Priyadharshini (Priya) Devarajan, PhD – Principal Investigator

My interest in immunology started in high school with a biology research paper on immunotherapy against Hepatitis C infection and was nurtured through research opportunities during my undergraduate years, where I studied cytokine responses in mouse models of malaria and tuberculosis (also why I am passionate about undergrads starting their research journeys). During my PhD, I worked with Dr. Zhibin Chen at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to investigate autoimmune memory using a mouse model of type 1 diabetes, building on my interest in immune memory that was sparked by my earlier infectious disease research. My interest in immune memory led me to Dr. Susan Swain’s lab at the forefront of CD4 memory research in the University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine for my postdoctoral fellowship. In the Swain Lab, I focused on defining the late signals needed for the development of functionally specialized CD4 effectors, called T follicular helper cells (that help B cells) and cytotoxic CD4 T cells (that can directly lyse infected cells) using a mouse model of influenza infection.

I am passionate about pursuing cutting-edge science in the non-profit space where the findings are freely available for anyone across the world. I enjoy thinking about the various factors that underlie successful immune responses against respiratory pathogens, especially those that result in long-term immune memory which can be targeted by vaccines. I am deeply committed to mentorship of the next generation of scientists at all levels and is an important motivation for my pursuit of an academic research career. I enjoy working with undergraduates, research associates, graduate students and postdocs, coming up with plans for each scientist to accomplish their own career aspirations.

Huzaifa Zohair - PhD Student

My interest for research began from my childhood idolization of Spiderman, who above all else was a scientist committed to making the world a better place! I applied this interest into a Bachelors in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, where my undergraduate research with Dr. Steven Blanke's research group exposed me to microbe-host interactions. I became captivated by host response and tricks the human body employs to combat infection, so as a result I now investigate the protective role of CD4+ T cells in the context of nasal immunity and immune memory against respiratory infection. I plan to continue pursuing my interests and lead research in the future to hopefully push forward the pursuit of developing new medicine. Outside of work, I love to be outdoors, rock climb, read a non-science book, and play video games!

Charles North Hopper - Research Associate

My interest in biological research was developed through participating in research projects on the prevalence of wolbachia in arthropod populations in high school and antimicrobial drug discovery through genomic analysis of soil microbes as an undergraduate studying Molecular and Cellular Biology at Vanderbilt University. It was there in my senior year that I took immunology focused courses that motivated me to continue research but with a shift in focus from the pathogens themselves to the immune system. In the Devarajan Lab I study how innate immune responses shape CD4 responses during Influenza infection. I also enjoy working on ongoing nasal immunity projects. My goals are to continue research in immunology and infectious disease through and beyond a PhD, hopefully making discoveries that will improve our knowledge on how the immune system fights disease. Outside of lab, I enjoy exploring the forests and beaches of Long Island, reading, DND, and playing chess.

Wendolaine Santiago Cruz - Postdoctoral Associate

My fascination with science began with the mysteries of the universe, captivated by black holes and the cosmos. Over time, my focus shifted inward to the microscopic universe within our cells. As a Clinical Chemistry major, I explored cellular, metabolic, and molecular changes, but my interest deepened when I began exploring Immunology. This led me to pursue a master’s and PhD in Health Sciences at Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico. Researching T-cell memory populations ignited my interest in immunological responses during inflammation, aging, and chronic conditions. Now, at the Devarajan Lab, I study precursors of long-lived CD4 tissue resident memory in a mouse influenza model. What I love most about science is its dual nature—methodical yet surprising—revealing evidence-based perspectives on the unknown. My goal is to establish a lab to inspire others in Immunology. Outside of science, I enjoy cooking, exploring cultures through food, dancing, and watching series.