Gabrielle Huizinga

A West Michigan native, Gabrielle earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Microbiology from Michigan State University’s Honors College in 2019. She also completed an additional major in Genomics and Molecular Genetics through the College of Natural Science. Her first research project was with Dr. Jim Tiedje uncovering new species of dioxin degrading bacteria. After finding her passion for immunology, she began a research project with Dr. Andrew Olive studying genetic mechanisms underlying regulation of MHCII in chronic infections such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Chlamydia trachomatis.

After graduation, Gabrielle enthusiastically joined PIBS in Fall 2019. In April 2020, she joined both Durga Singer and Beth Moore's labs. She is also completing a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Teaching.

Gabrielle’s research interests are in host-pathogen interactions, innate immunity, and translational immunology. Her project is focused on understanding the innate immune cell functional and recruitment defects that lead to increased morbidity and mortality seen in obese patients following pulmonary bacterial infections.

Flow cytometry, mouse infection models, mouse obesity models, sex differences in immunology, qPCR, nucleic acid extraction

Immunology Program Outstanding Graduate Service Award 2021
University of Michigan Molecular Mechanisms in Microbial Pathogenesis T32 Trainee 2020
Michigan State University Honors College Member 2015-2019
Michigan State University Honors College Service Award 2019
Michigan State University Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Huizinga G, Gallagher K, Moore BB, Singer, K. 2021. Immune Responses to Bacterial Pneumonia in Obese, Diabetic Mice. Annual Immunology Retreat, Ann Arbor MI.

Huizinga G, Wilke C, Wahrheit-Niemi H, Hult E, Gallagher K, Moore B. 2020. Analysis of MRSA Pulmonary Infection in Diabetic Mice. Mucosal Immunology Symposium, Ann Arbor, MI.

Huizinga, G., Howland, J., Tsoi, T., Boughner, L.A., Tiedje, J. 2018. Selection for Novel Bacteria with an Ability to Degrade Dioxins. University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum, Michigan State University.

Huizinga GP, Singer BH, Singer K. The Collision of Meta-Inflammation and SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Infection. Endocrinology. 2020 Nov 1;161(11):bqaa154. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa154. PMID: 32880654; PMCID: PMC7499583https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32880654/

When not in lab, I volunteer at the Humane Society for Huron Valley as a dog walker, humane educator, and in puppy intake.  I am also a budding acrobat and take classes in trapeze and aerial silks at the Ann Arbor Aviary. On weekends I enjoy going to Michigan's beautiful lakes and hanging out with my dog, Duke.