Stephen E. Braun

Stephen E. Braun is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at Tulane University. His research focuses on gene therapy strategies targeting lympho-hematopoietic cells, with a strong emphasis on HIV/AIDS research. He has over 25 years of experience in translational research, including studies in non-human primates (NHP) and clinical trial advancements. His work involves developing CAR T-cell therapies, lentiviral vector engineering, and mesenchymal stem cell-based antiviral approaches.

Education:

• BS in Genetics and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, University of Minnesota (1987)
• PhD in Genetics, University of Minnesota (1993)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at Walther Oncology Center, Indiana University School of Medicine (1993–1997)

Research Interests: Dr. Braun’s lab develops novel gene therapy approaches to combat HIV/AIDS, including CAR T-cell redirection, HIV-resistant T-cell engineering, and MSC-mediated viral inhibition. His work bridges in vitro studies with large-animal models and clinical application.

Key Awards:

• NIH Post-Doctoral Training Award (1993–1995)
• Leukemia Society of America Fellow Award (1995–1998)
• Center for AIDS Research Scholar Award (2003–2006)
• Early Investigator Award (30th Annual NHP AIDS Symposium, 2012)

Grants & Collaborations: His research has been supported by NIH and private foundations. Collaborations span institutions such as the National Primate Research Centers and the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy.

Labs/Teams: Active in Tulane’s Division of Veterinary Medicine and collaborates with the Comparative Pathology and Immunology research groups.