Diego Prado, PhD

Autoimmune research in the lab of Lori Covey

Graduate student in the Covey lab investigating the role of post-transcriptional control of CD40L in the development of B cell memory and autoimmunity. In my dissertation work, I used mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus and general autoimmunity to dissect the role of CD4 help in the development and progression of disease. In the course of my studies I: - Managed our mouse colony, including breeding, weaning, daily animal care and symptomatic treatment, and procuring tissue samples. - Developed complex flow cytometric panels for analysis of T and B cell populations - Analyzed tissues by histological assays with fluorescent microscopy - Mentored 13 undergraduate students in lab techniques, data analysis, approaches to understanding scientific literature, and writing and presenting research data. I mentored 4 students through their undergraduate honors theses - Managed lab supplies and other on-going projects in collaboration with other lab members