Kelsey Vinzant, MS

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 and HIV-1 infection. As part of these efforts she is working to characterize the effects of novel cell-impermeable kinase inhibitors on cells and viral infection. 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.