Overview
With a research background heavily weighted in drug delivery systems in the treatment of cancer, the focus of my work has shifted to vaccination delivery methods as potential anticancer strategies. The goal of my current funding is to identify and develop a vaccine strategy delivered via the intranasal (IN) route that induces a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response adequate for the protection/prevention of metastatic lung cancer.
I am currently working under the mentorship of Dr. Herman Staats, and in addition to the cancer immunotherapy studies, I have a strong interest in mucosal immunization and maternal immunization studies, specifically in the rabbit model.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor of Pathology
·
2022 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2020 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Member of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute
·
2024 - Present
Duke Human Vaccine Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Broadly active intranasal influenza vaccine with a nanocomplex particulate adjuvant targeting mast cells and toll-like receptor 9.
Journal Article J Control Release · May 18, 2025 Flumist is the only FDA-approved intranasal influenza vaccine. Although it has recently been approved for at-home use, it has significant limitations. These include reduced effectiveness in generating a protective immune response in patients with extensive ... Full text Link to item CiteEvaluation of repRNA vaccine for induction and in utero transfer of maternal antibodies in a pregnant rabbit model.
Journal Article Mol Ther · April 5, 2023 Mother-to-child transmission is a major route for infections in newborns. Vaccination in mothers to leverage the maternal immune system is a promising approach to vertically transfer protective immunity. During infectious disease outbreaks, such as the 201 ... Full text Link to item CiteMaternal exposure to perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) during pregnancy: evidence of adverse maternal and fetoplacental effects in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits.
Journal Article Toxicol Sci · February 17, 2023 Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) is a replacement for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) that is increasingly detected in drinking water and human serum. Higher PFBS exposure is associated with risk for preeclampsia, the leading cause of maternal and i ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Perinatal Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) exposure and Immunotoxicity
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences · 2023 - 2028CIVICS Component A - Option 5
ResearchVeterinary Pathologist · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2025Utilizing intranasal immunization to induce a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response and reduce metastatic burden in the lung
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2020 - 2021View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
North Carolina State University ·
2017
D.V.M.
Duke University ·
2013
Ph.D.