Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
My research defines human immune cell states relevant to aging, disease risk, and immune competence. I combine high-dimensional spectral flow cytometry with single-cell multi-omics to map functional immune populations across the human lifespan. By integrating surface phenotypes with transcriptional and epigenetic profiles, I translate complex single-cell discoveries into measurable, clinically applicable biomarkers. A major goal is to identify T-cell subsets that differ in persistence, cytotoxic capacity, and functional resilience, and to determine how these properties change with age and predict vaccine responsiveness and susceptibility to infection or immune-mediated disease. Defining these functional T-cell states may also inform selection of optimal input populations for future CAR-T cell manufacturing instead of bulk T cells. I develop standardized cytometry strategies that enable reproducible measurement of clinically relevant immune states in patient samples. Ultimately, my work bridges discovery immunology and clinical application by supporting patient stratification, immune monitoring, and strategies to promote healthy immune aging.