Helen Rich, Ph.D.

Research Fellow, Internal Medicine - Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Biography

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.

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