Lab members
We are always looking for new members! Contact us for postdoctoral, graduate, and technician opportunities.
Maria Bettini
Principle Investigator
Maria Bettini obtained her graduate degree from Emory University in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis in 2006. She then trained as a postdoc with Brian Evavold at Emory University and Dario Vignali at St Jude Children's Research Hospital with focus on T cell mediated autoimmunity.
Matt Bettini
Principle Investigator
Matt Bettini obtained his graduate degree from Emory University in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis in 2008. He then trained as a postdoc with Dario Vignali at St Jude Children's Research Hospital with focus on understanding TCR activation and regulatory T cell stability in autoimmune disease.
Hayley Reynolds
MD/PhD student (GS1)
Hayley is interested in how early microbial colonization influences thymic T-cell development and autoimmune disease onset in the context of T1DM.
Georgina Oceguera
Graduate student
Gina is interested the role of dendritic cells in thymocyte development.
Joy Corley
Laboratory Technician
Joy keeps our lab running!
Jack Cantarella
Graduate Student
Jack is a new student interested in the cellular and structural implications of autoimmune susceptible MHC alleles
Favour Chibueze
Graduate student
Favour is interested in improving Treg therapies using genetic and epigenetic approaches.
Stephanie Orozco
Graduate Student
Stephanie is investigating CX3CR1 expressing antigen presenting cells in thymic selection.
Nouf Aljobaily
Graduate student
Nouf is interested in biophysical parameters of TCR/pMHC interactions and epigenetic regulation of autoimmune T cell differentiation.
Hilda Echelibe
Graduate Student
Hilda is interested in cancer immunotherapy, CAR signaling, and humanized models of cancer.
Maren Kenison
Laboratory Technician
Maren is working towards understanding how cholesterol metabolism impacts T cell function.
Tessa Galland
Masters Student
Tessa is research associate working with Maria Bettini. Tessa obtained her MS in Medical Laboratory Sciences program. She is interested in Treg/APC interactions and the downstream effects on autoimmune T cell suppression.
Luke Gillen
Laboratory Technician
Luke is working towards understanding how cholesterol metabolism impacts T cell function.