Overview
I have a strong interest in animal model development and collaborative research efforts. My current research interests involve the use of the maternal rabbit model for a variety of translational applications, including immunization, dietary deficiencies, disease model development, and toxicology-based studies. Additionally, as the Director of the Animal Models Unit within our Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, my goal is to support investigators with animal model development, as well as their infectious disease studies assessing various immunization and therapeutic interventions.
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
Presentation of hemagglutinin on adjuvant-bearing self-assembling peptide nanofibers increases heterologous responses against influenza.
Journal Article Acta Biomater · January 2026 Influenza presents a global threat representing hundreds of thousands of deaths each year worldwide, yet influenza vaccines currently do not offer full protection against infection and must be updated each year to account for antigenic drift. Subunit vacci ... Full text Link to item CiteBroadly active intranasal influenza vaccine with a nanocomplex particulate adjuvant targeting mast cells and toll-like receptor 9.
Journal Article J Control Release · August 10, 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 CiteRecent Grants
Perinatal Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) exposure and Immunotoxicity
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences · 2023 - 2028CIVICs Component A Year 7 - Option 6
ResearchVeterinary Pathologist · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2026Utilizing 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.