Microbiology and Molecular Genetics – Emory University

Helen Lazear, Ph.D.

I received dual B.S. degrees in molecular biology and biomedical chemistry from Western Carolina University (Cullowhee, NC), where my undergraduate research focused on synthesis and antimicrobial testing of zinc oxide nanoparticles. I was awarded my PhD at Emory University (Atlanta, GA), where I investigated repurposing FDA-approved immunomodulators for use in HIV-1 infection, specifically to target the viral reservoir. Through clinical trial analysis and small human studies, I found that HIV-1 reservoir in the brain correlates with cognitive dysfunction and that Jak inhibitors are capable of reducing the HIV reservoir over time via immunomodulation restoring immune function and downregulation of key pro-reservoir factors such as BCL-2. I am currently training as a post-doctoral fellow at UNC Chapel Hill in Dr. Helen Lazear’s laboratory where I am researching the role of tissue resident memory T cells during HSV-1 reactivation and designing and optimizing tools to interrogate the adaptive immune response to MmuPV1. I have previous experience in teaching vaccinology, drug discovery, and bioethics. I am excited to learn new skills and perspectives through the SPIRE program, and I am committed to strengthening my pedagogy and mentorship.