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Faculty Members

Members of the Institute for Human Infections & Immunity are University of Texas Medical Branch faculty actively engaged in the study of infectious diseases and immunity. Their profiles are sorted by surname below.

Robert Abbott, PhD

Understanding what drives B cell competition following vaccination critical for developing next generation vaccines. We study key parameters that drive B cell precursors to compete within specialized microanatomic structures called germinal centers. We also study drivers of key long-term outputs of germinal centers, memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells

Patricia Aguilar, PhD

Pathogenesis, vaccine development, virology
My main research interest is to better understand the mechanisms that enable emerging viruses to evade host immune responses and cause disease, and to identify cellular factors that contribute to viral infection. The main research goal is to unravel the highly complex host-pathogen interaction and identify novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to combat these viral pathogens.

Bill Aneredes, MS, PhD

Airway inflammation, asthma, cytokines, interleukins, lung, airway remodeling
Dr. Ameredes’ laboratory investigates cytokine networking interactions in the lung, with focus on the immunology of airway inflammation and its resolution. Studies include investigations of interleukin-10, a major anti-inflammatory cytokine, and interleukin-6, a major pro-growth and cell regulatory cytokine, and IL-12/23, a macrophage-derived regulatory cytokine affecting T-helper cell responses.

Judith Aronson, MD

Clinical, pathogenesis, virology
I have a long-standing interest in the study of pathogenesis of infectious diseases, particularly experimental animal models of acute viral diseases including viral hemorrhagic fevers and arbovirus encephalitides. Because of my training as a pathologist, I am most interested in disease mechanisms and tissue-based studies of infectious agent localization and host responses.

Beth Auslander, PhD

With the use of motivational and action-based theories, Dr. Auslander's research aims to identify factors related to parental intentions and initiation of HPV vaccination, so that these factors can be targeted in interventions to increase HPV vaccination rates, thereby providing greater vaccination coverage and protection for all against HPV-infection associated illnesses, including cervical and anal cancers.

Xiaoyong Bao, PhD

Virology, vaccinology
Dr. Bao's research focuses on host-virus interaction, particularly in the infection of RSF and hMPV, with the goal of generating suitable vaccine candidates to prevent paramyxovirus infection.

Alan Barrett, PhD

Our laboratory is undertaking development of flavivirus vaccines, including West Nile, Japanese encephalitis, Zika, yellow fever and dengue. We investigate the molecular basis of attenuation of 17D yellow fever vaccine. In addition, reverse genetics is being used to identify molecular determinants of flaviviruses. We also investigate the molecular epidemiology of various flaviviruses.

David Beasley, PhD

Research in my laboratory focuses on molecular determinants of phenotypic variations between individual strains and major groups of medically-important flaviviruses, including West Nile, dengue, and Zika viruses. We aim to facilitate development of new and improved vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics for this important group of emerging and re-emerging arthropod-borne viruses.

Dennis Bente, DVM, PhD

Virology, pathogenesis, viral hemorrhagic fevers, tick-borne viruses, vector biology, immunology, vaccine development
My research focuses on tick-borne hemorrhagic fever viruses, including their pathogenesis, ecology, tick-virus interaction, and vaccine development. My main research interest is to better understand the mechanisms that enable tick-borne viruses to cause disease and to study the host-vector-pathogen interface.

Suresh Bhavnani, PhD

Biomedical informatics, network visualization
By using my experience in network visualization and analysis, I collaborate with researchers at the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and the Galveston National Laboratory to analyze complex data related to infectious diseases, in addition to developing new methods that accelerate the translation of discoveries into effective treatments.

Lucas Blanton, MD

Dr. Blanton's research interests are focused on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of Rickettsial diseases, as well as on new and undescribed vectors of Rickettsial diseases.

Istvan Boldogh, DM&B, PhD

Professor Emeritus,

Paul Boor, MD

My laboratory’s interest is in the area of vascular biology and especially endothelial – vascular smooth muscle interactions. Along with this, transplantation biology and especially vascular and antibody-mediated rejection are under study. Collaborative work with others in our group focus on autoimmune phenomenon and how environmental factors play a role in autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus.

Nigel Bourne, PhD

Dr. Bourne's primary research interests include the stuff of in vivo models used to explore the pathogenesis of infectious disease, focusing on genital and neonatal Herpes simplex viral infection.

Donald Bouyer, PhD

Dr. Bouyer is a general surgical pathologist with a subspecialty fellowship training in thoracic pathology. His focus is devoted to diagnostic surgical pathology and teaching, with particular interest in pulmonary pathology. Dr. Bouyer's research is focused on pathogenesis and host response mechanisms of rickettsial diseases.

Werner Braun, PhD

Research interests include: determining how apurinic/apyrimidinic endonucleases respond to subtle differences in the structure and dynamics of DNA sites damaged by low dose ionizing radiation; relating motifs identified by MASIA to the function of DNA recognition, catalysis and protein-protein interaction - screening gene databases with these novel motifs should reveal new candidates for APE related proteins; and developing software tools for determining protein structures by NMR in Structural Genomics Projects.

Alexander Bukreyev, PhD

Antivirals, immunology, pathogenesis, vaccine development, virology
Research in our laboratory focuses on development of vaccines against filoviruses Ebola and Marburg; investigation of mechanisms of their high pathogenicity; investigation of contribution of specific proteins and their functional domains using reverse genetics (i.e., generation of recombinant viruses from DNA); development small-molecule antivirals.

William J. Calhoun, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAAAAI, FACAAI

My principal interests are the pathogenesis and management of obstructive airway diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We seek to understand the cytokine expression patterns that characterize specific molecular phenotypes of these diseases, and to define the role of glucocorticoid receptor dysfunction in the expression of severe asthma.

Victor Cardenas, Jr., MD

My research focuses on investigating mechanisms underlying sepsis induce acute lung inflammation in in animal models and human patients. Current investigations include DNA base excision repair pathway dysfunction and innate immunity, neutrophil phenotype and chemokine interactions, and identification of possible therapeutic targets for sepsis induced lung injury.

Antonella Casola, MD

Research is focused on the investigation of viral- and host-specific mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections. Research efforts include investigating the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases caused by human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Dr. Casola's laboratory uses recombinant hMPV viruses to investigate specific viral protein functions, with the ultimate goal to understand disease pathogenesis and design effective vaccines.

Alejandro Castellanos-Gonzalez, PhD

Research interests include molecular biology and immunology of intestinal infections caused by protozoan and helminthes. Current projects at the lab: "Gene Expression in Human Intestines in Response to Cryptosporidium Infection" and "Point-of-care diagnostic tests for intestinal protozoa."

Lee-Nien Lillian Chan, PhD

Professor Emeritus

Teh-sheng Chan, MD, PhD

Professor Emeritus

Ashok Chopra, PhD, CSc

Bacteriology, immunology, pathogenesis, vaccine development
My research focuses on bacterial select agents and GI pathogens with specific emphasis on bacterial-host cell interaction, virulence factors/mechanisms associated with bacterial virulence, bases of molecular pathogenesis, development of live-attenuated and subunit vaccines, animal model development, and testing of new therapeutics and vaccines in animal models.

Jin Mo Chung, PhD

Neuro-infection, neuro-immunology, sensory disorders, pain
I am a life-long sensory and motor neurobiologist, whose research focus has centered mainly on chronic pain and motor deficits. Recently, my interest has expanded into the areas of neuro-infectious diseases and neuro-immunological abnormalities. Based on my background, I am particularly interested in the development of pain and motor deficits that frequently occur during the post-infection recovery phase.

Irma Cisneros, PhD

Substance use disorder, neuroinfectious diseases, neuroimmunity, CNS innate immune responses

Cocaine and opioid addiction are major burdens in the US. Long-term drug addiction, especially in comorbidity with HIV-1 or other viruses, promote neuroinflammation-associated toxicities resulting from unmanageable inflammatory responses and decreased antiviral immunity. We hope to uncover pharmacological targets in the periphery and the CNS to alleviate toxic innate immune outcomes.

Alison Coady, PhD

Fungal pathogenesis, fungal-bacterial interaction, fungal immunity
With the rising incidence of serious fungal infections and treatment-resistant fungal species, there is an urgent need to understand how host immune responses contribute to patient outcome during fungal infection. My research seeks to understand the mechanisms necessary to balance protective immunity and immunopathology during infection by Candida species.

Jason Comer, PhD

Adjunct Associate Professor
Dr. Comer is interested in the development of infectious disease models that can be used to evaluate the vaccine and therapeutics under the standards set by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Yingzi Cong, PhD

Adjunct Professor
Mucosal Immunology, host-microbiome interaction, vaccine development
My basic research programs focus on investigating host immune system-microbiome interaction in the intestines, pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, and development of mucosal vaccines, which are based on analyzing various unique murine models using a battery of reagents that have been developed recently.

Tiziana Corsello-Gorgun, PhD

Viral infections, Extracellular vesicles, Infectious disease

Dr. Corsello's research focuses on the viral-, environmental- and host-specific mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections in children. The goal of her research is to develop therapeutic strategies against viral infection airway mediated disease.

Caitlin J. Cotter, PhD

My research focuses on emerging zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in Latin America and the tropics. I work to collaborate and build equitable global health research partnerships in emerging infectious disease epidemiology, climate change and public health, tropical medical epidemiology, and emerging infectious disease preparedness and response.

Robert William Cross, PhD, MPH

Dr. Cross’ research is centered on the biology and pathogenesis of high priority viral agents, with a particular emphasis on elucidating mechanisms of vascular leak, coagulopathy, and immune derangement in viral hemorrhagic fever infections caused by filoviruses, arenaviruses, and bunyaviruses. His work utilizes systems biology, molecular virology, and comparative pathogenesis approaches.

Kathryn A. Cunningham, PhD

My research focuses on disease-related brain signaling pathways involved in neuropsychiatric disorders, which can be also be targeted by infectious diseases. My research approaches include cellular signaling and molecular network analyses, neurocircuitry and neuropsychopharmacology analyses. These discovery efforts are translationally geared to develop new biomarkers and drug discovery targets to improve diagnosis and treatment of debilitating disorders.
Alok Dabi, MD

Neuroprotection, brain-gut-microbiome axis, acute neurology
Dabi's research interest is in the brain-gut-microbiome axis and its role in several neurological disorders. He is researching the axis and the potential for its modulation via diet and the use of pre- and probiotics.

Sara Dann, PhD

Innate immunity, immune regulation, enteric pathogens
My research focuses on the induction and regulation of the host's immune response to bacterial and parasitic infections in the gut. We examine cross talk between epithelial cells and immune cells during infection. Current studies focus on: (1) IL-10 independent mechanisms of immune regulation; (2) induction of protective mucosal immunity in the absence of inflammatory signals; and (3) role of innate immune cells in inducing and suppressing intestinal inflammation.

Stuti Desai, PhD

My research interests
broadly include Salmonella pathogenesis, multicellular behavior that enables Salmonella
persistence, two-component regulatory signaling, virulence gene expression, and the
development of heterologous host systems (Caenorhabditis elegans and Zebrafish) as infection
models. The overarching goal of my future research program is to determine the environmental,
interbacterial, host-derived, and intracellular signals that mediate lifestyle transitions in
Salmonella. My current research pursuits with Dr. Segev Zarko include deciphering the secretion
machinery that regulates Toxoplasma gondii virulence using state-of-the-art Cryo-electron
microscopy. Most recently, I have started collaborating with Dr. Ashok Chopra, and our future
work will comprehensively examine the molecular signaling pathways that significantly increase
the risk of acquiring infections in neurodegenerative diseases.

Laura Dickson, PhD

Our lab’s research involves trying to understand the genetic and environmental basis of mosquito – pathogen interactions. We aim to identify the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying mosquito susceptibility to pathogens, as well as understanding the role that the mosquito microbiome plays in mosquito susceptibility to pathogens.

Jianli Dong, MD, PhD

Dr. Dong's research is focused on BRAF/MEK/ERK and p16/CDK/RB pathways in cancer biology, as well as molecular diagnostics and translational research, including research and development of molecular biomarkers in clinical applications.

Amina El Ayadi, PhD

Wound healing, inflammation, lymphocytes, adaptative immunity, wound infections
Tissue repair involves adaptative immunity and the contribution of lymphocytes. The hyperinflammatory response to traumatic injury leads to aberrant wound healing, overactivation of myofibroblast, and subsequent hypertrophic scar development. My research is focused on identifying the role of the gamma-delta (γδ) resident T cells in wound healing and myofibroblast differentiation.

Janice Endsley, PhD

Bacteriology, immunology
My research is focused on mechanisms and regulation of cell mediated immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). An important component of my work is investigations to determine how human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compromises CD8+T cell and macrophage function in the host immune response to M.tb. I have also extended my studies of cytotoxic lymphocytes to include natural killer cell function in infectious disease and reproduction.

Mark Endsley, PhD

Virology, immunology

Research in my lab focuses on various aspects of HIV infection. We are currently working on projects related to the discovery of new anti-retroviral compounds, development of a sterilizing mucosal response through vaccination, and HIV-associated comorbidities that arise in patients with long-term infection.

Olivier Escaffre, PhD

I am a Senior Scientist in the Department of Pathology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas. My research is dedicated to understanding the pathogenesis, transmission, and host interactions of emerging zoonotic viruses with high public health relevance. Working within high-containment laboratories, I focus on high-consequence viral pathogens such as henipaviruses, filoviruses, arenaviruses, bunyaviruses, and coronaviruses. I utilize both in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the early stages of infection and viral dissemination. This includes advanced 2D and 3D human tissue models to study viral entry and host responses in physiologically relevant systems. Complementing these approaches, I have extensive experience conducting animal studies to examine viral pathogenesis and evaluate the efficacy of candidate therapeutics under conditions that mimic natural infection. My research supports the development and characterization of medical countermeasures, including antiviral drugs and biologics, with the goal of translating fundamental virology into real-world tools for outbreak preparedness and response.

Eduardo Eyzaguirre, MD

Dr. Eyzaguirre utilizes a hamster model to study viral determinants of hantavirus pulmonary disease.

Rong Fang, MD, PhD

We are interested in investigating the immune mechanisms by which mammalian hosts control intracellular pathogens. My current research focuses on cytosolic immune events, such as autophagy and inflammasomes, in macrophages and endothelial cells in response to cytosol-adapted pathogens. Our ongoing project(s) will be beneficial for rational design of potent vaccines.

Monique Ferguson, PhD

My research interests are to investigate mechanisms by which host cell factors facilitate different stages of the HIV life cycle and the development of small molecules that disrupt key virus-host interactions. In collaboration, I am focused on the development of co-culture systems: (1) to study how HIV alters the vaginal microbiome; and (2) to delineate the immunologic mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis in HIV/HCV co-infection.

Alexander N. Freiberg, PhD

Pathogenesis, structural biology, imaging, vaccine development, virology

My research focuses on emerging RNA viruses, specifically the molecular mechanisms by which they cause encephalitis or hemorrhagic fever, their structure and assembly, and vaccine development. My research approaches include the characterization of the host immune response and cellular signaling pathways following infection using cell culture and small animal models.

Matthieu Gagnon, PhD

Structural biology/biochemistry, ribosome, bacterial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance
My research aims to understand the basic cellular processes regulating protein synthesis by elucidating atomic structures of ribosome, RNA and protein functional complexes. Our goals are to characterize the molecular mechanisms by which human pathogens gain resistance to ribosome-targeting antibiotics using structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology techniques.

Roberto Garcia, MD

I have a broad background in laboratory research in neurosurgery, specifically within the fields of endovascular neurosurgery, neuro-oncology and traumatic brain injury. Our lab primarily focuses around novel device development and therapies, including viral vectors for glioblastoma treatment and small molecular stimulators for stroke recovery.

Nisha Garg, PhD

Pathogenesis, oxidative response networks and inflammation, vaccine development, cardiomyopathy
My research focuses on understanding a) the changes in gene regulation and the signaling cascade that contribute to myocardial cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial dysfunction; and b) the role of free radicals in pathological processes, i.e., inflammation, oxidative damage, and clinical severity of cardiac disease of infectious and non-infectious etiologies. We are also working on developing a candidate vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi and Chagas disease. Our collaborators are at the UTMB and several laboratories in Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico.

Roberto Garofalo, MD

My research focuses on respiratory viral infections in infants, in particular those that are caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We are investigating aspects of RSV pathogenesis and treatment as they relate to airway inflammation and long-term morbidity, including recurrent wheezing and chronic asthma. We use different approaches, from cellular systems, to experimental infections and naturally occurring infections in human.

Thomas Geisbert, PhD

Pathogenesis, vaccine development, virology
My research focuses on the pathogenesis of emerging and re-emerging viruses that require Biosafety level (BSL)-4 containment and on the development of vaccines and postexposure treatments against these viruses. My work particularly emphasizes studies on viruses causing hemorrhagic fever (HF) including Ebola virus, Marburg virus, and Lassa virus.

Benjamin Gelman, MD, PhD

Our work addresses the neurochemical, neurovirological, neuropathological and neuroimmunological effects of HIV infection and its comorbid conditions including hepatitis C. Our approach emphasizes using human tissue specimens. The current scientific focus is on the distribution and cellular identity of latent HIV in the tissues of patients with effectively suppressed virus replication. The goal is to target and destroy immune cells that support the latent pool of HIV DNA in the CNS and other body compartments.

Randall Goldblum, MD

Professor Emeritus

George Golovko, PhD

My research focuses on the development of bioinformatics applications designed to utilize Next Generation DNA Sequencing data for microbiome analysis, viral SNP characterization, and pathogen detection and identification. Specifically, I lead the development of genomic risk assessment based on multi-omics of host-pathogen interactions, as well as identification of interaction patterns in multidimensional space.

Bin Gong, MD, PhD

Pathogenesis, structural biology/imaging, experimental pathology
My research focuses on the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in replication and pathogenesis of RNA viruses. Specifically, I use X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy in conjunction with RNA engineering to understand the structure and function of viral RNA elements in the context of virus infection.

Hemil Gonzalez Garcia, PhD

My research bridges infectious diseases and neuroscience, focusing on HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, antiretroviral distribution and toxicity in the CNS, and biomarker discovery. I use spatial pharmacology, organoids, and clinical cohorts to uncover mechanisms of inflammation-driven neurodegeneration.

Andrew Grant, MD

Dr. Goldblum is a physician specializing in allergies and immunology. His clinical research has focused on new therapies for patients with angioedema and immunodeficiency.

Gregory Gray, MD, MPH, FIDS

Gregory C. Gray MD, MPH, FIDSA is an infectious disease epidemiologist and Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He is affiliated with three Departments: Internal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Microbiology and Immunology, and Preventive Medicine & Population Health.

Tapas Hazra, PhD

My research focuses on microbial infection-induced oxidative genome damage repair in host tissues. Our studies will investigate the mechanistic basis of how modulating host genome repair can be an effective therapeutic intervention for combating pathogenic infection.

Haitao Hu, PhD

HIV/AIDS, antiviral immunity, host-virus interactions, vaccine, viral vectors, HIV latency, T cell biology
Dr. Hu's current research is focused on antiviral immunity and host-virus interactions in HIV infection and vaccination.

Cheng Huang, PhD

My main research interests is to investigate the virus-host interaction and the pathogenesis of highly pathogenic arenavirus viruses as well as the development of vaccines and therapeutics against pathogenic arenavirus infection.

Tetsuro Ikegami, PhD

Vaccine development, virology
My research focuses on the development of countermeasures against Rift Valley fever (RVF). My research approaches include reverse genetics to rescue various recombinant Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) mutants, characterize innate and adaptive immune responses against those RVFV mutants, testing the efficacy of various vaccine candidates for RVF.

Mini M. Jose, PhD, RN, FNP-C

My current research focus is to improve the primary care outcomes of reproductive age women. Bacterial vaginosis is a common and difficult to control women’s health issue encountered at primary care practices. My research focus is to test newer antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis.

Cheryl Juneau, DrPH, RN, FNP-BC

I am faculty in the School of Nursing and a Family Nurse Practitioner. As a member of the Multi-Translational Team (GI), I have collaborated with infectious diseases faculty on research pertaining to community-acquired Clostridium difficile. As a clinician with a doctorate in Public Health, my research interests are focused on communicable diseases, including emerging infectious diseases.

Peter Kan, MD, MPH, FRCSC, FAANS

My research interests comprise the development of therapies and endovascular devices that advance the treatment of neurovascular pathologies, i.e., ischemic stroke, aneurysms, and neuropathic pain. Recently, COVID-19 has complicated many of these neurovascular pathologies and further research is needed to understand the complexity of this viral infection and the brain.

Bhupendra Kaphalia, PhD

In general, I am working on formation, distribution, metabolism, disposition and toxicity evaluation of lipid conjugates of xenobiotic alcohols and development of analytical methods (HPLC, GC & TLC) involved in in vitro and in vivo metabolism of compounds of biological and environmental interest. I use state of art nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for characterization of the metabolites.

Philip Keiser, MD

Dr. Keiser’s primary interest is the care and treatment of HIV and its related infections. He is the director of the Ryan White Clinical in Galveston and is the lead physician for the regional AIDs Education and Training Center. He also directs the UTMB Antibiotic Stewardship Program and is the Local Health Authority for Galveston County. His clinical research focuses on outcomes and cost effectiveness studies of HIV in resource limited settings; effects of HIV on orphans and vulnerable children in Africa; and antibiotic stewardship.

Mohammad Firoze Khan, PhD

Dr. Khan's research interests include: oxidative stress and autoimmune diseases; chemical-induced autoimmunity; molecular mechanisms of splenic toxicity of aromatic amines; and biomarkers of chemical exposure.

Kamil Khanipov, PhD

Precision Medicine for Prediction of Optimal Mode of Delivery in Pregnancy. Precision Medicine for Prediction of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Complications. Novel Methods for Identification of Multi-Dimensional Co-Exclusion Patterns in Oral Microbiomes. Unraveling the Roles of Genetic Predisposition and Microbiota Dysbiosis in Heart Failure Associated Comorbidities. Detection and Visualization of Multidimensional Patterns in Multi-omics Data. Modulation of Gut Bacteriome: Impact on Tumor Stroma in Colon Cancer. Hurricane Harvey Decision-Support – Resilient Environments and Communities. Cytosine Deamination Adducts and Cancer Etiology.

Gayle Olson Koutrouvelis, MD, MPH

I am the Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) Fellowship Director, and foster, oversee and mentor fellow research projects. My research interests are primarily clinical in global health, infectious disease obesity/diabetes and pregnancy outcome. Collaborating with Dr. Miguel Cabada has opened new opportunities for fellows for projects in infectious disease and pregnancy outcomes in middle income countries.

Thomas Ksiazek, DVM, PhD

Epidemiology/ecology and laboratory diagnosis of hemorrhagic fevers and arthropod-borne viral diseases. Consultant on operational biosafety and facility design to USDA, DOD, DHS, and several international laboratories. High containment laboratory and field operations experience in national laboratories for over 35 years. International experience includes long-term professional assignments in England, Taiwan, Indonesia and Egypt as well as extensive outbreak experience in Asia, Africa and South America.

Michael Kueht, MD

My research interests include management of immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation and the physiology and immunology of end stage liver and kidney disease.

Jun-Ho La, DVM, PhD

Dr. La’s research focuses on sensory neuronal plasticity in peripheral and central nervous system as a mechanism of, and a therapeutic target for, chronic neuropathic, inflammatory, and functional pain. One of his main research interests is sensory neuron-immune cell interactions leading to postinfectious/postinflammatory chronic pain.

Fernanda Laezza, MD, PhD

Dr. Laezza's research interests include biological and translational psychiatry, neuroscience and neuropharmacology; drug discovery; molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neuropsychiatric disorders; regulation of excitability and synaptic transmission by protein; protein interaction; intracellular signaling pathways; quantitative approaches in biology; multi scale image analysis, high throughput screening, enabling technologies.

Alan Lee Landay, PhD

Dr. Alan Landay is Vice President of Team Science and Professor in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology at University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston. He has been involved in HIV research for over 42 years. Dr. Landay has published over 580 peer reviewed papers focused on basic and clinical studies of HIV with an emphasis role of immune activation, inflammation and microbiome in HIV pathogenesis, therapy, aging, and cure research.

Michael Laposata, MD, PhD

Dr. Laposata is the Chair of the Department of Pathology. His primary research interests are: (1) fatty acid alterations in patients with cystic fibrosis, and (2) diagnostic mistakes, particularly involving evaluation of patients for bleeding and thrombotic disorders.

Maureen Laroche, MSc, PhD, FRES

Medical Entomology; ticks; One Health; Field Epidemiology; MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Dr. Laroche is a Medical Entomologist and Clinical Bacteriologist. Her lab focuses on the eco-epidemiology of vector-borne bacterial diseases, specifically the ecology, transmission, and control of rickettsiae, the re-emergence of Coxiella burnetii, and the pathogenesis of Bartonella species. She additionally develops mass spectrometry databases for the surveillance of vector-borne diseases.

William Lawrence, PhD

Dr. Lawrence’s research focuses on the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of anthrax infection with special emphasis on the physiological effects of anthrax toxins. He is also involved in the evaluation of drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines that inhibit anthrax disease progression. This research will aid in the discovery of new anthrax prophylactics and therapeutics.

James Lee, PhD

Professor Emeritus

Sunhee Lee, PhD

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Nontuberculous mycobacteria
Dr. Lee’s research interests focus on identifying the genetic basis of important virulence traits, key components of host-pathogen interaction, and immunogenicity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria. A long-term goal of her laboratory is the generation of safe and effective mycobacterial vaccines and therapeutics.

Minghua Li, PhD

Emerging and re-emerging viruses, virus-host interactions, innate immunity to viral infection.
We are interested in identifying host proteins that control viral infection and understanding how viruses manipulate host cellular pathways for productive replication. The goal of our research is to investigate the mechanisms by which viruses and host cells interact and inform the development of novel host-directed therapeutics.

Hua Liu, PhD

My research interests are: 1) to understand the role of Sirt6 in retinal neurovascular degeneration in aging-related diseases such as glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease; 2) to understand virus-host interaction in the retina during Zika virus (ZIKV) infection.
Shinji Makino, DVM, PhD

Pathogenesis, vaccine development, virology

We study various aspects of SARS coronavirus-host cell interactions, attempting to understand viral pathogenesis at the molecular level. We also study viral RNA synthesis, assembly, virus-host cell interactions and vaccine development of Rift Valley fever virus, which is highly pathogenic for humans and ruminants.

Junki Maruyama, DVM, PhD

Zoonosis, viral hemorrhagic fever, animal model, pathogenicity, host immune response, vaccine/therapeutic development

My research focuses on zoonotic viruses, such as influenza virus, filovirus, arenavirus, and coronavirus. My research approaches include reverse genetic system, molecular biology, animal model development, and vaccine/therapeutic development.

Jere W. McBride, PhD

Cellular microbiology, bacteriology, immunology, pathobiology
Identification and molecular characterization of protective immunodeterminants of Ehrlichia spp., investigation of pathogenic mechanisms and host-pathogen interactions of Ehrlichia, understanding the molecular mechanisms in the adaptation of Ehrlichia to mammalian and arthropod hosts, and translational research on development of diagnostics and vaccines for the ehrlichioses.

Neil Mehta, PhD

Dr. Mehta is Professor of Epidemiology, Associate Dean for Research at UTMB’s School of Public and Population Health, and Director of UTMB’s Center for Health-System Improvement. Dr. Mehta’s research focuses on the demography and epidemiology of older adults with a focus on cardio-metabolic disease. He also has interests on the health of immigrants in the US.

Peter Melby, MD, FASTMH

Dr. Melby is the director of both the Center for Tropical Diseases and the Department of Internal Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases. His research focuses on the immunopathogenesis of infectious diseases, particularly leishmaniasis. His laboratory is involved in studies of mechanisms of disease, the impact of malnutrition on host defense, drug discovery, and point-of-care diagnostics for neglected tropical diseases. He is also involved in clinical and research training in tropical infectious diseases.

Vineet Menachery, PhD

Adjunct Associate Professor
I am interested in emergence of novel coronaviruses and the role of host factors/comorbidities in infection outcomes. The emergence of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV underscores the threat of cross-species transmission events. Our experimental platforms seek to leverage metagenomics data, robust reverse genetic systems, and the CoV life cycle to prepare for future CoV outbreaks. A second research focus considers the impact of comorbidities on specific host factors and infection outcomes.

Terumi Midoro-Horiuti, MD, PhD

My research focuses on structure and functions of allergens and environmental effects on the development of allergic diseases. We are working on the mechanism of prenatal and early post natal environment, including microbiome on the immune development.

Chad Mire, PhD

Adjunct Associate Professor
My research focuses on understanding host-pathogen interactions of lethal negative strand RNA viruses. Using reverse genetics we characterize viruses in vitro and in vivo elucidating what is important for virus replication thereby potentially revealing pathways for small molecule inhibitors or therapeutics which can be targeted for protective benefit.

Katalin Modis, PhD

My research investigates how hydrogen sulfide (H2S) signaling regulates inflammation, vascular function, and immune responses in sterile and pathogen-associated conditions. We explore the role of this gaseous mediator in mucosal immunity, tumor angiogenesis, and critical illness, aiming to develop H2S-targeted therapies for ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, sepsis, and viral endotheliopathy.

Vladimir Motin, PhD

Bacteriology, pathogenesis, vaccine development, systems biology

My major research interest is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the nature of the acute bacterial infectious process caused by Y. pestis, the etiological agent of plague. The unraveling of Y. pestis virulence network will allow us to determine novel targets for therapeutics beyond antibiotics, generation of new vaccines and for development of robust diagnostic assays.

Frederick A Murphy, DVM, PhD

Professor Emeritus

Hema Prasad Narra, PhD

My research focuses on deciphering the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis by Rickettsia and Orientia species. We apply multidisciplinary approaches including genomic, proteomic, and next-generation sequencing to identify virulence and persistence determinants and address the complex interactions of the pathogen with their mammalian host and arthropod vector.

Surendra Negi, PhD

Bioinformatics, computational biology

My research focuses on: 1) understanding the molecular recognition mechanisms used by proteins to perform various cellular functions and their role in human diseases using computational strategies, 2) use of immunoinformatics for epitope discovery and rational vaccine design, and 3) the development of new strategies to overcome emerging drug resistance.

Guy Nir, PhD

Research interests: How do genomes reorganize in 3D to regulate functional outputs, specifically during a viral infection? To study that, we are utilizing a recent super-resolution genome imaging technology we developed to explore the structural and transcriptional response of the host genome to viral infections. We believe that our unique approach could uncover novel therapeutic targets.

Andres Oberhauser, PhD

My research focuses on the dynamics and mechanics of proteins using single-molecule manipulation techniques. My laboratory has developed methods to investigate the effect of disease-causing mutations on the nano-mechanics of muscle and kidney protein complexes. We are also using AFM-based nano-mechanical studies in living cells infected with Rickettsiae montanensis.

Abiola A. Oladapo, PhD

With a foundation in molecular biology, neuroscience, and immunology, I am driven to understand how pathogens influence host immune responses, inflammation, and neurotoxicity. My goal is to translate these mechanistic insights into innovative diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, improving patient care and public health

Juan Olano, MD

Bacteriology, anatomic and clinical pathology, endothelial pathology, pathogenesis
My research interests are focused on the pathogenesis of obligate intracellular bacteria. My long term goal is to study molecular pathogenesis of rickettsioses. I am interested in adherens- and tight junction proteins and the signal transduction pathways involved in their regulation. Another area of focus is the development of ultrasensitive diagnostic methods for rickettsial infections and the development of small animal models.

Slobodan Paessler, DVM, PhD

Molecular biology, viral pathogenesis, vaccine/antivirals, and diagnostics development
My main research interest is in understanding the mechanisms by which emerging RNA viruses cause encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever, or respiratory diseases. Central nervous system (CNS) invasion by RNA viruses is a particularly complex and fascinating process. We seek to elucidate the nature of the neuroinflammatory response to CNS invasion by viruses in diverse families such as Togaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Bunyaviridae and Arenaviridae.

Janak Patel, MD

I am engaged in clinical practice of pediatric infectious diseases. My research interest is in the study of respiratory viral epidemiology, host response and complications leading to acute otitis media in children. The roles of host genes of innate immunity, cytokines and viral-bacterial interactions in the nasopharynx are also being studied.

Arun George Paul, PhD

Dr. Paul is a radiation oncologist at UTMB. His PhD work delineated the role of COX-2/PGE2/EP pathway in KSHV infection and Kaposi’s Sarcoma. His research interests are a) the pathogenesis of non-AIDS defining cancers b) role of retrotransposons in oncogenesis, and c) cancer epidemiology during arboviral pandemics.

C. J. Peters, MD

Professor Emeritus

Vsevolod Popov, PhD, DSs

Bacteriology, pathogenesis, structural biology/imaging, electron microscopy, virology
My research interests include ultrastructure of bacteria (especially rickettsia, ehrlichia, anaplasma, and chlamydia), viruses and protozoa pathogenic for humans and animals and their interaction with the host cells at the ultrastructural level in patients and in model systems.

Don Powell, MD

Professor Emeritus

Brendan Prideaux, PhD

My research interests are the application of mass spectrometry and molecular imaging to the study of neuroscience and infectious disease. I am particularly interested in studying disease pathogenesis via lipid and metabolite imaging by mass spectrometry. Additionally, I am applying mass spectrometry imaging to map drug and metabolite distribution into tissues.

Richard Pyles, PhD

My research group studies viral and bacterial infections of mucosal cells in the context of human microbiomes. Our research efforts are focused on urogenital, nasal and respiratory mucosae that are first exposure sites for the majority of pathogens using small animal models and novel ex vivo human culture systems. My lab group is also involved in clinical research and trials of novel mucosal delivery devices and probiotics.

Krishna Rajarathnam, PhD

Immunology, structural biology, protein engineering

Chemokine-mediated recruitment of circulating neutrophils to the site of infection forms the first line in host defense. My research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which chemokines (such as CXCL8) interact with their GPCR receptors and glycosaminoglycans for orchestrating in vivo neutrophil recruitment in health and disease.

Ricardo Rajsbaum, PhD

Adjunct Professor

We study host-pathogen interactions and innate immune responses to viruses. Specifically, we focus on members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family of E3-ubiquitin ligases, which can have antiviral functions. We hope to identify new innate signaling components and viral proteins that are regulated by ubiquitin and could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

Victor Reyes, PhD

The focus of my research is on regulation of mucosal immune responses. I have been active in characterizing the underlying immune mechanisms during infection of the gastric mucosa with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and how Hp hijacks regulation of host immunity to establish chronic infection leading to gastric cancer. My lab has also been elucidating mechanisms leading to inflammatory bowel disease, a dysregulated response to normal flora. My research involves the use of cocultures of Hp-infected gastric organoids with human T cells to characterize the responses and deep sequencing of Hp isolates from different gastric disease states.

Lauren Richardson, PhD

My research focuses on bridging the gap between bench-to-bedside research by merging advanced engineering and biology concepts. The goal of my research is to develop novel organ-on-chip devices that physiologically recreate in utero pregnancy-related organs and organ systems. Currently, we are focusing on immune cell regulation during physiologic and pathologic pregnancies.

Juan Ulises Rojo, PhD, MLS (ASCP) CM

Juan Ulises Rojo joined UTMB in 2022 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Dr. Rojo's research seeks to improve the diagnosis of Naegleria fowleri through the implementation of rapid testing methods and investigating the immune response and pathogenesis of N. fowleri.

Shannon Rossi, PhD

My research interests include elucidating the factors that contribute to persistent arboviral infections, understanding how viruses can cause damage in immune-privileged tissues and developing vaccines to combat arboviral diseases. We primarily focus on flaviviruses (Zika virus), alphaviruses (chikungunya virus) and coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2) and animal model development to address these interests.

Richard Rupp, MD

Dr. Rupp is the Director of Clinical Trials and Clinical Research and a member of the Executive Committee for the Sealy Center for Vaccine Development (SCVD). He leads the SCVD Clinical Trials Group, and is a Principal Investigator for clinical trials, Phase I to IV, in both pediatric and adult populations. Vaccines studied have included those protecting against human cytomegalovirus, seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza, pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus, Dengue, varicella, Herpes simplex 2, and meningococcal disease.

William Russell, PhD

Dr. Russell is an Associate Professor, Director of the Mass Spectrometry Facility, and Director, UT System Proteomics Network in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Dr. Russell's interest is in gaining better understanding of the molecular level mechanisms of infection using mass spectrometry-based analysis. To achieve these interests, his team identifies and quantitate metabolites, lipids, proteins, post-translational modifications, and protein complexes.
Catherine H. Schein, MSc, PhD

Bacteriology, immunology, pathogenesis, structural biology, vaccine development, vector biology, virology

My research focuses on structure and sequence based design of vaccines, anti-virals and inhibitors of toxins. My research group uses molecular docking tools, assembly of large databases, bioinformatic analytic methods, specialized methods for physicochemical property (PCP-) based consensus and motif identification, and analysis of variance.

Abha Sahni, PhD

Dr. Abha Sahni’s primary research interests include delineation of interactions between host endothelium and pathogenic bacteria with emphasis on endothelial pathobiology, pathogen entry mechanisms, and pathogenesis of human rickettsioses. Another area of her expertise is the role of fibrinogen and growth factor interactions in inflammation induced cancer growth and metastasis.

Sanjeev Sahni, PhD

The ongoing research projects in my laboratory are focused on various aspects of spotted fever and typhus group rickettsioses, including activation/subversion of host signaling pathways regulating innate immune responses, apoptosis, autophagy, redox homeostasis, intracellular detection, and vascular inflammation/permeability to understand disease pathogenesis and to identify novel targets for therapeutic interventions.

Omar Saldarriaga, DVM, PhD

My main research interest is to use state-of-the-art technology to understand the immunopathologic mechanisms that drive inflammation and progression of sarcoidosis. My primary goal is to utilize the lung and hepatic microenvironments to determine potential treatment targets, enabling precision medicine approaches and targeted therapies for this complex systemic inflammatory disorder.

Li-av Segev Zarko, PhD

We study the nanomachines that enable Toxoplasma gondii and related apicomplexan parasites to invade and remodel host cells. Our goal is to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving these host-parasite interactions and to translate structural insights into strategies for preventing or treating parasitic infections.

Jian Sha, MD, MS

My research focuses on studying bacterial pathogens such as Aeromonas, Salmonella, and Yersinia species, particularly host-bacteria interactions and new virulence determinant identifications. I also study brain leukoencephalopathy associated with the mutation of Phospholipase A2-activating protein. We have demonstrated that bacterial products such as cholera toxin and LPS activate PLAA-phospholipase A2 axis that orchestrates production of inflammatory mediators leading to the disease state in the host.

Michael Sherman, PhD

Structural biology/imaging
My research focuses on structure of alphaviruses, protein complexes, and intracellular bacteria (e.g. rickettsia) to study protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions. My research approaches include different imaging techniques in electron microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy and (cryo-) electron tomography.

Pei-Yong Shi, PhD

Adjunct Professor
My research focuses on flavivirus replication, diagnosis, antiviral, and vaccine. We take a multidisciplinary approach (structural, molecular, and chemical biology, and animal model) to unravel disease mechanism and develop countermeasure. Many of our projects are highly collaborative with both academic and pharmaceutical partners around the world.

Xuan-Zheng "Peter" Shi, MD, MS

My lab has research interests in gut inflammation and immunity, and the role of gut microbiota in the development of gut dysfunctions and immune impairments.

Lynn Soong, MD, PhD

My research focuses on immune regulation and mechanisms of pathogenesis following Orientia or Leishmania infection. Using genetic and immunological approaches, we examine how these intracellular pathogens establish the infection at skin inoculate sites and alter innate or adaptive immune responses, leading to acute tissue damage and persistent infections.

Heather Stevenson-Lerner, MD, PhD

My primary research focus is to determine how dysregulated hepatic immune responses lead to fibrosis development and cirrhosis. We are using multispectral imaging to phenotype hepatic lymphocytes, macrophages, and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in human liver tissue to determine their role in liver injury and improper wound healing. Our IRB-approved clinical study currently has 99 HCV-infected patients enrolled from which we are collecting blood and liver biopsy samples before and after treatment with the recently developed IFN-free, direct-acting antivirals.

Jiaren Sun, MD, PhD

Immunology, pathogenesis, vaccine development, virology

My research focuses on the immunological mechanisms during viral hepatitis and other liver diseases. Our research approaches include the generation of transgenic mouse systems, molecular and cellular manipulation and intervention in vivo, and advanced analytic methodologies to gain an insight to the complexed virus host interaction in the liver.

Kaori Terasaki, DVM, PhD

My primary research interest is studying the mechanisms of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) genome packaging and vaccine development. Our research on vaccine development is focused on generating novel single cycle replicable RVFV as safe vaccine candidates.

Robert B. Tesh, MD

Adjunct Professor

Tracy Toliver-Kinsky, PhD

Current research efforts are focused on the use of a dendritic cell (DC) growth factor, fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 ligand (Flt3L), as a prophylactic treatment after burn injury to enhance immune function and decrease susceptibility to infections. Current projects are investigating the cellular and molecular responses of DCs to Flt3L signaling, and the mechanisms by which DCs enhance neutrophil migratory capacity.

Alfredo Torres, PhD

Bacteriology, pathogenesis, structural biology/imaging, vaccine development

Dr. Torres is interested in the mechanisms used by diarrheagenic Escherichia coli strains to adhere to and colonize intestinal epithelia. His laboratory is also investigating the pathogenic mechanisms of Burkholderia mallei and B. pseudomallei, with the goal of developing novel vaccines and therapeutics.

Chien-Te "Kent" Tseng, MS, PhD

Pathogenesis, immunology, vaccine development, virology
My research focuses on the pathogenesis of emerging RNA viruses, especially SARS-CoV and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). Current projects include identifying innate signaling molecules and events relevant to immune evasion or protection, and establishing preventive and therapeutic strategies against aforementioned viruses. My approaches include reverse genetics, genomics and proteomics, gene knock-out/down, or constitutive expression to verify the roles of selected genes in viral pathogenesis.

Nikos Vasilakis, MA, PhD

Pathogenesis, vector biology, virology, vaccine development
My research interests involve basic research on evolution and pathogenesis of arthropod-borne viruses, virus – mosquito, and virus – host interactions utilizing sylvatic dengue virus (DENV) as a model.

Kathleen Vincent, MD

My research interests revolve around women’s health, particularly reproductive health related to STI/HIV and pregnancy prevention and pelvic floor disorders. I have led efforts to incorporate emerging imaging techniques and the sheep vaginal model for toxicity and pharmacokinetic evaluations. I currently am funded to conduct clinical studies that include microbiome and inflammatory markers to study the use of intravaginal rings to prevent HIV and for medical treatment of urinary incontinence.

David Walker, MD

Immunology, pathogenesis, bacteriology, vaccine development, vector biology

My research interests focus on arthropod transmitted-obligately intracellular Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Orientia. Excellent mouse models and state-of-the-art immunologic approaches are employed to elucidate mechanisms of immunity and pathogenesis and vaccine development. Other key activities include international collaborations in Mexico, Brazil, Portugal, and Cameroon.

Hui Wang, PhD

Immunology, pathogenesis, virology, vaccine development
My research focuses on the immunotoxicity of environmental pollutants in autoimmune-prone individuals. My current work is to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of the bidirectional relationship between the gut and microbiome, and its impact on liver (gut-liver axis) in autoimmune hepatitis.

Tian Wang, PhD

Immunology, pathogenesis, virology, vaccine development

My research focuses on understanding of immune response to West Nile virus infection in protection and pathogenesis. West Nile virus, a vector-borne pathogen, has resulted in annual outbreaks of viral encephalitis in North America since 1999. Using a murine infection model, my current work explores immune factors contributing to the development of long-lasting protective immunity against West Nile virus.

Scott Weaver, PhD

Pathogenesis, structural biology/imaging, vaccine development, vector biology, virology
My research focuses on arboviruses, including mechanisms of emergence from enzootic cycles, evolution, mosquito-virus interactions, and vaccine development. My research approaches include reverse genetics to identify adaptive mutations that mediate host range changes, and field studies in Africa and Latin America to understand the ecology and epidemiology of emerging arboviruses.

Susan Weller, PhD

My research focuses on the accurate measurement and representation of human beliefs and behaviors across national and cultural boundaries. Research skills include optimizing data collection by improving the types of questions asked, to improve the reliability and validity of responses and analyzing responses with agreement-based techniques (e.g., the Cultural Consensus Model) as well as nonparametric multivariate scaling and clustering techniques. Current work focuses on beliefs about the common cold and H1N1 flu in the U.S. and Mexico.

A. Clinton White, MD

Clinical, immunology, parasitology

Dr. White's research focuses on interactions between the host and pathogens. Among his research interests are host responses to Cryptosporidium and other intestinal protozoa, clinical studies in cysticercosis. He studies host responses controlling strongyloidiasis and immunoregulation in HIV-TB co-infection in Peru. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed publications in addition to numerous book chapters.

Courtney Woolsey, PhD

Assistant Professor, Non-Tenure Track
Research focuses on understanding the immunopathology of emerging and re-emerging viruses requiring maximum biocontainment (BSL-4). She employs advanced immunological tools such as spectral cytometry/sorting and spatial biology to dissect natural and vaccine-mediated host immunity to these pathogens. The overall objective is to harness this knowledge to improve medical countermeasures. Her specific interests include 1) generating rapid-acting and durable vaccines against high containment pathogens, 2) characterizing how these vaccines elicit early and sustained protection, and 3) exploring mechanisms of virus persistence and sequelae.

Ping Wu, MD, PhD

I am interested in neural infection, which includes using human neural stem-derived neurons and astrocytes to study the neural effect of various viruses, including HIV, Nippa and Hendra viruses, and Zika virus. I am also interested in studying viral infection of murine neural stem cells during neural development.

Zizhen Wu, PhD

Mechanotransduction, pain, neuropathy, hearing loss
My long-term research goals are to understand sensory perception and related disorders, developing new treatment methods. I will focus on identifying molecules involved in mechanotransduction in sensory neurons and defining the plasticity mechanisms in diseases like deafness and mechanical pain.

Qing Yang, MD, MS

The work in my laboratory seeks to understand mechanisms underlying chemotherapy and traumatic injury-induced neuropathy, with a major goal to identify potential therapeutic targets that can be used to effectively treat chemotherapy- and traumatic injury-induced complications. At present, I seek to deconstruct the role of ion channels in spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced secondary degeneration and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) to gain new insight into improved treatment.

Whitney Yuhui Yin, MD, PhD

Antiviral drug toxicity, structural biology/biochemistry
My research focuses on antiviral drug toxicity for inhibitors against HIV reverse transcriptase. Our goal is to rational design drugs that are potent and low toxic using combination methods of structural biology, biophysics and molecular biology.

Subo Yuan, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor

HIV-associated pathological pain and peripheral neuropathy suffered by many millions of HIV-1/AIDS patients. Our current NIH-funded R01 grant on the HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy is to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which HIV-1 infection and the co-morbid factors (e.g. drugs of abuse and antiretroviral treatments) cause pain and peripheral neuropathy.

Wenbo Zhang, PhD

My research has focused on the study of vascular biology in retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. More recently, I have studied mechanisms of retinal neuronal and vascular injury and retinal neovascularization in ischemic retinopathy. Currently, I plan to bring my expertise in retinal neuronal injury and inflammation to elucidate how and why ZIKV infection causes retinal neuronal damage in collaboration with Dr. Tian Wang, an expert in virology.

Yingxin Zhao, PhD

My research interest is to use systems biology approach to better understand the innate immune response and to develop novel methodologies for quantitative proteomics profiling and protein posttranslational modification analysis.