Scientific mentor
University of Washington
The research in my lab focuses on how local tissue microenvironments and cell-cell interactions shape the generation of innate and adaptive immune responses after vaccination and during infection. To studies these processes in vivo, we have developed cutting-edge microscopy and image analysis tools (Histocytometry, Ce3D volumetric microscopy, CytoMAP spatial analytics) and used these in conjunction with other advanced immunological techniques to decipher the role of spatial biology in the immune response. Our current studies are focused on understanding the following key questions: 1) How does the organization of myeloid cells in lymphoid organs influence the generation of innate immune responses during inflammation, 2) How do spatial information gradients and local tissue microenvironments impact the programming of T cell and B cell differentiation, and 3) How does the remodeling of tissues during chronic infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis influence the generation of adaptive immunity. Ultimately, this research will advance rational vaccine design and treatment strategies for infectious disease, leading to significant clinical impact. For the ITI, I primarily see my involvement as a Scientific or Collaborating Mentor in investigating generation of immune responses in diverse clinically relevant settings.
Mentor type:
- Scientific