.D., IRTA Postdoctoral Fellow, Regulatory Scientist, Syngenta Global, Durham, NC
Adeline Elizabeth Williams, MPH., Ph.D., IRTA Postdoctoral Fellow, Biological Scientist, RAND Corporation, Arlington, VA
Gaurav Shrivastava, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow, Scientific Operations Manager, LMVR, NIAID, Rockville, MD
Kaio Bentes, M.Sc., Predoctoral Visiting Fellow, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Brasilia, Brazil
Leticia B. Smith, Ph.D., IRTA Postdoctoral Fellow, Regulatory Scientist, Syngenta Global, Durham, NC

Section

Content Manager

Content Coordinator

Eric Calvo's Molecular Entomology Unit Research Team

December 20, 2024

Margulies Research Group

Read more about Margulies Research Group

The Molecular Biology Section Basic Science research group is focused on understanding the structural and molecular details of cellular recognition in the immune response. To this end our focus is on cell surface molecules (MHC I and II molecules, T cell receptors, natural killer cell receptors) using a variety of genetic, biochemical, biophysical tools, including X-ray and cryo-EM structural analysis to understand how crucial components interact. In addition, we study viral immunoevasins, and how viral structures are recognized by antibodies.

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Margulies Research Group

Person List Page Type

David H. Margulies, M.D., Ph.D.

Chief, Molecular Biology Section

Education:

M.D., Ph.D., 1978, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Dr. Margulies received an A.B. from Columbia University in 1971. In 1978, he earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. From 1978 to 1980, he served as a resident in medicine at Columbia/Presbyterian Medical Center. From 1980 to 1983, he worked as a research associate in the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. From 1983 to 1987, he was an investigator in the Laboratory of Immunology. In 1987, he became a senior investigator and, since 1989, has been chief of the Molecular Biology Section. Since 2008, he has been a member of the Senior Biomedical Research Service.

Learn more about David H. Margulies, M.D., Ph.D.

Portrait of David H. Margulies, M.D., Ph.D.

Javeed Ahmad Dhobi, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., 2017, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

M.Sc., 2010, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Kashmir, Srinagar

Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Urdu

Javeed received his Ph.D. from All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi and his Ph.D. thesis research aimed at understanding the role of disordered proteins in Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis. As a postdoc, his work is focused on understanding the role of immunoevasins in MHC Class I antigen presentation. In another projects, he is interested in understanding the ligand binding...

Learn more about Javeed Ahmad Dhobi, Ph.D.

Lisa F. Boyd, B.A.

Chemist

Education:

B.A., 1980, Biology and Chemistry, Western Maryland College

I have been a part of the Laboratory of Immune System Biology (Immunology) since 1983. Primary research focus has been on Class I MHC molecules, including the structure, function, peptide analysis, as well as the interactions with other molecules of the immune system. Our studies have included gaining an understanding of the peptide loading complex. Recent research has included studies of COVID-19...

Learn more about Lisa F. Boyd, B.A.

Jiansheng Jiang, Ph.D.

Education:

Ph.D. 1989, University of York, UK

Post-doctoral, 1991-1996, Yale University, CT

Languages Spoken: Chinese

Trained in X-ray crystallography and structural biology, working in immunology. Current projects are (1) Mechanism of MHC-I in antigen presentation; (2) Structures of SARS-CoV-2/RBD with antibody or nanobody; (3) Structural bioinformatics.

Learn more about Jiansheng Jiang, Ph.D.

Michael G. Mage, D.D.S.

Scientist Emeritus

Education:

Postdoctoral research, Department of Microbiology, 1960-1962, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

D.D.S., 1960, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

A.B., 1955, Cornell University

Languages Spoken: Japanese, German

Major interests have been in molecular immunology, studies of antibody function and structure, development of methods for antibody analysis, evaluation of expression of cell surface molecules on lymphoid cells, preparation of molecular fragments of antibodies, purification of lymphoid cell subsets with specific antibodies, engineering of single chain class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC)...

Learn more about Michael G. Mage, D.D.S.

Kannan Natarajan, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., 1985, Madurai Kamaraj University, India

Postdoctoral, 1986-1988, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland

Postdoctoral, 1992-1995, Cancer Center, University of Rochester, NY

1995, Forsyth Research Institute, Boston, MA

1995-present, Molecular Biology Section, LISB (formerly LI), NIAID, NIH

Languages Spoken: Tamil, Hindi

Research interests are the structure and dynamics of protein interactions underlying MHC-I antigen presentation and antigenic recognition.

Learn more about Kannan Natarajan, Ph.D.

Former Research Group Members

Visiting Scientists - Current Position:

Michael G. Mage, DDS —Scientist emeritus, NIAID, MBS/LISB/NIAID

Philip L. Cohen, M.D. —Professor Clinical Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University

Sergei Khilko, Ph.D.—Staff Scientist, NIDDK, deceased

Ditza Levin, Ph.D. – Visiting Scientist, FDA

Dan Eilat, Ph.D.- Hadassah University Medical Center- Professor Emeritus

Shihoko Aizawa-Komine, M.D.--Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine

Kannan Natarajan, Ph.D.- LMBS/LISB

Mitsuo Honda, Ph.D.-Nihon University School of Medicine

Fumito Tani, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, National university Corporation Kyushu University, Department of Applied Molecular Chemistry

Shozo Sakuma – Ph.D.

Mitsuo Honda, Ph.D. – Nihon University

Postdoctoral Fellows:

Javeed Dhobi Ahmad, Ph.D. – Visiting Fellow, MBS/LISB/NIAID

Doo Hyun Chung, M.D. -- Professor Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Linda Hillstrom Shapiro, Ph.D. -- Professor, Department of Cell Biology, Director, Center for Vascular Biology, UConn Health

Rosemarie Hunziker, Ph.D. – Director of Tissue Engineering/Regenerative Medicine Program, NIBIB, now retired. Principal at Connexon, Life Sciences Consulting

Shozo Sakuma, Ph.D.

James McCluskey, M.D., BM/BS. -- Professor and Acting Provost, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (research) the University of Melbourne

Steven Kozlowski, M.D. – Director, Office of Biotechnology Products at OPQ/CDER/FDA

Maripat Corr, M.D. – Professor, Rheumatology Fellowship Program Associate Director, UCSD

Jonathan Schneck, M.D., Ph.D. -- Professor of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Randy K. Ribaudo, Ph.D. – Human Workflows and SciPhD founder

Manqing Hong, Ph.D. – Staff Scientist, Integrated DNA Technologies, Redwood, City, CA

Sophie Candon, M.D. – Professor, Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapies, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France; Normandy University, UNIROUEN, INSERMU1234, Rouen, France

Giora Morozov, M.D., Ph.D. – Research Scientist at Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research & Technology Center

Nathan May, Ph.D.

Jian Wang, Ph.D. – Scientific Review Officer, VMD, AIDC, DPPS,Center for Scientific Review, NIH

Rui Wang, Ph.D. – Scientist, Intrexon Corporation, Germantown, MD

Li Zhi, Ph.D. – Senior Staff, Formulation Development scientist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc

Graduate Student:

Janet Mans, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pretoria, SA

Postbaccalaureate Students:

Ashleigh Hicks, M.D. (University of Maryland School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins, Geriatric Medicine, Baltimore, MD)

Kate Larabee (Tuttle), M.D.-- pediatric/adult allergist/immunologist, U. Rochester Medical Center

Wolfe

Ellen Kim – Ph.D. student, Department of Biomedical Engineering, MIT

Daniel Kyle Taylor—Current Post- Bac—UCLA deparment of Chemistry

Fred Allen -- Medical Student, Case Western

Nageen Sherani—Medical Student, University of Maryland

Richard D. Lopez, M.D. – Cellular Therapy Specialist, Duke Blood Cancer Center, Durham, NC

Ron Shinar, M.D. – Diagnostic Radiology, Phoenix, AZ

David H. Chin, M.D. – Radiology, Fremont CA

High School and Summer Students:

Anna Ramsey, (Anna L. Ramsey-Ewing, Ph.D.) -- Director, Office of Grants Management and Scientific Review, NCATS, NIH

Michelle Till

Michael Paskow, Ph.D. – Associate Director, Epidemiology at Astra Zeneca, Washington, DC

Lin Bei

Leah Wolfish

Brownhilda Ngwang, DO -- Angel Kids Pediatrics, Jacksonville, FLA

Solomon K. Bisangwa, M.D. – Neurology Practice, Jefferson Health, New Jersey

Ariel Weinberger, CEO Autonomous Therapeutics

Shlomit Frankel (Edinger), Ph.D. – Chief Technical Officer, Astra Analytics

Sara Verschleisser –applying to medical school

Collaborative Scientists:

Diane Handy, Ph.D. (with John Coligan) -- Asst Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard

Andrew Lew, Ph.D. (with John Coligan) - WEHI, Melbourne Australia, Retired

Michael Derby, M.D. (with Jay Berzofsky)

Igor Belyakov, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc.,– Dept. Internal Medicine, University of Michigan

Abir Panda, Ph.D. (with Ethan Shevach)—Research Fellow, CIS/LISB/NIAID

Blake Frey--Medical student Emory U. (with Jay Berzofsky)

Nikolaos Sgourakis (with Ad Bax) Ph.D.--Associate Professor, CHOP and University of Pennsylvania

Marianne DiBrino, PhD (with John Coligan)—Patent Examiner Patent and Trademark Office

Joshua Leonard, PhD (Lab of David Segal) – Associate Professor of Chemical And Biological Engineering, Northwestern University

Pierre Valadon, PhD (Lab of Matthew D. Scharff) – President Antibody Design Labs, San Diego, CA

Section

Content Manager

Content Coordinator

September 26, 2022

Schramm Research Group

Read more about Schramm Research Group

The Integrative Bioinformatics of Immune Systems (IBIS) Core is the central bioinformatic resource for all repertoire and “omics” studies in the VRC. Research areas include transcriptomic analysis of both innate and adaptive immune cells, T cell receptor repertoire analysis, B cell receptor sequence and phylogenetic analysis, and analysis of immune cell population dynamics.

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Schramm Research Group

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Learn more about Chaim A. Schramm, Ph.D.

Chaim A. Schramm, Ph.D.

Chief, Integrative Bioinformatics of Immune Systems Core

Contact: schrammca@mail.nih.gov

Education:

Ph.D., 2012, University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Schramm earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University prior to joining the VRC as a staff scientist in 2016. As chief of the IBIS Core, Dr. Schramm designs and leads large-scale scRNASeq analyses of innate and adaptive immune cells dynamics in infection and vaccination.

Christian G. Wake, Ph.D.

Bioinformatician

Education:

Chris is a bioinformatician for IBIS for the past two years. He provides general support to individuals with projects related to sequencing data analysis ranging from bulk analysis to single cell approaches including CITE-Seq. He is also focused on the establishment of standardization pipelines for general use to individuals within the VRC to ensure rapid turnaround from sequencing to initial look at the data.

Former Research Group Members

Lowrey Peyton (Dartmouth)

Section

Content Manager

Content Coordinator

September 26, 2022

Kozak Research Group

Read more about Kozak Research Group

The Viral Biology Section of the Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology works on endogenous and exogenous retroviruses and the host genetic factors that restrict their replication. We have largely focused on retroviruses of mice, specifically the mouse leukemia gammaretroviruses, but have also studied retroviruses in other species including ungulates, carnivores, amphibians, and primates, including HIV-1.

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Kozak Research Group

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Learn more about Christine Kozak, Ph.D.

Christine Kozak, Ph.D.

Chief, Viral Biology Section

Education: Ph.D., 1977, Yale University

Dr. Kozak received her Ph.D. in biology from Yale University in 1977. After a postdoctoral fellowship at NIAID under Dr. Wallace Rowe, she joined the Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology (LMM) in 1984. In 1992, Dr. Kozak became chief of the Viral Biology Section in LMM. She is an associate editor for several journals, has served on the Committee on Standardized Nomenclature for Mice, was chair of the Mouse Chromosome 5 Committee for 10 years, and has authored more than 400 research publications dealing with mouse retroviruses and mouse genetics.

Guney Boso, Ph.D.

Research Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

BS, Middle East Technical University, Turkey

Languages Spoken: Turkish

My research focuses on the co-evolution of retroviruses with their mammalian hosts. I combine phylogenetics, genomics and transcriptomics with wet-lab strategies such as mutagenesis and protein biochemistry to study the host innate immune factors that restrict retroviruses as well as the evolution of domesticated genes from ancient retroviruses found in mammal genomes

Learn more about Guney Boso, Ph.D.

Oscar Lam, B.A.

Post-Baccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.A., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boston University

Languages Spoken: Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish

My project studies the diversity and distribution of endogenized mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) in wild mice (Mus musculus). We employ molecular techniques like PCR and cloning and phylogenetic techniques to test for the presence of MMTVs in mouse samples and analyze the sequences of these endogenous retroviruses. With the sequences of the MMTVs we obtain, we can analyze the diversity of and...

Learn more about Oscar Lam, B.A.

Esther Shaffer, M.S.

Biologist

Education:

M.S., Entomology, University of Maryland
B.S., Biological Sciences, University of Maryland

I provide technical assistance to the Viral Biology Section (VBS) in our efforts to understand the genetic basis of resistance to retroviruses. I use in vitro cell-based assays, PCR, cloning, and gene sequencing and my work largely focuses on the various host range subgroups of the mouse leukemia viruses (MLVs), members of the gammaretrovirus genus. Our work also addresses how natural populations...

Learn more about Esther Shaffer, M.S.

J’Zaria Simpson, B.S.

Post-Baccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.S., Biology, Savannah State University

J’Zaria Simpson is conducting research on the cross-species transmission of an endogenous retrovirus (ERV) in two mammalian orders, carnivores and ungulates. This research focuses on retroviruses, mammalian phylogeny, and co-option of ERVs to serve host functions.

Learn more about J’Zaria Simpson, B.S.

Venkat SRK Yedavalli, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., University of Arizona

MVSc, Punjab Agricultural University, India

BVSc&AH, Punjab Agricultural University, India

Languages Spoken: Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu

I am currently studying endogenous retrovirus (ERV) derived restriction factors and identified a novel retroviral restriction factor derived from a mammalian ERV. My interests include endogenous retroviruses; retroviral-host cell interactions; host-cell restriction of retroviruses; transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of retroviral gene expression.

Learn more about Venkat SRK Yedavalli, Ph.D.

Section

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Content Coordinator

September 23, 2022

Mae Long Research Group

Read more about Mae Long Research Group

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

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Mae Long Research Group

Person List Page Type

Learn more about Carrie Mae Long, Ph.D.

Carrie Mae Long, Ph.D.

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

Education:

Ph.D., 2016, West Virginia University

B.S., 2011, Gardner-Webb University

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

Het Adhvaryu, B.Sc.

Graduate Partnership Program Predoctoral Student

Education:

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

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

Learn more about Het Adhvaryu, B.Sc.

Matthew W. Anderson, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education:

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

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

Learn more about Matthew W. Anderson, B.S.

Katie Pierce, M.Sc.

Graduate Partnership Program Predoctoral Student

Education:

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

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

Learn more about Katie Pierce, M.Sc.

Jonathan Shikany, B.S.

Graduate Partnership Program Predoctoral Student

Education:

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

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

Learn more about Jonathan Shikany, B.S.

Mahelat Tesfamariam, B.S.

Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow

Education:

B.S., Biology, Georgia State University

Languages Spoken: Amharic

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

Learn more about Mahelat Tesfamariam, B.S.

Former Research Group Members

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

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December 06, 2024

Barillas-Mury Research Group

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The Mosquito Immunity and Vector Competence Section investigates the interactions between the mosquito immune system and Plasmodium parasites to understand how they affect malaria transmission.

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Barillas-Mury Research Group

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Carolina Barillas-Mury, M.D., Ph.D.

Chief, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research
Distinguished Investigator Head, Mosquito Immunity and Vector Competence Section

Contact: cbarillas@niaid.nih.gov

Education:

Ph.D., University of Arizona

M.D., Universidad Francisco Marroquin de Guatemala

B.S., Universidad del Valle de Guatemala

Dr. Barillas received her B.S. in biology from the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala in 1981, her M.D. from Universidad Francisco Marroquín de Guatemala in 1985, and her Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Arizona in 1992. From 1992 to 1993, she did postdoctoral training at the University of Arizona. She then went to Harvard University in 1994 and the European Molecular Lab until 1998. She was an assistant professor in the department of microbiology, immunology, and pathology at Colorado State University from 1998 to 2003. She joined the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research in 2003 and became a senior investigator in 2010.

Learn more about Carolina Barillas-Mury, M.D., Ph.D.

Stephanie Serafim de Carvalho, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., 2020, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Languages Spoken: Portuguese

Our research interest is focused on the molecular mechanisms of mosquito immune priming. Oenocytes, are cells in the fat body that express high levels of double peroxidase (DBLOX), an enzyme essential for synthesis of a hemocyte differentiation factor (HDF) that enhances immunity in primed Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Oenocytes numbers increase in response to Plasmodium infection and HDF...

Learn more about Stephanie Serafim de Carvalho, Ph.D.

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Octavio Talyuli Da Cunha

Ph.D. graduate student

Languages Spoken: Portuguese

I am interested in understanding how the mosquito immune system limits viral infection and how this affects transmission of arboviruses to humans. In other words, how mosquitoes mount an antiviral response and how this affects the vectorial capacity of different mosquito species.

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Ana Beatriz B. Ferreira, Ph.D.

Research Fellow

Languages Spoken: Portuguese

I am interested in understanding how hemocyte differentiation and cellular immune responses limit Plasmodium infection in mosquitoes.

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Asher Kantor, Ph.D.

IRTA Postdoctoral Fellow

Our research interests include virus-vector interactions and mosquito immune response to virus infection. Our current work focuses on the discovery of receptors that mediate dengue virus infection of mosquitoes.

Learn more about Asher Kantor, Ph.D.

Alvaro Molina-Cruz, Ph.D.

Associate Scientist

Languages Spoken: Spanish

My main area of research is the interaction between vector-borne pathogens and arthropod vectors, with the goal of generating novel transmission blocking strategies.

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Banhisikha Saha, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Our goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanism of hemocyte mediated enhanced immune memory in mosquitoes previously challenged with Plasmodium infection.

Learn more about Banhisikha Saha, Ph.D.

Former Research Group Members

Former Post-Doctoral Fellows

Dr. Yeon-Soo Han 1998-2003 Associate Professor and Department Head at Chonnam National University, Korea.

Dr. Alvaro Molina-Cruz 2003-2006 Promoted to LMVR Staff Scientist in September 2006.

Dr. Randall DeJong 2004-2006 Associate Professor at Calvin College, Michigan.

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar 2002-2008 Associate Professor, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Rajasthan, India

Dr. Lalita Gupta 2002-2008 Associate Professor, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Rajasthan, India

Dr. Rajnikant Dixit 2007-2010 Independent Researcher, National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Delhi, India

Dr. Janneth Rodrigues 2006-2011 Scientist at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain

Dr. Giselle Oliveira 2009-2012 Visiting Researcher, Science without Borders Program, Rene Rachou Institute, Fiocruz, Brazil

Dr. Lindsey Garver 2009-2013 Senior Research Scientist, Vector and Parasite Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

Dr. Urvashi Ramphul 2012-2015 Senior Research Associate, Perrett Laver, London

Dr. Jose Luis Ramirez 2011-2015 Research Entomologist, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Preoria, Illinois

Dr. Julio Cesar Castillo 2013-2016 Post-Doctoral Fellow, Dr. Jose Ribeiro’s Laboratory, LMVR, NIH

Dr. Caeul Lim 2016-2018 Scientific Editor at Trends/Cell Host & Microbe, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dr. Nathani Trisnadi 2015-2018 Research Scientist, Atropos Therapeutics, San Carlos, California

Dr. Fabio M.Gomes 2014-2019 Assistant Professor, Parasitology Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Dr. Thiago Alves Silva 2015-2018 Post-Doctoral Fellow,

Dr. Joel Vega-Rodriguez, LMVR, NIH

Dr. Gaspar Canepa 2012-2020 Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

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September 23, 2022

Caughey Research Group

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Many neurodegenerative diseases are caused by prion-like self-propagating aggregates of specific proteins such as tau (e.g., Alzheimer’s), α-synuclein (e.g., Parkinson’s), and PrP (prion diseases). We emphasize biochemical, structural biological, and cell biological studies of such pathological aggregates. For example, we have used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the first high-resolution structures of bona fide infectious PrP prions. We have exploited the self-propagating properties of proteopathic aggregates to develop ultrasensitive seed amplification assays (RT-QuIC assays) that are not only valuable in fundamental research, but also providing high diagnostic accuracy for prion diseases and synucleinopathies using clinically accessible biospecimens. Our tau RT-QuIC assays can detect and discriminate different pathological forms of tau aggregates with unprecedented sensitivity, and we are currently evaluating their diagnostic utility. We are also seeking to improve the practicality and quantitative precision of RT-QuIC assays. Armed with our new near-atomic prion structures, we are seeking new approaches to blocking prion growth and toxicity for therapeutic purposes against prion disease.

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Caughey Research Group

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Learn more about Byron Caughey, Ph.D.

Byron Caughey, Ph.D.

Chief, TSE/Prion Biochemistry Section

Education:

Ph.D., 1985, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Dr. Caughey received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1985 and completed postdoctoral studies in pharmacology at Duke University Medical Center from 1985 to 1986. He has conducted TSE/prion research in the Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases (now Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity) since 1986. He became a tenured senior investigator in 1994.

Parvez Alam, Ph.D.

Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Aligarh Muslim University, India

Languages Spoken: Hindi, Urdu

Parvez received his master’s degree and Ph.D. at the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. His Ph.D. study investigated the inhibitory effect of small molecules on amyloid formation in proteins. His current work is focused on developing RT- QuIC-based diagnostic assay for ALS and investigating the structural details of prion strains.

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Efrosini Artikis, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Biophysics

B.S., Chemistry

Languages Spoken: Greek

With a background in computational biophysics, Efrosini’s research interests include protein folding, structure function relationships, and neurodegenerative disease. Currently, her work employs a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate the mechanistic aspects of prion propagation and tau pathology.

Learn more about Efrosini Artikis, Ph.D.

Portrait of Efrosini Artikis, Ph.D, B.S.

Christina Doriana Orru`-Grovemann, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., University of Cagliari, Italy

Languages Spoken: Italian

Dr. Orru`-Groveman received her Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Cagliari (Italy) in 2007 and completed her postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health in Dr. Caughey’s laboratory. She has been a staff scientist since 2015 and has conducted prion research in the Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases (now Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity) since 2008...

Learn more about Christina Doriana Orru`-Grovemann, Ph.D.

Portrait of Christina Doriana Orru-Groveman, Ph.D.

Andrew G. Hughson, M.S.

Lab Technician/Microbiologist

Education:

M.S., Genetics and Cell Biology, 1994, Washington State University

Lab technician in Dr. Caughey’s lab at Rocky Mountain Labs since 2001.

Learn more about Andrew G. Hughson, M.S.

Samantha King

Postbaccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.S., 2022, University of Montana, Missoula, MT

Samantha received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Montana. After spending two years working in industry as an analytical chemist, she decided to pursue a research opportunity to establish and fortify her interest in biochemistry. Her current project is focused on developing an RT-QuIC-based diagnostic assay for ALS.

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Jakub Soukup, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., 2023, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
M.Sc., 2015, Virology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia

Languages Spoken: Czech

After receiving his M.Sc. in virology, Jakub started his Ph.D. in prion research, which he completed at Charles University, Prague, Czechia. With a light and electron microscopy background, his research focuses on high-resolution visualization of prions in the context of cell and extracellular vesicles, alongside prion structural studies using cryo-EM.

Learn more about Jakub Soukup, Ph.D.

Former Research Group Members

Kachi Isiofia, B.S., Postbaccalaureate Research Trainee
Ankit Srivastava, Ph.D., Visiting Fellow
Francesco Silvestri, B.S., Predoctoral Visiting Fellow

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Members of TSE/Prion Biochemistry Section

January 07, 2025

Olivera Research Group

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The study of mast cell biology and the identification and characterization of receptors, signaling networks and mediators contributing to mast cell-related pathology.

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Olivera Research Group

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Learn more about Ana Olivera, Ph.D.

Ana Olivera, Ph.D.

Associate Scientist, Mast Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases

Education:

Ph.D., Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Dr. Olivera received a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Universidad Complutense of Madrid, Spain, and relocated to the US with a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Georgetown University, Washington DC, where she later became a Research Assistant Professor.

Yun Bai, M.S.

Biologist

Education:

M.S., University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX

Languages Spoken: Chinese

Focus is on the studies of the genetic analysis and specific gene expression related with human mast cell diseases. Provides research assistance on the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases and clonal mast cell disorders.

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Geethani Bandara, Ph.D.

Biologist

Education:

University of Pittsburgh

Languages Spoken: Sinhala

Geethani Bandara received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Pittsburgh. She joined the Mast Cell Biology Section in 2008. Her research interests are the identification and characterization of mast cell receptors and their contribution to pathogenesis of mast cell associated diseases.

Learn more about Geethani Bandara, Ph.D.

Guido Falduto, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Biology, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Projects include contribution of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in mast cell biology, as well as the molecular, functional and pharmacological outcomes in mast cells containing the common KIT variants D816V and/or V560G.

Learn more about Guido Falduto, Ph.D.

Andrea Luker, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Virginia Commonwealth University

Research focuses on germinal center reactions and antibody responses to murine models of inflammation. Specializes in high-parameter flow cytometry.

Learn more about Andrea Luker, Ph.D.

Annika Pfeiffer-Daniels, Ph.D

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Genetics, Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

Languages Spoken: German

Dr. Annika Pfeiffer received her Ph.D. in genetics and cell biology from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. She joined the Mast Cell Biology Section as a postdoctoral fellow in 2019. Dr. Pfeiffer’s research interest is to understand the formation, characteristics and functions of extracellular vesicles secreted by mast cells.

Learn more about Annika Pfeiffer-Daniels, Ph.D

Yuzhi Yin, M.D., Ph.D.

Biologist

Education:

Beijing Medical University

Languages Spoken: Chinese

Involved in improving culture of Human mast cells. Investigating the expression and function of CD25 and CD30 in mastocytosis patients. Also, evaluates basophil activation in mastocytosis patients.

Learn more about Yuzhi Yin, M.D., Ph.D.

Former Research Group Members

Valerie Hox, M.D., Ph.D.- Assistant Professor Otorhinolaryngology, Cliniques universitaires, Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium

Rosa Muñoz-Cano, M.D., Ph.D.- Assistant Professor Pneumonology department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Joseph M. Kulinski, Ph.D.- Regulatory Science Biologist, CBER, FDA

Araceli Tobio-Ageitos, Ph.D.- Assistant Professor, Pharmacology Department, Veterinary School, University of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain

Do-Kyun Kim, Ph.D.- Full Professor, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.

Andrea Naranjo-Erazo, Ph.D.- OITE Research Ethics Training Coordinator, NIH, Bethesda, MD

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September 23, 2022

Bielekova Research Group

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The mission of Neuroimmunological Disease Section is to understand, diagnose, prognosticate and cure neuroimmunological diseases.

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Bielekova Research Group

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Learn more about Bibi Bielekova, M.D.

Bibi Bielekova, M.D.

Chief, Neuroimmunological Diseases Section

Contact: bielekovab@mail.nih.gov

Education:

M.D., 1993, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia

Dr. Bielekova received an M.D. in 1993 from Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. After a medical internship at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and a neurology residency at Boston University, she did a 3-year postdoctoral research fellowship at the NINDS Neuroimmunology Branch (NIB). In 2018, Dr. Bielekova transferred as a senior investigator to NIAID. Her laboratory is studying mechanisms of immunoregulation and immune-mediated CNS tissue injury in MS and other neuroimmunological diseases with a long-term goal of developing effective therapies. In addition, Dr. Bielekova is a principal investigator on several innovative protocols including adaptively designed Phase I/II clinical trials.

Shinji Ashida, M.D., Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

M.D., Ph.D., Neurology

Languages Spoken: Japanese

He analyzes the human samples from patients with Multiple Sclerosis by using single cell RNA analysis and Flow cytometry technique.

Learn more about Shinji Ashida, M.D., Ph.D.

Tiffany Hauser, MBA

Nurse Research Specialist

Education:

MBA, Project Management
B.S., Nursing
B.S., Biotechnology

Tiffany is a clinical regulatory nurse who engages in recruitment and retention of patients with CNS inflammatory disorders. She also focuses on protocol management, data collection, clinical outcomes, and regulatory guidance.

Learn more about Tiffany Hauser, MBA

Marie B. Kanu-Jabbie, MSN, RN, NP-C, CNRN

Family Nurse Practitioner

Education:

MSN, Howard University
BSN, University of Maryland

Research focus on validation of MS disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets within the context of interventional clinical trials and longitudinal follow-up of patients on FDA-approved disease-modifying treatments. Special Interest: Health promotion/prevention, health education and medication adherence 2022-Family Nurse Practitioner- Associate Investigator, National Institutes of Health 2018...

Learn more about Marie B. Kanu-Jabbie, MSN, RN, NP-C, CNRN

Joanna Kocot, Ph.D.

Rocky Beth Postdoctoral Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Medical Science

Languages Spoken: Polish

Joanna is a Rocky Beth fellow at NIAID. She is highly interested in the crosstalk between the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS). Her project aims at developing in vitro model of neural-immune interactions based on co-cultures of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived cerebral organoids resembling post-natal CNS with autologous primary immune cells to generate shared...

Learn more about Joanna Kocot, Ph.D.

Peter Kosa, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Languages Spoken: Slovak

Peter is Staff Scientist in the lab. His work focuses on data analysis and integration of clinical, imaging, genetic and biomarker data with the aim to identify and understand processes that play causal role in progression and severity of Multiple Sclerosis. He’s also a developer/manager of the NDS research database and helps to bridge the bench research with the clinical activities.

Learn more about Peter Kosa, Ph.D.

Ruturaj R. Masvekar, Ph.D.

NDS Research Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Neuroscience

Languages Spoken: Marathi, Hindi

Dr. Ruturaj Masvekar is a research fellow in Neuroimmunological Disease Section (NDS). He received his Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience with emphasis on neuroinflammatory diseases from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). His research interests lie in broad areas of cellular and molecular pathways underlying neuroinflammatory diseases, discovery of new therapeutic targets, identification of novel...

Learn more about Ruturaj R. Masvekar, Ph.D.

Darwing S. Padilla Rolon, B.Sc.

INRO Postbaccalaureate Trainee Fellow

Education:

B.Sc., Biology

Languages Spoken: Spanish

Darwing graduated with a B.Sc. in biology and a minor in multidisciplinary neuroscience from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. He is a NIAID INRO postbaccalaureate trainee fellow in our lab focused on studying human neural-immune interactions by using iPSCs derived cerebral organoids as a research model.

Learn more about Darwing S. Padilla Rolon, B.Sc.

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Audrey S. Yee, M.D.

Staff Clinician

Education:

M.D., Neurology

Dr. Yee works on the validation of MS disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets in interventional clinical trials and longitudinal follow-up of patients on FDA-approved disease-modifying treatments.

Learn more about Audrey S. Yee, M.D.

Former Research Group Members

Alison Wichman, M.D.
Marie Sanford, CRNP
Deepthi Nammi, Ph.D.

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