Cynthia M McMillen

Cynthia M McMillen is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health, focusing on bunyavirus tropism and vertical transmission mechanisms using placental models and animal systems.

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology from West Virginia University (2010)
• Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis from West Virginia University (2016)
• Post-doctoral training at University of Pittsburgh's Center for Vaccine Research (2019-2022)

Dr. McMillen's research centers on bunyaviruses (Rift Valley fever, Cache Valley, Schmallenberg, La Crosse), investigating vertical transmission through placenta explants and rodent models. She develops 2D/3D trophoblast organoids to study host-virus interactions and creates therapeutics including neutralizing antibodies and inducible RNAi systems.

Her publication record (2016-2024) demonstrates consistent focus on Rift Valley fever virus pathogenesis, vertical transmission mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions. Key contributions include establishing congenital infection models, testing antibody-based fetal protection strategies, and analyzing vaccine strain attenuation at the maternal-fetal interface.

Dr. McMillen actively mentors students through classroom instruction and laboratory guidance, having served as guest lecturer for virology, immunology, and microbiology courses at University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University since 2012.

She conducts high-containment research within the Center for Vaccine Research and Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, utilizing placenta explants and trophoblast organoid systems to dissect viral tropism and transmission pathways.