Margaret Scull

Margaret Scull is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland's College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, based in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Her work focuses on airway biology, respiratory virus-host interactions, and antiviral responses. She holds a B.S. from Duke University (2001), a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2009), and completed postdoctoral research at The Rockefeller University (2010-2016).

Her research explores spatiotemporal dynamics of viral infections and utilizes tissue engineering to study airway systems. Recent work includes investigating mucus barriers against influenza, AAV-mediated gene therapy for asthma, and mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition using aptamers. Over 35 publications highlight her contributions to virology, mucosal immunology, and respiratory disease modeling. Awards include recognition in the CBMG Honors & Awards (2020-2023) and promotions within the university's natural sciences division.

Key themes in her articles include mucociliary transport dynamics, interferon-mediated viral inhibition, and 3D model systems for studying respiratory pathogens. Her lab's innovations in microfluidic assays and synthetic mucus biomaterials advance understanding of viral entry and host defense mechanisms. Current efforts aim to translate these findings into therapeutic strategies for respiratory infections.