Priyadharshini Devarajan

Priyadharshini Devarajan serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Stony Brook University, where she leads research on respiratory immunity and age-related immune responses.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami (2014)

Research Focus: Dr. Devarajan investigates three interconnected domains: (1) Nasal mucosal immunity as the critical first line of defense against respiratory pathogens; (2) Origins of lung-resident memory T cells (Trm) for durable protection against mutating viruses; and (3) Age-associated B cells (ABC) as novel targets for effective vaccines in elderly populations. Her work bridges fundamental immunology with translational applications for influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

Publications Trend: Recent work demonstrates her lab's dual emphasis on tissue-resident immunity (2023 Cell Reports) and age-specific B cell responses (2022 Aging Cell), revealing mechanisms for next-generation vaccines that reduce transmission while protecting vulnerable populations.

Lab Philosophy: The Devarajan Lab cultivates a collaborative environment centered on compassionate mentorship, tailored scientific training, and career development aligned with individual aspirations across diverse scientific pathways.