معرفی
Lindsey Crawford is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she leads a dynamic research program at the intersection of virology, immunology, and stem cell biology. Her laboratory is affiliated with both the Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication (CIBC) and the Nebraska Center for Virology, providing a rich collaborative environment for her research on viral manipulation of the human immune system.
Dr. Crawford received her BS in Microbiology and Biochemistry and Biophysics from Oregon State University in 2006, followed by a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2012. She completed an NIH T32 Postdoctoral fellowship at Oregon Health Sciences University from 2012-2015 under the mentorship of Jay Nelson.
Her research program focuses on understanding how chronic viruses, particularly human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and HHV-6, infect and control hematopoietic stem cells. Using approaches from biochemistry, virology, immunology, and stem cell biology, her lab addresses fundamental questions about viral pathogenesis, herpesvirus latency and reactivation, hematopoietic stem cell fate, and immune system differentiation. A major focus is determining how HCMV exploits cellular traits to establish latency, maintain viral reservoirs, control reactivation, and manipulate hematopoiesis.
Analysis of Dr. Crawford's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the molecular mechanisms of HCMV latency and reactivation in hematopoietic stem cells, with particular attention to viral gene functions (UL8, US28, UL136), host signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, RhoGEF), and cellular processes like apoptosis and proliferation control. Her work increasingly incorporates computational approaches and advanced model systems to understand the complex interactions between viral latency, epigenetic regulation, and immune responses.
- NIH T32 Postdoctoral fellowship
- Layman Award for seed project on "Beta-herpesvirus (HHV-6) control of T-cell differentiation"
- Multiple student awards under her mentorship including Milton Mohr scholarship
Dr. Crawford actively mentors a diverse group of students at all levels, from undergraduates through postdoctoral researchers. Her lab has secured funding from multiple sources including the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. She collaborates extensively with other researchers at UNL and beyond, particularly with the Streblow, Caposio, and Goodrum labs. Dr. Crawford regularly presents her work at national meetings and has been invited to speak at institutions including Nebraska Wesleyan University.
The Crawford lab maintains a functional research space in the Morrison Life Sciences Research Center (MOLR 230) and participates in various outreach activities including "Sunday with a Scientist" events. The lab has grown steadily since its establishment, with increasing numbers of students and collaborative projects each year.
