Experience

Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine

• United States
• Research
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Scientist II

  • Jul 2021 - Present

• Senior Research Associate

  • Jun 2017 - Jun 2021



Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Research Scientist

  • 2012 - May 2017

  I work with a highly collaborative group interested in understanding the virus-host dynamics of avian influenza in wild reservoirs on both a molecular and ecological level. My work has largely centered around organizing an ongoing, multi-institutional research effort in grey seals. I also play a large role in organizing and managing multiple wild bird avian influenza surveillance projects, and contribute to the identification, propagation, and characterization of novel avian influenza isolates. I am currently developing novel assays to assess contributing factors for the environmental stability of avian influenza.



Boston University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Postdoctoral Research Fellow

  • 2008 - 2012

  My work has focused on defining a novel mechanism by which HIV is captured by dendritic cells. I have identified both the host derived ligand that is used by the virus, and the dendritic cell receptor to which it binds. This interaction is of particular interest as it defines one of the earliest events in new infection and provides a possible therapeutic target. This capture mechanism may also apply to other viruses beyond HIV. My work has focused on defining a novel mechanism by which HIV is captured by dendritic cells. I have identified both the host derived ligand that is used by the virus, and the dendritic cell receptor to which it binds. This interaction is of particular interest as it defines one of the earliest events in new infection and provides a possible therapeutic target. This capture mechanism may also apply to other viruses beyond HIV.



Center for Infectious Disease Research

• United States
• Research Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Postdoctoral Research Fellow

  • 2006 - 2008

  The HIV glycoprotein is heavily glycosylated and variations in the glycan locations allows the virus to escape neutralizing antibodies. I was able to demonstrate that the glycans also impact how efficiently the glycoprotein is processed, which in turn impacts escape from neutralizing antibodies and viral fitness. The HIV glycoprotein is heavily glycosylated and variations in the glycan locations allows the virus to escape neutralizing antibodies. I was able to demonstrate that the glycans also impact how efficiently the glycoprotein is processed, which in turn impacts escape from neutralizing antibodies and viral fitness.



University of Washington

• Seattle, WA

• Doctoral Research

  • 2001 - 2006

  HIV is incredibly adept at evolving away from the host immune response, however it is possible for a host to develop a robust neutralizing antibody response that is able to effectively counter the virus. Through my doctoral work I was able to identify consistent patterns of change in the way that the HIV glycoprotein evolves within the host. We then went on to recreate those patterns in a quasispecies vaccine approach in an effort to drive the development of a robust neutralizing antibody response.



University of Vermont

• Burlington, VT

• Laboratory Technician II

  • 1998 - 2001

  My work involved studying mechanisms of lung disease and the ways in which free radicals impact asthma and COPD. My studies relied heavily upon cell signalling and apoptosis assays. My work involved studying mechanisms of lung disease and the ways in which free radicals impact asthma and COPD. My studies relied heavily upon cell signalling and apoptosis assays.



Duke University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Research Assistant

  • 1998 - 1998

  I completed an internship at the Duke Primate Center where I performed behavioral research on blue-eyed black lemurs in order to identify patterns of juvenile and sexual dominance. I completed an internship at the Duke Primate Center where I performed behavioral research on blue-eyed black lemurs in order to identify patterns of juvenile and sexual dominance.



Mount Holyoke College

• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Undergraduate Research Honors

  • 1997 - 1998

  For my undergraduate thesis I investigated the dimensions of color perception using a computer-based analysis and received high honors for my study. For my undergraduate thesis I investigated the dimensions of color perception using a computer-based analysis and received high honors for my study.