Helen Rich completed their undergraduate education at Oberlin College in 2014, and received their Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Program in Microbiology & Immunology in 2019 working with Dr. John Alcorn. Their thesis work focused on the role of type III interferon (interferon lambda) in influenza/bacterial coinfection, and broad interests include host-pathogen immunology at mucosal surfaces. Outside of lab, Helen enjoys board games, video games, and tabletop RPGs, and outdoor activities including kayaking and camping--but mostly you can find them at home with their cat Leo.
Biography
Research Interests
Host-pathogen immunology in the lung, focusing on influenza/bacterial and RSV/bacterial coinfection
Techniques
Mouse models, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, ELISA, mammalian cell culture
Awards
Michigan Postdoctoral Pioneer Program Awardee, 2021-2024