Experimental Pathology Graduate Program

Research Interests

My research focuses of the molecular mechanisms of innate immune evasion of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome virus (SFTS virus) as well as the innate immune evasion of other arthropod-borne viruses.

Research Interests

My research interest focuses on the early immune response to infectious disease, particularly the role of dendritic cells. My interests also lie in the rapidly emerging field of neurogenic inflammation, specifically how the neurogenic inflammation of arthropod bites can shape the overall immune response to pathogens. I am currently investigating these two areas in the context of Orientia tsutsugamushi infection.

Leadership and Awards

Leadership:

• 2018 – Treasurer for the Committee for Career Development
• 2018-2019 – Member of the SGA Budget Advisory Committee
• 2020 – Vice President, Experimental Pathology Graduate Student Organization

Awards:

• McLaughlin Scholar
• 2019 – Satish Srivastava Scholarship Award
• 2020-2021 – Arthur V. Simmang Scholarship
• 2020-Present – McLaughlin Predoctoral Fellowship

Research Interests

My research focuses on epigenetic regulation of HIV.

Research Interests
I am interested in emerging and re-emerging viruses from the molecular level through public health implications. I currently work on yellow fever virus and my project focuses on determining the molecular differences of the non-structural proteins between the wild type and vaccine strain viruses.

Leadership and Awards

Leadership:

• 2020- Senate Chair: Student Government Association
• 2020- Student Fee Advisory Committee
• 2020- Intern: Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences
• 2019- Experimental Pathology Curriculum Committee

Awards:

• 2020- The Edward S. Reynolds, Jr., M.D. Experimental Pathology Graduate Scholarship

Leadership and Awards

June 2019 - Graduate Student Organization (GSO) Secretary

Research Interest

My interests are focused on the development of vaccines, antibodies, and small molecule treatments for viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa virus.

McLaughlin Scholar

Research Interest

My research is focused on utilizing a ‘One Health’ approach for developing a vaccine against Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus by exploiting tick-host-pathogen interactions. 

Leadership and Awards

Leadership:

• 2020-2021- President, ExPath Student Organization
• 2019-2021- Student Representative, ExPath Admissions and Recruitment Committee
• 2019-2021- Member, ExPath Student Executive Committee
• 2019-2020- Vice President, ExPath Student Organization
• 2019-2020- Student Representative, GSBS Curriculum Committee

Awards:

• 2020 - Fellowship, Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences
• 2020 – Scholarship, “Achieving Data Quality and Integrity in Maximum Containment Laboratories”, Institutional Office of Regulated Non-clinical Studies
• 2019- Travel Award, Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences
• 2018- Travel Award, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity

Research Interests
My research is focused on intestinal epithelial cells and their reactions to various environmental stimuli.

Leadership and Awards

Leadership:

• 2019-20 - UTMB Student Government Association

Research Interests
My interests are focused on neuropathogenesis of tick-borne flavivirus infections.

Leadership and Awards

Leadership:

• 2019 – SGA Senate Chairperson
• 2018 – SGA Senator
• 2016-2017 – GSO Vice-President
• 2016-2019 – SGA Budget Committee Member

Presidential Scholar
Research Interests

My research is focused on the pathogenesis and sequelae of hemorrhagic arenavirus infections as well as the development of live attenuated vaccine candidates.

Leadership and Awards

2019 - Member of Pathology Student Executive Committee
2019 – Received TL1 Training Grant
2018 – Received Leroy Olson, PhD Endowed Scholarship

Publications

Sattler RA, Maruyama J, Shehu NY, Makishima T, and Paessler S. Current Small Animal Models for LASV Hearing Loss. Curr Opin Virol. 2019. 37: 118-122. Doi: 10.1016/j/coviro.2019/08.001. PMID: 31479989

Research Interests
My research focuses on using Salmonella typhimurium as a delivery system to silence immune checkpoints during Leishmania infection.

Research Interests

I am interested in determinants of attenuation in flaviviruses, particularly in regards for use in live attenuated vaccines.

Leadership and Awards

2017 – 2019 - GSBS Senator, Student Government Association
2018 - UTMB Representative, UT System Student Advisory Council

Research Interests

My research currently investigates the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2 to enhance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 patients. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that each of us possess the opportunity to pursue our healthiest and happiest lives.

Leadership and Awards

Leadership:

• 2021 – Interprofessional (IPE) Scholar
• 2020 – Committee for Career Development Member
• 2020 – Student Government Association GSBS Senator

Awards:

• McLaughlin Scholar