Researcher Spotlight: Samantha Yeligar

What is your professional background?
I earned a MS and a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Southern California. For my MS, I completed a thesis on the comparative efficacy of two anti-cancer drugs using transcriptomics. For my PhD, I completed my dissertation on the molecular mechanisms associated with inflammation in alcoholic liver disease. I came to Emory University in 2009 as a postdoctoral trainee in the Alcohol and Lung Biology Center. Now, I am an assistant professor of medicine with a research laboratory at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I work in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. When I was a postdoc, my mentors were Dr. Mike Hart (Dept. of Medicine) and Dr. Lou Ann Brown (Dept. of Pediatrics). Over my years at Emory, I have been very fortunate to amass additional mentors who offer invaluable guidance and advice in both my professional and personal growth. 

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
Alcohol use disorders affect approximately 16 million people in the United States and about 100 million people worldwide. Alcohol use disorders increase susceptibility to respiratory infections due in part to impaired immunity in the lung. Alveolar macrophages are lung immune effector cells that engulf and clear pathogens from the lower airway, but their immune functions are diminished in response to alcohol-induced cellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress. We study the molecular mechanisms by which chronic alcohol consumption leads to alveolar macrophage oxidative stress and immune dysfunction. We also examine translatable therapeutic strategies that can mitigate susceptibility to respiratory infections in people with a history of alcohol use disorders.

What do you like most about Emory?
My colleagues are what I love most about Emory. Their continued support and collegiality have made my experiences here incredible and have contributed to my success – they also make work fun!

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite movie is “Trick ‘r Treat” (2007).

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to cook, read, paint, swim, and hike. I also like watching horror movies (both good and bad).

What is a fun fact about you?
I make charcoal drawings of H.R. Giger paintings.