Basic & Translational Research

Dr. Istvan specializes in the biochemistry of Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly malaria parasites of humans.

Dr. Kisaka specializes in cell, structural and molecular microbiology and currently works in the Kyei Lab.

Dr. Kotov's research expands on the theme of innate immune exacerbation of tuberculosis disease by continuing to study the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells during infection and identifying additional mechanisms by which neutrophils and macrophages inhibit product responses against Mtb.

Dr. Kyei specializes in HIV basic and translational research, with a special focus on viral latency and reactivation specifically:  (i) characterization of factors that control HIV replication in macrophages, dendritic and resting T cells and (ii) identification of cellular factors and small molecules required for HIV reactivation in latently infected cell and (iii) perspectives of HIV patients on HIV cure.

The Leung Lab is focused on developing a mechanistic understanding of host-pathogen interactions that contribute to viral pathogenesis through immune evasion.

Dr. Ma is skilled in Cell Biology, Science, Molecular Biology, Research, and Teaching. Strong education professional with a Ph. D. focused in Immunology of aquatic animals from Ocean University of China.

Dr. Marks is a core faculty member of the ID Fellowship Training Program, serving as Director of Fellow Basic/Translational research, infectious diseases and substance use. She specializes in clinical infectious diseases with a special focus on infectious complications in people who inject drugs, such as infective endocarditis and Hepatitis B & C virus infections. Other core research interests include infections in pregnant women.

Dr. Miller manages core operations, technical & scientific consultations , 2-photon imaging. His interests are in vivo imaging approaches to study cellular immunity, in particular cellular mechanisms of antigen presentation and leukocyte trafficking during infection and inflammation.

Dr. Mitreva is an internationally acclaimed scientist who leads a basic and translational research program studying neglected tropical diseases, specifically helminth infections. Her enduring dedication to enhancing omics-driven discoveries and their clinical applications is paving the way for long-lasting improvements in global health.

Dr. Mittal specializes in the intricate dynamics of host-pathogen interactions, with a particular emphasis on the innate immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).

Areas of Interest in ID:
Host pathogen interaction in bacterial pathogenesis

Dr. Philips is principal investigator of an NIH-funded lab that studies how Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades the host immune response.

Marilia Pinzone is an infectious diseases physician-scientist. As a scientist, she is currently investigating chronic inflammation during antiretroviral therapy (ART). As a physician, Dr. Pinzone's interests are outpatient care of people living with HIV, infectious diseases, and metabolic complications of HIV.

Dr. Presti specializes in clinical and translational research in infectious disease, with a special focus on HIV, SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections.

Dr. Rosa’s experience in the statistical analysis of complex datasets (utilizing multiple types of evidence spanning treatments or species) has led to the identification differentially expressed genes, drug targets and pathways of interest for experimental verification.

Dr. Sheehan specializes in personalized structural biology, with a special focus on the molecular basis of disease mechanisms.

Dr. Sheikh specializes in bacterial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, host responses, and vaccines, with a special focus on enteric bacterial pathogens, including enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and C. difficile infections.

Dr. Shen studies the structural mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions with an emphasis on the signaling involving NOD-like receptors and other pattern recognition receptors. The ultimate goal is to provide the molecular basis for the development of therapeutics targeting various infectious diseases.

The main focus of Dr. Strauch's research is on how to diagnose, prevent and treat viral infections with the aim to generate new antivirals and candidates for vaccination through protein design.