معرفی
Jennifer A. Manuzak is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Immunology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Tulane University School of Medicine. She also serves as Assistant Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Her research focuses on HIV/malaria co-infection mechanisms and substance use impacts on HIV outcomes, leveraging nonhuman primate models and translational research. She leads the Manuzak Lab, which includes PhD candidates Sydney Nemphos, Sallie Fell, and James Prusak, and collaborates with institutions like the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium and Tulane’s Biomedical Sciences Program.
Education: BA in Biology (Occidental College), PhD in Immunology (University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 2013).
Research Themes:
1. HIV/Malaria Co-infection: Examines how malaria exacerbates HIV pathogenesis, especially in pregnancy, using NHP models to study mucosal immune dysfunction and vaccine efficacy. Current projects include SIV vaccination in malaria-exposed macaques and maternal-fetal outcomes in malaria in pregnancy (MIP).
2. Substance Use and HIV: Investigates cannabis and methamphetamine effects on HIV transmission risk and immunopathogenesis in vulnerable populations like sexual minorities and older adults. Studies include immune biomarkers in rectal mucosa and systemic immunity.
Lab Culture: Emphasizes inclusivity and promoting underrepresented groups in STEM. Collaborates on conferences (e.g., ASTMH, ASRI), publishes in Viruses, Retrovirology, and Mucosal Immunology, and participates in community activities like NOLA Nite Market and TNPRC Mardi Gras events.
Grants and Collaborations: Works with NIH-funded projects on microbiome modulation, SIV vaccine development, and syndemics in HIV prevention. Lab members have received travel awards (e.g., Sallie Fell at ASTMH 2023).
Labs/Teams: Manuzak Lab at Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA. Collaborates with divisions like Comparative Pathology and Veterinary Medicine.
