Faculty Profiles

Maria Abreu, M.D.

Professor, Medicine
Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Email: mabreu1@med.miami.edu

Research Focus: Dr. Abreu’s research interest is host-bacterial interactions and, in particular, the role of toll-like receptor signaling in intestinal inflammation. Her translational work has focused on genotype-phenotype relationships in inflammatory bowel disease and prediction of response to medical therapies.

Glen Barber, Ph.D.

Chair, Cell Biology
Professor, Cell Biology

Email: gbarber@med.miami.edu

Defne Bayik, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology

Email: dxb1440@miami.edu

Research focus: Immunosuppressive myeloid cells contribute to the aggressiveness of brain tumors. We aim to identify molecular mechanisms driving accumulation of myeloid cells, identify basis of sex differences in myeloid cell activity and define immunotherapy targets.

Eleonore Beurel, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

Email: ebeurek@med.miami.edu

Eleonore Beurel, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She received her Ph.D. from Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris, France, and did her post-doctoral training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham under the guidance of Dr. Richard Jope an expert in the field of biological psychiatry. Dr. Beurel is studying the role of the immune system in depressive behavior and discovered the unique role of Th17 cells in depressive behavior in mice.

Bonnie Blomberg, Ph.D.

Professor, Microbiology & Immunology

Email: bblomber@med.miami.edu

Our laboratory has shown that in aged mice and humans the antibody/B cell response is decreased and biomarkers for this are decreased IgG class switching, the enzyme for this, AID, and increased inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-a) in serum and B cells. We are currently investigating the effect of adipose tissue in this process. We also collaborate with Dr. M Antoni where we measure inflammation and the immune system in breast cancer patients in response to CBSM (cognitive behavioral stress management).

John Burnett, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Microbiology & Immunology

Email: JXB5555@med.miami.edu

Research focus: The Burnett laboratory focuses on creating cell and gene therapies for a broad range of human diseases.  By applying advances in molecular and cellular biology with principles of biomolecular engineering, my lab develops technologies for precision medicine.  We currently investigate therapeutic strategies aimed at eliminating HIV reservoirs, improving CAR T-cell therapies for cancer and HIV, targeting metastatic cancer biomarkers with novel aptamers, and reversing metabolic deficiencies due to mitochondrial DNA mutations using a novel mitochondrial-targeted genome editing technology.

Roberta Brambilla, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery

Email: rbrambilla@med.miami.edu

Research focus: The main focus of my research is understanding the role of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke), with a specific interest in the contribution of glial cells. We investigate astrocytes and microglia for their involvement in the neuroinflammatory response to injury, and oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells for their role in axon myelination, metabolic support of neurons and myelin repair. We are also interested in the interaction between the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS), and how innate and adaptive immune responses driven by macrophages, T cells and B cells infiltrating into the CNS during disease influence neurological outcomes.

Keywords: glia, neuro-immune interaction, neuroinflammation, cytokines, demyelinating disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury

Zhibin Chen, Ph.D.

Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Email: zchen@med.miami.edu

My laboratory studies immunological mechanisms and interventions of cancer and diabetes. We build animal models to mimic the genetic and genomic risks of human diseases. We use the in vivo models to examine the cause and effect of disease biology at cellular and molecular levels, identify potential biomarkers for disease progression, and test potential interventions for disease prevention and treatment.

Eli Gilboa, Ph.D.

Co-Leader, Tumor Immunology Research Program
Director, Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute
Professor, Microbiology & Immunology

Email: egilboa@med.miami.edu

Dr. Gilboa has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and books on a variety of topics in gene therapy, tumor immunology and infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. He approaches immune therapy in cancer from several fronts, working to boost the body’s immune response against the tumor, but also to overcome the propensity of tumors to suppress the immune system.

Dmitry Ivanov, Ph.D.

Research Associate Professor, Ophthalmology

Email: divanov@med.miami.edu

The main focus of my laboratory’s research has been to understand the role and mechanism of sterile inflammation, or innate immune response in the absence of live pathogens, in the pathophysiology of retinal disorders, with a specific interest in the contribution of a signal for “danger” (so-called damage-associated molecular patterns or DAMPs) and pattern recognition receptors.

Roland Jurecic, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
Associate Professor, Cell Biology and Anatomy

Email: rjurecic@med.miami.edu

The research in the lab focuses on (1) Molecular pathways that regulate self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and cancer stem cells, (2) Novel multi-target immunosuppressive approaches to treat immune-mediated Aplastic Anemia and bone marrow failure, (3) Characterization and mitigation of long-term effects of cancer chemotherapy on HSC function, hematopoiesis and immune system function,  (4) Characterization and mitigation of acute and delayed effects of ionizing radiation on the hematopoietic system and HSC function, and (5) Characterization of molecular and cellular pathways regulating emergency hematopoiesis in response to bacterial and viral infections.

Norma Kenyon, Ph.D.

Martin Kleiman Professor, Surgery
Professor, Microbiology & Immunology
Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Executive Director, Center for Translational Research
Senior Associate Dean, Translational Science

Email: nkenyon@med.miami.edu

Wasif Khan, Ph.D.

Professor, Microbiology & Immunology

Email: wnkhan@med.miami.edu

Our experimental approaches include in vivo experiments using gene-targeted mice, ex vivo analysis of immune cells by flow cytometry, cell adhesion and migration, global gene expression (NGS), and in vitro biochemical analysis of posttranslational modification of signaling proteins. Identification and functional relevance of critical molecules in immunity, autoimmunity, and lymphoid malignancies will facilitate the development of next-generation of biological and more precise therapeutics.

Michael Kolber, M.D., Ph.D.

Clinical Director, HIV
Director, Adult HIV Services
Director, Comprehensive AIDS Program
Professor, Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology, Public Health Sciences
Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs

Email: mkolber@med.miami.edu

Robert Levy, Ph.D.

Professor, Microbiology, and Immunology

Email: rlevy@med.miami.edu

My laboratory’s research objective is to understand the biology of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), which are utilized to treat patients with hematologic disorders (ex. leukemia/lymphoma) and enzyme deficiencies.  We employ experimental HSCT models involving defined genetic differences reflecting clinical donors and recipients to study mechanisms underlying the major immunological complication, i.e., graft vs. host disease as well as immune reconstitution and anti-tumor immunity in an effort to develop therapeutic approaches (i.e., Treg cells / IL-2 / epigenetic regulation) to translate into the clinic here at UM/ Sylvester.

Mathias Lichtenheld, M.D.

Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Email: mlichten@med.miami.edu

Research by our laboratory and its collaborators has evolved from understanding how CD8+ T-cells and NK cells can kill to how chromatin structures and transcription factors control their expression of the killer proteins.  Because of the critical role of these cells in antiviral and antitumor immunity, we expanded our interests to HIV/AIDS and how CD8+ T-cells should be programmed to function optimally in anti-tumor therapy.  Our newest line of research characterizes the mechanism by which perforin-2, a pore-forming molecule with significant homology to perforin-1, the essential killer protein of CD8+ T-cells and NK cells, can take a “first shot” at shared enemies.

Thomas Malek, Ph.D.

Chair, Microbiology & Immunology
Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Email: tmalek@med.miami.edu

We study basic mechanisms controlling regulatory T lymphocyte development and function. Ongoing work aims to translate these findings by developing new therapies for autoimmunity through approaches that boost regulatory T cell number and function. Another area of interest is to understand the mechanisms that promote robust T cell memory and apply this information to enhance tumor immunotherapy.

Darlene Miller, DHSc, MPH, SM, CIC

Research Professor, Ophthalmology
Scientific Director, Ocular Microbiology Laboratory

Email: dmiller@med.miami.edu

The Ocular Microbiology Research Laboratory collaborates with faculty, fellows, residents, staff, and students to search for new and innovative laboratory and clinical techniques for the detection and prevention of ocular infectious diseases. Research interest includes ocular microbial pathogenesis and epidemiology, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, the role of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in ocular therapeutics, the impact of biofilm on ocular infections, molecular epidemiology of ocular infections, and role of ocular microbial communities in health and disease.

George Munson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Email: gmunson@miami.edu

In broad terms, our research is geared toward understanding the molecular “arms race” between bacterial pathogens and the innate immune system. Specifically, we are working to elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) of Perforin-2-dependent destruction of extracellular bacteria. We are also working to identify and characterize bacterial factors of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, pandrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii that thwart Perforin-2-dependent killing.

Savita Pahwa, M.D.

Professor, Microbiology & Immunology
Director, Miami Center for AIDS Research

Email: Spahwa@med.miami.edu

Our group is interested in the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection for the understanding of the nature and mechanisms of immune dysfunction in HIV infected pediatric and adult patients. We hope that our studies will help in developing strategies for immune reconstitution, and for aborting disease progression in HIV-infected subjects.

Richard Pastori, Ph.D.

Director, DRI Molecular Biology Laboratory
Research Professor 

Email: rpastori@med.miami.edu

Camillo Ricordi, M.D.

Chief, Cellular Transplantation
Professor, Surgery
Professor, Medicine

Email: cricordi@med.miami.edu

Richard Riley, Ph.D.

Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
Associate Dean, Preclinical Curriculum

Email: rriley@med.miami.edu

The research in the Riley laboratory focuses upon the molecular and cellular regulation of B lymphocyte development. In particular, the processes that down-regulate immune functions in old age and other conditions of immunodeficiency are under study.

Joseph Rosenblatt, M.D.

Professor, Medicine
Chief, Hematology- Oncology
William J. Harrington Chair in Hematology

Email: jrosenblatt@med.miami.edu

Sabita Roy, Ph.D.

Professor, Surgery

Email: Sabita.roy@miami.edu

Research Focus: Opioids are the gold standard for the management of moderate to severe cancer pain. The clinical use of opioids is limited because of co-morbidities associated with extended use. The goal of Dr. Roy’s studies is to identify therapeutic targets that can prolong opioid use and minimize its co-morbidities. Their recent studies show an association between chronic opioid use and altered gut microbiome. These findings have strong implications that manipulating the gut microbiome can be a potential therapeutic target to improve the pain-relieving efficacy of opioids.

Kurt Schesser, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology

Email: kschesser@med.miami.edu

Identifying and characterizing host factors that impact the intracellular infection cycle of bacterial pathogens.

Paolo Serafini, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Email: pserafini@med.miami.edu

Research Focus: Our basic and translational research aims to understand better the mechanisms that regulate immune tolerance and immune suppression in Cancer and Type 1 Diabetes by employing nanotechnologies to modulate one or more pathways in the desired cells in vivo. We study the tumor and the pancreatic microenvironment, T cells and myeloid cells and develop new therapeutics to restore immune homeostasis.

Keywords: Cancer, Autoimmunity, Myeloid cells, Aptamers, RNA therapeutics, lipid nanoparticles, nanotechnology

Noula Shembade, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Email: nshembade@med.miami.edu

Uncontrolled activation of innate immune receptors by pathogens can cause chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. My laboratory focuses on understanding the mechanisms of negative regulation of the transcription factor NF-κB activated by the innate immune receptors. Activation of NF-κB is critical to eliminating pathogens and maintaining tissue homeostasis. NF-κB activation needs to be tightly regulated after the danger is eliminated. The ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20 complex tightly regulates NF-κB activation. The mechanisms of the ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20 complex activation are not known. Thus, we wish to understand the mechanisms that activate the A20 complex and lead to the termination of NF-κB activation and maintenance of tissue homeostasis.

Erietta Stelekati, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Cancer Biology
Assistant Professor, Microbiology & Immunology

Lab | Publications | Email

Research Summary

The role of non-coding RNAs in driving T cell differentiation Our research lab at the University of Miami is focused on the role of non-coding RNAs in regulating T cell responses to cancer and develop novel immunotherapy strategies using non-coding RNAs. Our most recent research has focused on the role of miR-29a in driving functional memory vs dysfunctional exhaustion differentiation. We are currently expanding these studies to explore the use of microRNAs as a therapeutic intervention to improve T cell responses during immunotherapy. Joining the CAB program will significantly enhance our cancer research through collaboration with other CAB members and recruiting trainees focusing on cancer research.

Mario Stevenson, Ph.D.

Professor, Medicine
Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases

Email: mstevenson@med.miami.edu

Research in the Stevenson lab is aimed at understanding how HIV-1 persists in the face of antiretroviral suppression. While antivirals can control viral replication, they don’t eliminate the virus, and identifying how the virus persists is key to developing strategies to cure the infection. The lab is also trying to harness the antiviral activity of cellular factors known as antiviral restrictions. Several host proteins have been identified that potently suppress HIV-1 replication. However, the virus has evolved counter defenses that neutralize these antiviral restrictions. We are developing small molecules that neutralize viral defenses so as to allow the antiviral restrictions to neutralize the virus.

Natasa Strbo, M.D., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Email: nstrbo@med.miami.edu

The research in my lab focuses on development of an efficacious vaccine against cancer and different infectious pathogens (HIV, malaria, and Zika virus). In addition, we want to understand the dynamic interaction of innate immune responses and pathogens at mucosal barriers such as skin, reproductive tract and gut with particular interest in novel pore-forming protein, perforin-2.  These studies may provide major insights into the ultimate development of highly effective mucosal vaccines. In addition, we have developed technology for generating humanized mice from NOD,SCID,c-/- mice and established several different humanized mouse models.

Alfred J. Tector, M.D.

Professor of Clinical, Department of Surgery
Director of Transplant Research, Miami Transplant Institute 

Email:  AJT135@med.miami.edu

Emmanuel Thomas, M.D., Ph.D.

Research Associate Professor, Microbiology and Immunology

Email: ethomas1@med.miami.edu

The mission of Dr. Thomas’s program is to develop integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to the study of liver cancer/liver diseases and to bridge clinical medicine and basic science with the translation of fundamental knowledge to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of liver diseases.  The laboratory mainly focuses on viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C) and has developed models to study interactions between these viruses and cells in the liver, including hepatocytes and macrophages.  Cellular pathways studied include innate antiviral responses and the contribution of these pathways in oncogenesis.

Alice Tomei, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering

Lab | Publications | Email
Lab Location: Diabetes Research Institute #2011 and #5033
Lab Phone: 305-243-7867
Office Location: Diabetes Research Institute #2010
Office Phone: 305-243-3469

Graduate Program: Microbiology & Immunology

Keywords: affective neuroscience; developmental neuroscience; anxiety; executive function; learning

Research Focus: Dr. Tomei is applying her unique background in bioengineering and immunology to develop novel immunoengineering platforms to prevent rejection after islet transplantation and to promote antigen-specific tolerance for a cure of type-1 diabetes.

Marjana Tomic-Canic, Ph.D.

Professor of Dermatology
Vice-Chair, Research
Director, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program
Graduate faculty, PIBS (MCP and HGG Programs)
Associate Member, Hussman Institute for Human Genomics
Adjunct, Associate Professor, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY

UHealth Profile | Research Profile | Pubmed Profile

The overall goal of our translational, multi-disciplinary program in wound healing is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of tissue repair and regeneration in skin and its pathogenesis, by integrating knowledge at the bench with clinical outcomes at the bedside. Our mission is to develop novel approaches to reduce the incidence and accelerate wound healing of chronic wounds. This includes identifying which molecular and cellular mechanisms are utilized during normal, acute wound healing process, identifying what molecular events lead to inhibition of wound healing in chronic (non-healing) wounds, and further, developing local sustained gene delivery mechanisms for their treatment. 

Alejandro Villarino, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Microbiology & Immunology

Email: alejandro.villarino@miami.edu

Dr. Villarino studies how immune cells communicate with one another to mediate health and disease. His laboratory combines wet and dry (computational) experimental systems to study cytokines, a class of secreted proteins that transmit information from one cell to another, and downstream signaling via the Jak-STAT pathway, which translates cytokine-receptor interactions to changes in gene expression. 

Kevin Van der Jeught, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Microbiology & Immunology

Email: kxv560@med.miami.edu

Dr. Van der Jeught’s laboratory aims at discovering pathways and developing tools to improve cancer immunotherapy treatments. He pioneered using mRNA encoding soluble factors to successfully modify the suppressive tumor microenvironment, leading to enhanced anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, he demonstrated that strong systemic immune responses can be generated in a safe way using lipid-based mRNA nanoparticles. Recently, he discovered ST2 as a checkpoint target for colorectal cancer immunotherapy and aims to expand and improve checkpoint immunotherapy.

Matthias von Herrath, M.D.

Professor of Clinical, Department of Medicine,
Director, Diabetes Research Institute

Email: mgv48@med.miami.edu