Members in our laboratory:
Rebecca Tallmadge Ingram, PhD, Research Associate
I am interested in equine immunogenetic research. This encompasses the regulation and variation of genes important for effective immune responses. Previously I studied the genomic organization and expression of equine MHC class I genes, the innate antiviral activity of equine APOBEC3 genes, and neutralizing antibody responses during Equine Infectious Anemia Virus infection. In the Bevilaqua Felippe laboratory we have investigated the development of B cells from fetal life through adulthood to better understand developmental patterns and age-related limitations. Current efforts are devoted to distinguishing B cells that predominate in neonatal or adult life, and determining the extent of B cell development in horses with Combined Variable ImmunoDeficiency (CVID).
Ute Schwab, PhD, Research Associate
My major interest is in developing in vitro cell culture systems for replacement of experimental animals. We have recently developed a three dimensional culture system of equine bronchial epithelium that fully differentiates into ciliary beating and mucus producing cells. This model mimics the lower airway environment and can be used to study infection mechanisms (e.g. Rhodococcus equi) and perform pharmacological testing. Currently I am working on developing B cells from hematopoietic stem cells harvested from equine bone marrow. Such an in vitro system will allow us to analyze the early stages of B cell development, which will ultimately help us to better understand B cell depletion in horses with CVID.
Jennifer Battista, Graduate student in the dual degree DVM/PhD program
I am working to create in vivo and in vitro models in which to study B cell development. The in vivo horse-mouse chimera model involves repopulating the the immune system of an immunodeficient mouse with equine hematopoietic stem cells. This model will especially facilitate my interest in studying of the B1 population of B-cells and learning how these cells might be targeted for a specific immune response. This information may allow for the development of improved therapeutic methods for humorally deficient horses that lack the larger population of B2 cells.
Joy Tseng, DVM student
My research interest primarily deals with investigation of the development and diversity of the equine immune system with a molecular approach. My previous studies explored the utility of using microsatellite and SNP markers to characterize the Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules in the horse. This experience has provided background knowledge and skills that allow me to participate in other molecular-based studies that explore gene rearrangements and diversity during B cell development, and how the failure of B cell commitment may play a role in horses with CVID.
Peres Badial, DVM, visiting PhD student
I am a PhD visiting student from Brazil enrolled at the Veterinary Medicine Postgraduate Program of the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP-Botucatu Campus). My main interest is the characterization and understanding of equine genetic disorders, particularly equine cutaneous asthenia (HERDA). Previously, I have worked in the field of innate immunology studying the acute phase protein hepcidin, which regulates iron metabolism. Currently, at the Equine Immunology Laboratory, I am transfecting cells with the equine CD19 gene, and characterizing equine lymphoid leukemias.
Kurnia Khairani, DVM, Veterinary Scientist
Noha Abou-Madi, DVM, MSc, Dipl.ACZM
I am currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Clinical Sciences in the section of Wildlife Health. My clinical work is centered on conservation medicine, integrating the practice of zoological and wildlife medicine to the training students and residents in this field. My research interests are mainly clinical and aimed at improving the health of species of wild and captive animals as well as studying the elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus.
Mary Beth Matychak, BS, technician
I provide support and technical assistance to all members of our group. Given the array of projects, I am able to employ the training in a variety of techniques that I have acquired during my 35 years at Cornell. I enjoy the diversity and challenges of the projects and the opportunity to expand my knowledge of equine immunology, wildlife conservation medicine and molecular biology.
Former Members of the Lab
Alexandre Secorum Borges, DVM, PhD, Professor of Medicine, UNESP-Botucatu, Brazil
Cristina de Oliveira Massoco Salles Gomes, DVM, PhD, Professor of Immunology, USP-Sao Paulo
A. MangalaGowri, MVSc, PhD, Associate Professor, Madras Veterinary College, India
Derek Cavatorta, DVM, PhD
Erica Secor, undergraduate Honors Thesis and DVM student
Juan Guerra, undergraduate and DVM student
Diana Ruano, undergraduate Honors Thesis student
Sarah LaMere, research opportunities in Veterinary Medicine student
Kathryn Olszowy, summer student
Jennifer Luna, research opportunities in Veterinary Medicine student
Christine Cocquyt, Havemeyer Summer Fellowship Veterinary Student Program
Katherine Hillebrand, Havemeyer Summer Fellowship Veterinary Student Program
Kristin McLaughlin, Veterinary Investigator Program summer student
Kimberly Such, Veterinary Investigator Program summer student, and the Veterinary Student Fellowship (NIH)
Elizabeth Moore, Veterinary Investigator Program summer student
Katheleen O’Hara, Leadership Program summer student
Heather Rhoden, Leadership Program summer student
