Trainees

Molly Niska
Email Molly
Zand Lab

Research interest:
My project seeks to improve our understanding of splenic immune memory against the respiratory pathogen influenza A virus (IAV), providing insight into where IAV-reactive memory B cells (MBCs) are maintained and how these reservoirs evolve upon further antigen exposure. Additionally, analysis of the IAV-specific MBC reservoir offers the opportunity to discover broadly reactive monoclonal Ab therapeutics and identify critical epitopes to target for future vaccine development, reducing the burden of influenza A.

Fun Fact:
I love baking and have won awards for my pumpkin cinnamon rolls and lemon raspberry petit fours.

Imran Tahir
Email Imran
A. Rahman Lab

Research interest:
My overarching research goals are to understand how the lung endothelium becomes inflamed and leaky after injury. Specifically, I am interested in understanding the role of mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (MTORC1) in endothelial cell (EC) inflammation and barrier regulation in the context of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). My studies use a combination of in vitro and in vivoapproaches to clarify the role and regulation of MTORC1 in activated EC and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of modulating MTORC1 signaling against ALI. Knowledge from this work may lead to a novel therapeutic strategy that relies on targeting MTORC1 to control ALI.

Fun Fact:
If I wasn’t in research, I would be a carpenter. I love taking a pile of wood and building something useful out of it.

Ei Thanda Tun
Email Ei
Morell Lab

Research interest:
My research focuses on the role of megakaryocytes and platelets in lung disease and hemostasis. Lung megakaryocytes are functionally and phenotypically distinct from those residing in the bone marrow. Using in vivo and in vitro models, I explore the process of lung Mk differentiation and the breadth of their tissue-dependent function.

Fun Fact:
Outside the lab, I enjoy cultivating roses, helping them survive the tough Rochester winter, and getting as many blooms as possible.

Chantelle White
Email Chantelle
Minsoo Kim Lab

Research interest:
The success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in cancer has opened the door to applying similar T cell-based strategies to the treatment of other severe diseases. Respiratory infections, particularly those caused by commonly encountered viruses, can be life-threatening, especially in immune-compromised patients. My project focuses on repurposing CAR T cells for the elimination influenza-infected cells. We will investigate their use both as a therapeutic intervention during acute infection and as a prophylactic approach to establish long-lasting protective immunity. These studies present an exciting opportunity to expand our understanding of how cell-based therapies can be applied to a broader range of diseases, ultimately providing additional treatment options for patients suffering from uncontrolled or recurrent respiratory infections.

Fun Fact:
I also enjoy a variety of artistic pursuits, from drawing illustrations for children’s books to playing the piano and singing in church.