Diana Vera Cruz
Research Scientist
205 Erman Hall
1103 E 57th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
Dr. Vera Cruz is now an alumna of the Cobey lab. Below is an archived description.
During my Ph.D. studies, I focused on understanding the interaction between virus and host using tools from population genetics and phylogenetics. I studied viral evolution and selection imposed on viral populations by the immune system. I now aim to explore the other side of the coin and investigate the role of an individual's immune history and corresponding antibody repertoire dynamics. My interests include the effect of a host's immune history in infection outcome, the impact of recurrent infections and repeated vaccination in the antibody repertoire, and the differences in the immune response mounted after natural infection and vaccination.