IRACDA Scholar: Megan Mladinich, Ph.D.
Megan Mladinich
PhD: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
IRACDA Placement: Microbiology and Immunology
Email: megan.mladinich@stonybrook.edu
Megan Mladinich received both her B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Long Island University, and her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Stony Brook University. Her Ph.D work focused on mechanisms of mosquito-borne Zika virus persistence in blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelial cells. This project highlighted the role of proinflammatory chemokine CCL5 in the prolonged survival of Zika virus infected BBB endothelial cells and suggests CCL5 as a potential therapeutic target for persistent Zika virus infection. Megan’s current postdoctoral work in Dr. Erich Mackow’s laboratory at Stony Brook University focuses on tick-borne Powassan virus persistence and spread in endothelial cells and closely associated pericytes at the BBB. This work aims to understand tick-directed Powassan virus infections from bite site to neuronal demise.
Why I chose to join Stony Brook IRACDA: The IRACDA NY-CAPS program provides amazing training and teaching opportunities that are not readily available to most post doctorates. These opportunities combined with financial support and a great community make the IRACDA NY-CAPS program a no brainer.