معرفی
Susan Hafenstein serves as Research Director at The Hormel Institute and holds the position of Professor in Molecular Biology at the University of Minnesota. Her work spans multiple research units including the Institute for Molecular Virology, where she investigates the structural mechanisms of viral infection and immune responses. As Principal Investigator on multiple NIH and Gates Foundation-funded projects, she leads research on poliovirus, parvovirus, enterovirus, hepatitis E virus, and human papillomavirus.
Dr. Hafenstein's research focuses on the structural biology of virus-host interactions, particularly examining how viral capsids interact with host receptors and antibodies. Her laboratory specializes in cryo-electron microscopy to visualize virus structures at near-atomic resolution, with significant contributions to understanding antibody neutralization mechanisms and viral entry processes. Her work has important implications for vaccine development and antiviral therapeutics, contributing to global health initiatives including polio eradication efforts.
Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory in structural virology, with increasing focus on translating structural insights into vaccine design. The research output shows strong collaboration with institutions worldwide and significant media attention, with multiple studies being highlighted by news outlets and social media platforms. Her work particularly stands out in mapping polyclonal antibody responses following vaccination and infection.
- Structural analysis of poliovirus and antibodies (2024-2025)
- Sustaining Vaccine Manufacturing (SVM) 2.0 (2024-2025)
- Mechanisms of Enterovirus Entry (2023-2025)
- Role of antibodies in hepatitis E virus infection (2023-2026)
- Structural Studies of Human Papillomavirus (2023-2025)
Dr. Hafenstein actively mentors graduate students, with Waddey, B.T. listed as a graduate student collaborator on multiple projects. Her research group maintains strong connections with Nationwide Children's Hospital and other research institutions, facilitating translational research from basic structural insights to clinical applications.
