Boston, Massachusetts, United States
As a Scientific Researcher at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, I have over 13 years of experience in translational immunology, with a focus on B cell-mediated transplantation tolerance and regulatory B cell therapy. I hold a Ph.D. in Immunology from North Carolina State University and have completed a postdoctoral fellowship in transplant surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. My mission is to contribute to the discovery and development of novel cell therapies and vaccines for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, transplantation, and infectious diseases. I have a broad expertise in molecular, cellular, and animal experiments, and have designed and executed in vivo and in vitro studies of cell-mediated immunity in murine transplant models. I have also participated in the quality test of stem cell-derived human islets for transplantation in non-human primates. I have demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills by managing the laboratory, supervising technicians and students, and supporting multiple projects. My research outcomes have been recognized by multiple awards, presentations, and publications in top peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Markmann’s Lab, Center for Transplantation Sciences - Focused on research about mechanisms of B cell-dependent transplantation tolerance and regulatory B cell therapy - Designed and executed in vivo and in vitro studies of cell-mediated immunity in murine transplant models including islet and skin transplantation - Participated in the quality test of stem cell-derived human islets for transplantation in non-human primates - Played a role in the process of human/non-human primate pancreatic islet isolation and human hepatocytes isolation - Managed laboratory including supervision of technicians, Co-op college/ Ph.D. students, and maintenance of rodent facility - Participated in writing manuscripts for publication
Mentor: James F. Markmann, MD, PhD, Chief of Transplant Surgery - Focused on understanding of immunomoduatory mechanisms induced by therapeutic reagents for treatment of autoimmune disease and transplantation - Played a critical role in the description of the cellular events involved in the modulation of immune responses by monoclonal antibodies, typically anti-CD45RB and anti-TIM1 antibodies - Provided direct evidence of the role of B lymphocytes in tolerance induction to allografts and its contribution to the acceptance of pancreatic islets in diabetic rodent model - Performed innovative cell-therapies using ethylene carbodiimide (ECDI)-fixed donor cells and regulatory B cells to promote graft acceptance - Participated in the quality test of encapsulated human islets for the treatment of type 1 diabetes - Tested diverse therapeutic agents: monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD45RB, anti-CD20, anti-CD22, anti-TIM1, anti-TIM4, anti-CD154, anti-CD25, anti-NK1.1 anti-IL10, and anti-TGFβ), siRNA, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β inhibitor, and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) - Led projects with products of 3 first-authored manuscripts and published 4 co-authored papers by supporting colleagues in the lab and 4 co-authored papers by collaborating with other labs - Provided scientific knowledge and technical skills to 4 summer medical students in The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) program Honors & Awards 2011-2013: NIH Postdoctoral Kirschstein-National Research Service Award (5T32AI7529) 2013: Young Innovator Award, AST Cutting Edge of Transplantation 2013: Trainee Poster Award, American Associate of Immunologists 2011: Young Investigator Award, AST Annual Scientific Exchange
Mentor: Scott Laster, PhD, Professor in Dept. of Microbiology - Developed recombinant viral membrane protein vaccines against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) using the baculovirus expression system - Performed purification of many mgs of recombinant proteins for vaccines to treat pigs - Investigated the efficacy of vaccines against PRRSV and identified mechanisms responsible for protective immunity in vaccinated animals - Studied the role of Runx1 transcriptional factor in T cell development
Mentor: Byung-il Yeh, MD, Associate Professor in Dept of Biochemistry and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences - Investigated the effect of nucleotide variation in the hypervariable region of the hepatitis C virus on interferon-alpha therapy