Adam is a graduate student trainee in the IGP program. Adam earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Vermont in 2017. He then spent several years working as a research technician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Prior to entering the IGP program he worked at a biotechnology company focused on manufacturing blood cell therapies.  

Beatriz is a sophomore at Vanderbilt majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Spanish for the Professions. She is passionate about providing equitable healthcare access to racial and ethnic minorities and plans on attending medical school after obtaining her undergraduate degree. Beatriz is a Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholar and 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and hanging out with dogs! 

A native of Tennessee, Matt graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and was Lead Researcher for the MTSU Engineering Department Chair from 2006-2008. Matt joined Vanderbilt Antibody & Protein Resource Lab in 2008 as Core Research Assistant, specializing in cloning, protein expression, and protein purification. During his tenure with VAPR, Matt conducted presentations supporting the lab and co-authored several scientific publications. Matt was instrumental in developing and piloting new biotechnologies over the next decade to further the advancement of VAPR. 

In 2018, Matt joined the Crowe Vaccine Lab as a Senior Research Specialist, continuing his specialized skills in cloning, protein expression, and protein purification for iCORE. Matt transitioned to Tecan-US in 2019, combining his scientific knowledge with his technological skills. As the Field Service Applications Specialist for Southeastern US, Matt was responsible for implementing a wide variety of biological assays for use on Tecan laboratory automation equipment, including developing and installing scripts and novel approaches to instrument and software usage. Eager to return to his scientific research roots, Matt rejoined Vanderbilt and the Crowe Vaccine Center in 2024, bringing his considerable knowledge and experience with science and technology to the Vaccine Center, where he will continue contributing to antibody discovery as a Senior Research Specialist.

Savannah graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023 with majors in Biological Sciences and Anthropology. She earned my Master's degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology in 2024. She is a PhD student in PMI and will be working with Dr. Van Schaik and Dr. Crowe on examining health over time with specific interests in osteoimmunology and paleopathology. 

Antonious Mikaeel is a research intern originally from Hermitage, Tennessee. He is currently an undergraduate at Lipscomb University studying Biochemistry and Biomedical Physics on a pre-med track. Outside of the lab and school, he enjoys fishing and playing basketball. 

Rainelli is a student intern in the Crowe Lab originally from Murfreesboro Tennessee. He is currently an undergraduate at Vanderbilt University majoring in biochemistry on the pre-med track. Rainelli has gained healthcare experience through his time interning in doctor's offices and shadowing at hospitals. His main interests are within infectious diseases and oncology. In his free time, he loves to run, hike, rock climb, and cycle. Rainelli currently plans on pursuing an MD in either immunology or oncology. 

Tia earned her Bachelor's degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Western Kentucky University (WKU), where she later obtained her Master's degree in Biology with a focus on molecular genetics. She began her research career at WKU as a lab manager in the Genetics lab, working with lepidoptera and drosophila. There, she mentored undergraduates and taught the genetics lab course.

In 2009, Tia joined the DNA Core Lab at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), the precursor to VANTAGE, under Cara Sutcliffe's leadership. At VANTAGE, she managed DNA extractions, special projects for PIs, RNA extractions, and library preps for Illumina Next Gen Sequencing. She also participated in the BioVU project and completed the VPRAD program to learn more about research administration.

In 2018, Tia moved to Dr. Mark Denison’s lab as a Senior Research Specialist to work on coronavirus research. She tested Murine Hepatitis Virus (MHV) drug sensitivities and assisted with the Moderna phase I trials, evaluating the vaccine's efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. She procured liquid handling robotics to improve experimental consistency and increased sample throughput for drug sensitivity assays. 

Recently, Tia has joined the Crowe lab as a Project Manager, where she aims to develop her administrative skills and support the lab's research initiatives.

Stacey Herman has 11 years of experience in a hospital setting both in a military hospital as a Pharmacy Journeyman and as a civilian Business Manager. Most recently she was with Texas A&M University as a Business Administrator. She is motivated by learning new things and enjoys the day-to-day challenges of making processes and procedures run smoothly so faculty may focus on their important work. Her goal is to assist however she can with providing support to the team to help them succeed.

Mark Menghini earned a B.S. in Molecular Biology and Physiology as well as a minor in Neuroscience from the University of Wyoming. After graduation in 2020, he was recruited by the Wyoming Department of Health where he worked at the state public health laboratory on the COVID-19 Surge Team. He then earned a M.S. in Molecular Biology from the University of Wyoming in 2022 with a focus in virology and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Vanderbilt University.

Luiz Minardi is an Associate Financial Analyst for the VUMC Vaccine Center with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Luiz brings his passion for finance to support VUMC’s research initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on the world. With his free time, Luiz enjoys being outdoors and watching soccer, and with a deep love for learning, Luiz seeks to further his education in the financial field to strengthen his contributions to the Vaccine Center.