Dr. Vijay joined the faculty at the Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology, and Infection in July 2021. His research career is defined by a deep interest in host-pathogen interactions, spanning from neuro-endocrinology to the complex immune landscapes of viral and parasitic infections. Research Background Dr. Vijay earned his DVM from Kerala Agricultural University, India, in 2008. He began his research career at Bucknell University, where his Master’s work examined the influence of prenatal dexamethasone treatment on serotonin receptor function. In 2010, he transitioned to the University of Iowa for his doctoral studies in the laboratory of Dr. Stanley Perlman. His graduate research focused on the role of lipid mediators in modulating the immune response against coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV—work that remains highly relevant to our understanding of respiratory viral immunopathology. Following his PhD, Dr. Vijay conducted postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Dr. Katrin Mayer-Barber, followed by a second fellowship in Dr. Noah Butler’s lab at the University of Iowa. During this time in the Butler Lab, he specialized in malarial immunology, specifically elucidating the mechanisms that lead to suboptimal humoral (B cell) immune responses following Plasmodium infection. Primary Research Interests  Humoral Immunological Memory: Understanding why some infections, like malaria, fail to induce long-lived protective antibodies.  Innate-Adaptive Crosstalk: How early innate signals during infection shape the long- term effectiveness of the adaptive immune system.  Viral Immunopathology: Investigating the signaling pathways and lipid mediators that dictate the severity of coronavirus infections. Academic Appointments  Faculty Member | Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology, and Infection (2021–Present)  Postdoctoral Scholar | University of Iowa, Butler Lab  Postdoctoral Fellow | NIH, Mayer-Barber Lab  Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology | University of Iowa, Perlman Lab  M.S. in Biology | Bucknell University  D.V.M. | Kerala Agricultural University

Hometown: Waukegan, IL Guadalupe serves as the Research Technician for the lab, where she is essential to our daily operations. Her primary responsibilities include managing the mouse colony through expert breeding and genotyping, overseeing lab procurement, and ensuring general laboratory upkeep. Outside the Lab: Guadalupe is a true animal lover and an automotive enthusiast who enjoys attending local car meets. In her spare time, you can also find her out exploring and playing Pokémon Go. Email: Guadalupe.reyes@rosalindfranklin.edu

Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Carolina is a doctoral student at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, having joined the Vijay Lab in 2022. Her research is centered on the 4-1BB:4-1BBL signaling axis and its impact on the immune response during malaria infection. Email: carolina.caloba@myrfums.org

Hometown: Grayslake, IL Henry is a second-year medical student at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science investigating the complex neuro-immunological landscape of malaria. His research focuses on the intersection of systemic infection and cognitive health. Current Research Henry’s work explores how parasite burden during Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi (PCC) and Plasmodium yoelii infections impacts neurological function and behavior. He is currently leading a study utilizing murine models to assess cognitive changes through: Outside the Lab, Henry is a dedicated pianist and enjoys spending time with friends and family. A fun fact about Henry: he continues to perform as a member of a rock band formed with his high school friends. Email: henry.morrison@my.rfums.org

Hometown: East Dubuque, IL Laney is a senior at Lake Forest College pursuing her path toward a career in medicine. Within the Vijay Lab, she plays a vital role in upporting laboratory operations and animal husbandry. For her senior thesis research, Laney is investigating the specialized role of B1 cells during malaria infection. Her work aims to clarify how these innate-like B cells contribute to the early immune response and how they influence the overall pathology of Plasmodium infection.