Woolsey Lab

Principal Investigator

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    Dr. Courtney B. Woolsey, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
    Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch

    Dr. Woolsey is a BSL-4 virologist whose research focuses on high-consequence pathogens, pandemic preparedness, and immune correlates of protection. Her lab integrates advanced immunological techniques, organ-on-chip platforms, spatial biology, and systems immunology to inform next-generation vaccines and therapeutics.

Current Lab Members

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    Dr. Marc-Antoine de la Vega, Ph.D.

    RESEARCH SCIENTIST

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    Dr. Birte Kalveram, Ph.D.

    RESEARCH SCIENTIST

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    Dr. Nicole (Nikki) Lloyd, Ph.D.

    POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

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    Jasmine Martinez

    RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

    OLINGER LAB

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    Juliano Aquilino

    GRADUATE STUDENT (Ph.D.)

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    Judy Ly

    GRADUATE STUDENT (Ph.D.)

    My research is focused on how high consequence emerging and re-emerging viruses like Ebola and Marburg affect the placenta during infection. Using advanced lab models that mimic the maternal–fetal interface, I explore how infections begin, how the immune system responds, and what makes the placenta susceptible to these infections. My goal is to help improve health outcomes for pregnant individuals during severe viral diseases. When I’m not in the lab, I love exploring the outdoors, experimenting with food, or planning my next trip abroad (in 10 more years).

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    Alexander Alvarado

    GRADUATE STUDENT (Ph.D.)

    Alexander Alvarado is a third-year Microbiology and Immunology PhD student at UTMB, co-mentored by Dr. Caitlin Cotter and Dr. Courtney Woolsey. Prior to their start at UTMB, Alexander received in 2023 their bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Texas at Dallas. Currently, their research interests lie at the intersection of epidemiology and immunology as it pertains to Lassa fever in pregnant women, identifying the epidemiological and immunological correlates of severe Lassa infection in pregnant individuals while also working to design more rapid diagnostic tools for Lassa. When not in the lab, Alexander enjoys working as a co-host on the Infectious Science Podcast, hiking, going to the opera, playing board games, and reading more books about world history and geopolitics.

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    Justin Nguyen

    GRADUATE STUDENT (Ph.D.)

    CO-MENTOR DR. GEORGIY GOLOVKO

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    CONSULTANT