Researcher Spotlight: Astrid Kosters | Assistant Academic Research Scientist – Rheumatology

What is your professional background?
I am from the Netherlands and received my PhD from the University of Amsterdam, which was focused on delineating mechanisms of biliary cholesterol secretion. Subsequently, I moved to the U.S. for my postdoc at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, to work on the roles of nuclear receptors in transcriptional regulation during liver inflammation. I moved with my PI at the time, Saul Karpen, MD, to Emory University. At Emory, our research focused more on the transcriptional regulation of metabolic liver functions. In 2017, I moved to Eliver Ghosn, MD‘s lab, which had recently joined Emory, where I helped set up the lab and various research projects. Currently, aside from being an Associate Scientist, I am also the Lab Manager, where I train and support other lab members in their research.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I work in the Division of Rheumatology under Dr. Eliver Ghosn. We are also part of the Lowance Center of Human Immunology.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
I am involved in many different projects in our lab, mainly revolving around the lab’s goal of understanding the differences between immune cells that develop during early life compared to those that develop in adulthood. We study the development of immune cells, particularly B cell and macrophages, at single-cell resolution using high-dimensional flow cytometry and multi-omic sequencing. To uncover developmental and functional differences of B cells produced in different stages of life, we use clinical samples, in vitro studies, humanized mice, and lineage-tracing/fate-mapping mouse models. This work has numerous implications for human health, including the potential to improve early-life vaccine responses, and may also yield insight into mechanisms of self-tolerance and autoimmunity. It is very exciting to be part of this research.

What do you like most about Emory?
The scientific environment, the collaborations between labs, and the diversity of people and cultures. The campus is also beautiful, and my dog and I like to walk in Lullwater Park.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Mostly documentaries, films, or series are on as background.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to walk/hike with my dog or be otherwise active such as riding my bikes or strength training.

What is a fun fact about you?
I was supposed to come to the U.S. for one year only initially, but, obviously, never left.