Erin E. McClelland

Dr. Erin E. McClelland is an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Marian University's Osteopathic Medical School. She holds a B.A. in Aquatic Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Utah under Dr. Wayne Potts. Her postdoctoral training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine under Dr. Arturo Casadevall furthered her expertise in fungal pathogenesis.

Dr. McClelland has prior faculty roles at Commonwealth Medical College and Middle Tennessee State University, where she taught immunology and microbiology. Her research focuses on Cryptococcus neoformans interactions with host macrophages, particularly how pathogen manipulation of M1/M2 polarization and host sex hormones (e.g., testosterone) contribute to disease disparities. Her NIH-funded work explores fungal modulation of macrophage transcriptomes and sex-specific therapies.

She has secured an NIH R15 grant (2018) and served as KY-TN ASM Branch President (2018-2021). Her lab studies mechanisms linking fungal virulence and host immune responses, including hormonal effects on fungal growth and immune evasion. Over 20 students have been mentored in her research program.

Key publications include studies on macrophage transcriptome disruption by C. neoformans, testosterone's role in fungal melanization, and sex biases in cryptococcosis incidence. She integrates research findings into teaching innovations in medical microbiology and immunology curricula.