Clinical and Research Background
Dr. O’Connor’s research program is dedicated to investigating viral infections and co-infections, with a particular emphasis on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Her work centers on understanding co-infections in people living with HIV, focusing on four key areas: 1) assessing the risks associated with co-infection, 2) identifying immune responses and novel immune pathways linked to disease pathogenesis, 3) examining alterations in the host microbiome and their impact on disease progression, and 4) utilizing pre-clinical models to test potential vaccines and therapeutics for individuals living with HIV. Through this comprehensive approach, Dr. O’Connor aims to enhance our understanding of viral dynamics and immune interactions, ultimately guiding the development of more effective treatments and prevention strategies.
Research Interests
Immunology, HV/AIDS, virology, vaccines, microbiome
Academic and Medical Appointments
Assistant Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2025-present
Core Scientist, Infectious Disease and Translational Medicine (IDTM) Division, Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC), Seattle, WA, 2021-present
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2021-2025
Education and Training
Postdoctoral Fellow, Lab of Deborah Fuller, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2016-2021
PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NIH 2010-2015
BA in Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 2003-2007
Publications
PubMed Collection View on Google Scholar
Latest publications from PubMed