Faculty Members

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Professor Emeritus

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.

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.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

 

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.

Professor Emeritus

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.

 

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.

  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Professor Emeritus

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Professor Emeritus

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.

Professor Emeritus

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Adjunct Professor

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.