Conducting Virology and Vaccine Research
By Sara Schrag ‘25Evaluating novel influenza vaccines in mouse models
I spent this summer in the Barouch lab, which studies the immunology and pathology of viral infections to develop new vaccines and treatments. They have developed and evaluated vaccine candidates for pathogens such as HIV, Zika virus, mpox, tuberculosis, influenza and SARS-CoV2.
My primary focus was working with Dr. Liping Wang to evaluate novel influenza vaccines in a mouse model. I performed assays to evaluate the immune response of mice at mucosal sites following vaccination and subsequent infection with influenza. I learned new lab techniques that are utilized in a range of preclinical labs, including ELISAs, ELISPOTs, qPCR, ICS and flow cytometry.
This position furthered my interest in infectious diseases and prepared me for future roles in research. My favorite part of this experience was learning how the virology informs the development of vaccines and other treatment options for viral infections. I am so grateful to Dr. Dan Barouch and his lab for making this opportunity possible and to Dr. Liping Wang for her mentorship and support!
Internship funded by the Gormley Internship Fund.