Epigenetic and transcriptional regulators control tissue differentiation during Neurospora crassa sexual development

Abigail Deaven

Epigenetic and transcriptional regulators control tissue differentiation during Neurospora crassa sexual development

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404D, Building B
Type of Event:
Student Seminars
Abigail Deaven
Lewis Laboratory
UGA Department of Microbiology

Dissertation Defense Seminar by Abigail Deaven,  PhD Candidate, Lewis Lab.

Yelee Kim

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Research Interests:

My research background is in nanoparticle engineering, targeted drug delivery, and gene therapy. Building on this foundation, my work lies at the interface of biomaterials, immunology, and infectious disease, with a focus on developing nanoparticle-based platforms for antifungal vaccines and therapies.

My current research has two major directions. First, I aim to improve DNA- and RNA-based antifungal vaccines by developing organ- and cell type-specific delivery systems that enhance antigen presentation and promote durable protective immunity. Because cryptococcosis primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, I am particularly interested in designing vaccine platforms that can induce effective immune responses in clinically relevant host environments.

Second, I aim to develop fungi-targeted therapeutic platforms for selective antifungal drug delivery. Since disseminated cryptococcal infection can involve the central nervous system, effective treatment requires strategies that improve drug delivery to sites of infection, including the brain, while reducing host toxicity. To address this, I plan to explore lipid-, peptide-, and engager-based approaches for targeted antifungal therapy.

Labs (via personnel):
Labs:

The PLP-binding protein, YggS, impacts metabolic plasticity in S. enterica

Kailey Ezekiel

The PLP-binding protein, YggS, impacts metabolic plasticity in S. enterica

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404D, Cedar Street B
Type of Event:
Student Seminars
Kailey Ezekiel
Downs Laboratory
UGA Department of Microbiology

"The PLP-binding protein, YggS, impacts metabolic plasticity in S. enterica"

Dissertation Defense Seminar by Kaiely Ezekiel, Downs Lab.