<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/ward_fund_800x450_1_8c0245ce04.jpg"><figcaption>Alesandra Rodriguez (middle) with her mentors Dr. Andrew Ward (right) and Dr. Julianna Han (left)</figcaption></figure>The CEIRR Network is excited to spotlight Alesandra Rodriguez, a research technician in <a href="https://www.scripps.edu/faculty/ward/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Andrew Ward’s Lab</a> at Scripps Research Institute, part of The University of Pennsylvania CEIRR (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/penn-ceirr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Penn-CEIRR</a>). Rodriguez was awarded “Best Poster Design” at the <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/ceirr-annual-network-meeting-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CEIRR Annual Network Meeting 2024</a> for her poster titled “Structural Mapping of Polyclonal IgG Responses to HA after Influenza Virus Vaccination or Infection.” Rodriguez is motivated to study this important topic not only due to her innate curiosity but also because she “love[s] a challenge,” and having to “troubleshoot through problems [and] discover ways to optimize steps during an experiment.”&nbsp;Her award-winning poster focused on characterizing immune responses elicited not only by influenza viral infection but also seasonal vaccination, to improve vaccine efficacy, breadth, and longevity. Ultimately, her research aims to provide context for future vaccine trials and underscores the importance of careful design of vaccines to target conserved epitopes. Rodriguez also spoke about the impact that CEIRR has had on her research stating that “it’s nice to be able to reach out to different labs within the program and start new collaborations.” &nbsp;The iDPCC also asked Rodriguez to answer some thought-provoking personal questions:1. Who/what inspired you to go into science in general?A. I was inspired to go into research by my high school biology teacher. He was mentoring me on finding an internship as part of a graduation credit. He had recommended I apply to a lab, and I was a bit reluctant. But ultimately, I did apply and that was the only space that had accepted to host me for an internship. Within that short period of time, I learned a lot about what else science was. This influenced me with a passion to do research. I continue to be influenced by my current mentor, Julianna Han Ph.D., as she continues to push my curiosity and gives me challenges to become a better scientist.2. What is one thing on your bucket list?A.&nbsp;Something on my bucket list is to travel more. I don’t have any specific places I would like to go, just overall open to traveling anywhere.3. What is your favorite mundane lab chore?A.&nbsp;My favorite mundane lab chore is refilling soap bottles, bleach bottles, and ethanol bottles around the lab.&nbsp;&nbsp;4. What is your favorite lab technique?A.&nbsp;My favorite lab technique is electron microscopy. There’s just something satisfying about doing all the sample prep and being able to see the particles on the grid itself.

Spotlight

Penn-CEIRR

Influenza

Conferences

Vaccine

Awards

Best Poster Design winner, Rodriguez speaks on her investigations to improve the breadth of influenza vaccines and shares her journey into research.

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Research Technician, Alesandra Rodriguez, Gives Insight into the Importance of Targeting Conserved Epitopes to Improve Influenza Vaccines 

<figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/Ivan_Tomic_350x304_e1a6e9d186.jpg"><figcaption>Ivan Tomic, Research Computation Specialist, Atomic lab</figcaption></figure>The CEIRR Network is proud to spotlight Ivan Tomic, a research computing specialist in <a href="https://atomic-lab.org/team/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Adriana Tomic’s lab</a> at Boston University, part of Johns Hopkins CEIRR (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/jh-ceirr#Adriana%20Tomic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">JH-CEIRR</a>). Tomic was awarded “Outstanding Poster” in Poster Session B of the <a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/ceirr-annual-network-meeting-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CEIRR Annual Network Meeting 2024</a> for his poster titled “Immunoaut: Decoding Immune Response Patterns After Influenza Vaccination Using Machine Learning”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomic was inspired to go into science by his “fascination with technology and a drive to make tangible contributions to human health” and was drawn to systems immunology specifically because it “offered the perfect synergy between [his] technical expertise and the potential to impact lives.” His award-winning poster focused on using the Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven platform Immunoaut to help elucidate factors that contribute to the protective immunity that vaccines afford us. One of the ultimate goals of his research is to create tailored vaccination strategies aimed at improving vaccine effectiveness and personalizing influenza prevention.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to giving us insight into his research, Tomic also spoke about his appreciation of the collaborative and innovative nature of the CEIRR Network through “ensure[ing] [researchers] access to a wealth of resources, enabling impactful discoveries.” He said he appreciates how CEIRR “encourages the integration of advanced tools like artificial intelligence to unravel complex biological systems and push the boundaries of immunological research.”&nbsp;The iDPCC also gained more insight into Tomic himself through a series of thought-provoking questions:&nbsp;&nbsp;1. What are your plans following your training?A. I see my future at the forefront of computational immunology, leading initiatives that revolutionize how we understand and manipulate immune responses. Atomic Lab has set the stage for this, and I plan to continue contributing to its mission while expanding its technological reach. My goal is to develop platforms that empower scientists globally, make data-driven medicine accessible, and inspire the next generation of researchers to embrace computational approaches.&nbsp;2. Do you have advice for other trainees??&nbsp;&nbsp;A. For trainees, my advice is to embrace technology wholeheartedly as it is the future of biology. Don’t shy away from learning computational tools and integrating them into your research. At Atomic Lab, we thrive at the intersection of disciplines, and I’ve seen firsthand how this multidisciplinary approach leads to breakthroughs. Be curious, seek mentorship, and always push the boundaries of what’s possible.3. What is your favorite lab technique?A. My favorite technique is building and implementing AI models for immune data analysis. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about uncovering patterns that redefine our understanding of the immune system.&nbsp;4. Do you have any hobbies or special interests that you'd like to share?A. When I’m not immersed in code or immunology, I’m often found sailing or exploring tech-driven hobbies like building custom computational systems. Sailing teaches me to navigate challenges with precision, much like working in the ever-evolving field of computational biology. These hobbies fuel my creativity and help me stay grounded, complementing my work at Atomic Lab.&nbsp;

JH-CEIRR

Modeling

Outstanding Poster Awardee Ivan Tomic gives insight into how he utilizes AI to improve vaccine research and how technology shapes his everyday life.

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Ivan Tomic Speaks About His Passion for Leveraging Technology to Make Impactful Contributions to Vaccine Research 

<figure class="image image-style-align-right"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/CEIRR_Presentation_Schneider_400x533_d5401ea3cd.png?updated_at=2025-01-10T16:40:09.019Z"><figcaption>Cosette Schneider presenting her award-winning poster during the CEIRR Annual Network Meeting 2024.</figcaption></figure><img><img>The CEIRR Network proudly spotlights Cosette Schneider, a Ph.D. Candidate and trainee in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/profiles/coughlan-lynda/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Lynda Coughlan’s Lab</a>, part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/cript" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CRIPT</a>. Schneider was awarded first place for her poster titled, “The characterization of cellular and humoral immune respons<img>es to influenza A virus” at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/news/ceirr-annual-network-meeting-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CEIRR Annual Network Meeting 2024</a> in New York City, NY.Schneider enjoys training in the CEIRR Network because of the program’s emphasis on collaboration, “which have greatly supported [her] thesis research.” Prior to her Ph.D. training at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">University of Maryland School of Medicine</a>, she developed mRNA- and protein nanoparticle-based vaccines for malaria as an&nbsp;<a href="https://orise.orau.gov/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ORISE</a> Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow at the&nbsp;<a href="https://wrair.health.mil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walter Reed Army Institute of Research</a>. This fellowship helped her “identify vaccinology and antigen engineering as [her] primary research interests.” As she progresses through her Ph.D. program and continues her research, Schneider is “motivated by the fact that [her] research informs the development of vaccines for a virus of pandemic potential because [she] firmly believe[s] in the importance of preventative measures for infectious diseases and the role of vaccines as ‘weapons of mass protection.’”The iDPCC also asked Schneider to answer some thought-provoking questions:1. Who/what inspired you to go into science in general?A. I attended a small liberal arts college, so my undergraduate studies were quite diverse, including an emphasis on French and international politics and policy, in addition to the life sciences. Although my educational background is multidisciplinary, I continued to pursue the sciences in my graduate studies because scientific knowledge is always evolving at such a rapid pace, which, to me, is ideal for lifelong learning.2. What is one thing on your bucket list?&nbsp;&nbsp;A.&nbsp;I want to travel to 30 countries by the time I am 30. I have travelled to 17 countries in the past 5 years, and I have 5 more years to go! Hopefully, some international conferences will help me achieve my goal!3. What was your childhood dream job?A. My dream job was something new every day! Some longer-lived dream jobs included a firefighter, veterinarian, pilot, forensic scientist, and pediatric oncologist.4. What are your plans following your training?A. After I complete my Ph.D., I want to pursue postdoctoral training in an academic lab focused on structural biology, antigen and vaccine platform engineering, and/or rational vaccine design.&nbsp;5. What is your favorite mundane lab chore?&nbsp;&nbsp;A.&nbsp;My favorite mundane chore is to update our lab’s notice board with colorful, cheesy flyers about our lab’s accomplishments.<img>

CRIPT

Poster presenter awardee and Ph.D. Candidate, Cosette Schneider, highlights the role of vaccines as “weapons of mass protection” and her educational journey to vaccinology and antigen engineering.

Headshot of Cosette Schneider, PhD Candidate and Trainee in CRIPT

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Cosette Schneider Provides Insight on Her Influenza Research and Multi-Disciplinary Background

The development of the COVID-19 vaccines was nothing short of a triumph of modern medicine. However, the one weakness of the shots was the inability to stop the spread of the virus. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital CEIRR (<a href="https://www.ceirr-network.org/centers/sjceirr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SJCEIRR</a>) researchers from Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) may have found a way to combat this shortcoming by targeting the virus’s point of entry — the nose and mouth. The study evaluating this vaccine candidate was recently highlighted in a <a href="https://medicine.washu.edu/news/nasal-covid-19-vaccine-halts-transmission/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WashU Medicine article</a>.<figure class="image image-style-align-right image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://ceirr-public-website-static-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/Nasal_COVID_19_Vaccine_Article_Image_24d878a892.jpg?updated_at=2024-12-18T19:25:07.051Z"><figcaption>Artistic rendering of SARS-CoV-2 virions, the virus that causes COVID-19.</figcaption></figure>Why is targeting the nose and mouth so integral to preventing transmission? Viruses such as influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) multiply rapidly in the nose, allowing them to spread from person to person within the first few days of exposure. Intramuscular vaccines generate a less potent immune response in the nose than in the bloodstream, leaving the nose and mouth vulnerable against fast-spreading viruses.&nbsp;Although it seems that targeting the nose and mouth will limit viral reproduction more efficiently, gathering the evidence necessary to prove that mucosal vaccines reduce transmission is trickier than one would expect, underscoring the importance of animal models in biological research. To address this gap, <a href="https://infectiousdiseases.wustl.edu/people/jacco-boon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jacco Boon, Ph.D.</a>, <a href="https://infectiousdiseases.wustl.edu/people/michael-s-diamond/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Michael Diamond, M.D., Ph.D.</a>, and other researchers developed and validated a model that mimics community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters, which was then used to assess the efficacy of mucosal vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 spread. The study compared hamsters vaccinated with a <a href="https://medicine.washu.edu/news/washus-nasal-covid-19-vaccine-approved-for-use-as-booster-in-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nasal COVID-19 vaccine</a> to those vaccinated with an intramuscular COVID-19 vaccine—the vaccine approved for use in humans—to evaluate the impact of both vaccines on airborne infection and transmission. &nbsp;The study showed that hamsters that were vaccinated with the nasal vaccine and went on to develop SARS-CoV-2 infections did not transmit the virus to vaccinated or unvaccinated hamsters. In direct contrast, when hamsters were given an intramuscular COVID-19 vaccine, spread of the virus still occurred. In summary nasal vaccination—but not intramuscular vaccination—broke the cycle of transmission in hamsters.&nbsp;&nbsp;These results have immediate and direct implications as the world prepares for a possible avian flu epidemic. Currently the avian flu virus is causing an outbreak in dairy cows and could adapt to humans. An intramuscular vaccine for avian influenza already exists, but a team of researchers at WashU, that includes Dr. Boon and Dr. Diamond, are harnessing these results to work toward a nasal vaccine for avian influenza.&nbsp;Read the full press release:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://medicine.washu.edu/news/nasal-covid-19-vaccine-halts-transmission/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nasal COVID-19 Vaccine Halts Transmission</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Read the article in Science Advances:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp1290" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Darling TL et al. (2024) Mucosal immunization with ChAd-SARS-CoV-2-S prevents sequential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to unvaccinated hamsters. Sci. Adv. 10(31): eadp1290</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>

In The News

SJCEIRR

SARS-CoV-2

Study of a nasal COVID-19 vaccine shows promising results in limiting airborne transmission in hamsters indicating targeting the nose and mouth may be key to controlling the spread of respiratory infections.&nbsp;

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