Jeff Nolz, Associate Professor.  My laboratory utilizes mouse models of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the activation and function of both cytotoxic and helper T cells in vivo.  We have several exciting, NIH-funded research projects available immediately for students to pursue for their graduate school education and training.

Jonathan Pruneda, Assistant Professor. Our lab is seeking graduate researchers to join our effort to characterize how pathogenic bacteria evade and manipulate human ubiquitin signaling responses during infection. We use a combination of biochemistry, structural biology, and cell biology to analyze this remarkable host-pathogen interaction.

Isabella Rauch, Assistant Professor. In the Rauch lab we are interested in understanding how epithelial barrier tissues recognize pathogens and how they react to an infection after recognition. We use primary stem cells derived organoids in vitro and mouse models of infection in vivo to study these processes.

Fikadu Tafesse, Assistant Professor. The Tafesse lab is interested in studying the roles of cellular lipids in bacterial and viral pathogenesis and their significance on innate and adaptive immunity. We apply novel strategies such as the use of single-domain antibodies/nanobodies not only to unravel the intricate relationships of these pathogens with the host, but also to use as diagnostic and therapeutics tools.

Ruth Napier, Assistant Professor. Our lab is recruiting graduate students interested in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which T cells, a integral part of the adaptive immune system and the bodies ability to fight infection, become dysregulated and cause autoimmunity. We use a translational research platform including both mouse models and patient samples to ask questions and test hypothesis related to improving human health.