Kelsey Vinzant

The lone mid-westerner, Kelsey joined the Herold lab as a PhD student in 2021 after graduating from Fordham University with degrees in biology and philosophy. As an undergraduate at Fordham she developed a fascination with viruses, vaccine development, and immune cell (mis)regulation while studying the transcriptional regulation of human papillomavirus (HPV)

Kelsey’s work in the Herold Lab is part of our ongoing efforts to develop novel therapeutics to treat and prevent HSV-2 infection. As part of these efforts she is working to better characterize the process of HSV entry into target cells by better defining the molecular interactions that occur at the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. In parallel with this work, she is conducting studies to define the role of HVEM signaling pathways in mediating antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).

When she’s not in lab, she can be found on a run in Central Park, enjoying a hike somewhere scenic, or exploring the city.