Program:
Allergy and Immunology
Start Year: 2024
Hometown:
Jalisco, México
Raised in San José, CA
What are the strengths of your training program?
While Duke has a well-balanced program with strengths in both allergy and immunology, I was drawn to the Duke program for its legacy of unparalleled mentors in clinical immunology. The thymus transplant service, which is one of two in the world and the only one in the US, is a particularly notable educational opportunity for fellows that differentiates it from most other programs.
How are you involved in research? What are your research interests?
As an R38-funded research track resident, my research aimed to characterize how prior infection with CMV altered immune responses to HIV vaccination utilizing high-dimensional immune monitoring modalities and analytical tools from systems biology. As a Duke/UNC T32-funded fellow, I will be expanding on this work under the mentorship of Dr. Georgia Tomaras, the director of the Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology. Ultimately, I seek to understand the molecular mechanisms via which chronic inflammation alters the functional coordination of the human immune system, applying these insights to the development of new immunotherapeutics, including vaccines, and defining how to precisely guide their administration to the individuals most likely to benefit.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work you can find me on adventures with my two young daughters all around the Triangle! We particularly enjoy cooking at home, exploring all the museums and libraries in the area, and cheering on the NC Courage at home games!
Education & Training
Undergrad School
AB in Chemical and Physical Biology, Harvard
Medical School
MD from Stanford
Residency
Residency in Pediatrics (Research Track) at Duke
Other Degrees
PhD in Immunology, Stanford