Kristen E. Funk

Kristen E. Funk, Ph.D., serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her research program focuses on the intersection of neuroimmunology and neurodegenerative diseases, specifically investigating how viral encephalitis triggers neuroinflammatory processes that contribute to cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Dr. Funk teaches undergraduate courses including BIOL 3111 (Cell Biology) and BIOL 4279/5279 (Neurobiology), bringing her research expertise into the classroom. Her laboratory employs murine models of viral infection, particularly the Kunjin strain of West Nile virus and mouse hepatitis virus, to study neuroimmune responses and their long-term cognitive consequences.

• 2014-2019: Postdoctoral research associate with Robyn Klein, Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
• 2012-2014: Postdoctoral research associate with Marc Diamond, Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology
• 2007-2012: Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with Jeff Kuret, Ohio State University, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
• 2004-2007: B.A. in Zoology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

Dr. Funk's research has revealed critical connections between viral infections, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative processes. Her publication record demonstrates expertise spanning both neuroimmunology (particularly West Nile virus and microglial responses) and Alzheimer's disease mechanisms (focusing on tau pathology). Her work shows how acute neuroinflammatory events can accelerate CNS aging processes and contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Scientific recognition includes:

• RF1 AG084104 (2023-2028): Investigating the interactions between viral infection, Tau pathology, and neuroinflammation
• Infectious Disease Society of America grant (2022-2023): Role of Apobec3 in MHC-I antigen presentation and neuronal synaptic stability in viral neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease

Dr. Funk actively mentors students at all levels, with current Ph.D. students Britanie Blackhurst and Trevor Price investigating West Nile virus effects on neuroinflammation and tau pathology, respectively. Her lab has successfully trained numerous undergraduate and graduate students who have gone on to medical school, research positions, and industry careers. The lab maintains active collaborations with neuroscience and immunology researchers across institutions.