Our research focuses on the development of immunologic strategies to eliminate neonatal pathogens – with the ultimate goal of providing every child with a healthy start to life.  ​

We investigate the natural maternal and infant immune responses that contribute to impeding transmission of vertically transmitted viral pathogens, such as HIV, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Zika, and how these effective immune responses can best targeted by vaccine approaches.

We then develop and utilize nonhuman primate models of vertical virus transmission to perform proof of concept studies to determine whether the vaccine approaches that target the naturally protective immune responses are effective. 

We focus on both innate and adaptive immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface, including mucosal surfaces and the immunology of breast milk.