Brien Lab
Photo Credit: Paradigm
James D. Brien, PhD
James is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics at The University of Kentucky. He received his B.A. and B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Rochester in New York. He initiated his viral immunology studies in the laboratories of Dr. Raymond Welsh and Dr. Eva Szomolanyi-Tsuda at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Furthering his education, he completed his doctoral studies in the laboratory of Dr. Janko Nikolich-Zugich on the role of aging on the immune system at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. He completed his Postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Diamond at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Throughout his academic career, James has focused on the pathogen-host interaction, with a focus on emerging viral infectious diseases. His laboratory utilizes clinical virus isolates to understand the role of immunity in the control of viral growth and the development of disease. His laboratory focuses on the mechanisms of polyclonal antibody response to control viral infection and select for novel viral variants, and how this affects disease outcome. His expertise in these areas is highlighted in his many publications featured in journals such as PLOS Pathogens, Nature Communications, Frontiers in Neuroscience, and Vaccines, among others.
Lauren and Ashley at work
Ashley Zalla
Ashley is a Laboratory Technician with her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at the University of Kentucky. She joined the Brien Lab in March of 2024. She studing the immune response to SARS COV-2 vaccine in patients with bone marrow transplants to correlate the relationship between immune reconstitution and immunogenicity. This will allow us to understand how the innate and adaptive immune system works together to react to a mRNA vaccine. Ashley is also working on evaluating a novel Zika Virus vaccine antigen which leads to a decrease in antibody dependent enhancement. In addition, she maintains Dr. Brien’s mouse breeding colony for multiple strains, creates protocols for equipment maintenance and automated machines, and upholds lab organization.
When outside of the lab, Ashley enjoys doing CrossFit, reading, traveling, and working with animals.
Lauren Dodson
Lauren is an Laboratory Technician with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience from Centre College. She joined the Brien Lab in February of 2024. Currently studying the polyclonal antibody response to a range of mosquito and tick-borne virus infections using a surface display system in S. cerevisiae yeast. Lauren is also using the mRNA vaccine system within the laboratory to develop a new West Nile virus vaccine for the equine population. Lauren also assists the lab with tasks such as the ordering, inventory, and maintenance of lab supplies.
When outside of the lab, Lauren enjoys watching YouTube, playing with her dogs, and traveling. She is also taking classes and plans to go to grad school for occupational therapy.
Lab Alumni
Mariah Hassert- Post Doctoral Research Scholar, Laboratory of John Hardy
Țară Steffen - Post Doctoral Research Scholar, Laboratory of Gina Yosten
Alex Dickson- Post Doctoral Research Scholar, Saint Louis University