The iDPCC is thrilled to spotlight several CEIRR researchers who earned a poster presentation award at the 4th Annual CEIRR Network Meeting (ANM). Giovana Ciacci Zanella, D.V.M., is one of CEIRR’s talented members, a Graduate Research Assistant in the Virus and Prion Research Unit at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Animal Disease Center, and affiliate of the University of Pennsylvania CEIRR (Penn-CEIRR). Ciacci Zanella was awarded First Place in the Immunology category for her poster titled “A multivalent nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine against influenza A virus circulating in swine.”
Ciacci Zanella notes that controlling the transmission of influenza A virus (IAV) in swine is particularly difficult due to mutations allowing the evasion of host immune defenses. Her study addresses the challenge of co-circulating genetic clades of swine IAV and the constant evolution through multivalent mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNP). Representative vaccine antigens were selected to assess the characterization of the mRNA-LNP antibody response and inform whether multivalent mRNA-LNP vaccines can be deployed to potentially minimize the transmission and diversity of IAV in swine. Ciacci Zanella finds her work with influenza A virus particularly meaningful because, “controlling it at an animal level is one of the best ways to prevent it from becoming the next human pandemic.”
The CEIRR Program has given Ciacci Zanella access to unique educational opportunities through both innovative research and researchers themselves. She says, “many graduate students worldwide are researching influenza A viruses, but I feel incredibly fortunate to do so within a network that provides such strong support, collaboration, and mentorship opportunities and researchers.” Ciacci Zanella is particularly grateful to her mentor, Dr. Amy Baker, as well as the resources and support provided by Drs. Tavis Anderson, Phillip C. Gauger and Scott Hensley and their teams.
To learn more about Zanella herself, the iDPCC asked several insightful questions:
1. What are your plans following your training?
A. I would like to remain in the veterinary microbiology and public health research field. My plan after my Ph.D. graduation is to seek a post doctoral position, perhaps with some of our great collaborators, and continue to participate in the CEIRR Network.
2. Do you have advice for other trainees or students wanting to get started in research?
A. Yes, find exceptional mentors and team. I am so grateful for my mentor, Amy. She is why this research experience has been so enjoyable and successful. She is our team’s assertive but thoughtful leader and is a daily inspiration to me. I am also so happy to be part of our team of excellent researchers. Everyone works well together, and they have allowed my training to be productive and enjoyable.
3. What technique, skill, or knowledge are you the “go to” person for in your lab?
A. I wouldn’t say I’m the go-to for a specific lab skill, but I’ve definitely become the go-to person when someone needs to find something or someone. I’m pretty social and naturally end up making friends with people all over the laboratories and the research center. So, if someone needs to know who’s working on a certain project, who has a specific reagent, or just who to talk to about something, they usually come to me. I really enjoy knowing what everyone is up to and connecting with people.