Rachel Van Duyne

Rachel Van Duyne, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at Drexel University College of Medicine. She previously held a research assistant professor position in Biological Sciences at University of the Sciences. Her work examines molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 replication through viral-host interactions, with emphasis on epigenetic regulation of latency and impacts of substance abuse on viral reservoirs.

Education includes:

• PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, George Washington University (2013)
• MS in Genomics and Bioinformatics, George Washington University (2007)
• BS in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2005)

Research interests center on HIV-1 virology, particularly:

• Chromatin landscape analysis of HIV-1 promoters
• Tat protein and transcription factor interactions
• Drug abuse effects on viral latency/reactivation
• In vitro modeling of CNS/peripheral infections
• Antiretroviral resistance mechanisms

Her lab employs molecular virology, imaging, and epigenetic profiling techniques.

Publications focus on HIV-1 molecular mechanisms, with recurring themes of viral latency reversal, envelope glycoprotein mutations conferring drug resistance, and chromatin remodeling. Recent work emphasizes therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic regulators.

Awards and honors include:

• Multiple Young Investigator Scholarships from CROI (2017-2019)
• NIH Fellows Award for Research Excellence (2015)
• Sallie Rosen Kaplan Postdoctoral Fellowship (2014-2015)
• Career Mentoring Advantage Program Fellowship (2016-2017)

Professional affiliations: The Association of Women in Science, Healthcare Business Women’s Association, and Women in Bio Society.