What is your professional background?
I have a BS in biology from Loyola University, New Orleans and an MD from Louisiana State University, New Orleans. I completed a residency in internal medicine at UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, and a fellowship in infectious diseases at Emory University and UNC-Chapel Hill. I have an MPH in epidemiology from UNC-Chapel where I stayed on as faculty. I moved to Emory in 2006 as faculty at the Hope Clinic of Emory Vaccine Center.
In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I work in the Division of Infectious Diseases. My primary mentor, Mark Mulligan, recently moved from Emory. I have been at Emory for 12 years, and I seek mentors/mentorship from colleagues in the ID Division, as well as other institutions. I also enjoy my role as a mentor to junior faculty and research teams as we continue to build on our success at the Hope Clinic of Emory Vaccine Center.
Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
I am passionate about vaccines and my research includes developing vaccines for infectious diseases, in particular, HIV vaccines and clinical trials. I am an investigator in the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, and chair and co-chair clinical trials of prophylactic HIV vaccine candidates involving first-in-human vaccines, devices, and monoclonal antibodies. Currently, I am very excited about co-chairing two efficacy trials known as the Antibody Mediated Prevention studies which are designed to answer a fundamental question of whether HIV-specific antibodies can prevent HIV acquisition. I am also interested in vaccine-induced immunity and how vaccines work. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions for the prevention of infectious diseases. I am a firm believer in the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
What do you like most about Emory?
I like working with my colleagues in the Infectious Diseases Division. We are a collaborative group and widely support each other. I am currently the medical director at the Hope Clinic of Emory Vaccine Center and particularly enjoy working with the faculty and staff at Hope.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
My favorite movie is Contact which is based on a book by Carl Sagan. It has science, research, politics, religion, and many more layers. It still seems fresh and relevant 20 years after it has been released.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time with my family and friends and go on hiking trips. I like to cook, and I love kitchen gadgets – there is a tool for every vegetable!
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