Megan O'Connor

Megan O'Connor serves as Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Washington and holds a Core Scientist position at the Washington National Primate Research Center. Her research bridges virology, immunology, and microbiome science through nonhuman primate models of human disease.

Her academic journey includes:

• Bachelor's degree from University of California, Berkeley
• PhD in Immunology from Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth under Dr. William Green
• Postdoctoral training at University of Washington with Dr. Deborah Fuller

Dr. O'Connor's research program systematically investigates viral co-infections in HIV contexts through four integrated pillars:

• Risk assessment of emerging pathogen co-infections
• Characterization of novel immune pathways in pathogenesis
• Microbiome alterations during disease progression
• Pre-clinical evaluation of vaccines and therapeutics

Her work leverages nonhuman primate models to address critical gaps in understanding how immunocompromised states alter infection dynamics and treatment responses.

Analysis of her publication record reveals dominant research trajectories centered on SIV/HIV co-infection models with emerging viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus. Key thematic clusters include viral shedding dynamics, mucosal immunity disruption, microbiome-virus interactions, and vaccine durability assessment. Her methodological approach consistently integrates molecular virology with systems immunology in translational primate models.

As Principal Investigator of the O'Connor Lab, she implements a structured mentorship philosophy emphasizing:

• Rigorous scientific methodology
• Individualized career development
• Inclusive research environment cultivation

Her team currently includes research technicians Zo Kolodner and Semira Beraki, with documented emphasis on developing future scientific leaders through hands-on research experience.