Robin Stephens, MS, Ph.D.

Overview
Dr. Stephens grew up in Washington Heights in New York City and finished High School in Chicago before coming back for college at Cornell University and a Master’s at NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Stephens’ PhD in Immunology from Washington University, St. Louis was awarded for studies of Th1 and Th2 cell cooperation leading to asthma exacerbations, for example after viral infection. Postdoctoral studies at the National Institute for Medical Research in Mill Hill, London, UK, in the laboratory of Jean Langhorne, a pioneer of malaria immunology and pathology in animal models, led to the finding that in prolonged infection, Th1 responses can persist in a protective state. The overarching goal of the Stephenslab, founded initially in 2010 at the University of Texas Medical Branch, is to contribute to greater understanding of immunity to malaria and COVID-19 by defining mechanisms of adaptive immunity and pathology. There are 2 major themes in the lab: i) T cell activation, function and memory differentiation, including B cell help, cytokine production and immunometabolism, in malaria; and ii) mechanisms of inflammation and regulation of immunopathology in cerebral malaria and now in COVID-19. The lab largely uses in vivo approaches in animal models, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry to understand translationally relevant mechanisms of immunity and disease progression. We strive to maintain a vibrant, cooperative and inclusive scientific environment, with a strong focus on mentoring. Major recent findings being followed up now in the lab include: a chronic vaccine that prolongs malaria immunity; a critical role for microglia in protection from cerebral malaria; a role for eicosanoids in effector memory T cell formation; a role for Th2 cytokines in the regulation of COVID-19 (maSARS-CoV-2) lung pathology; a balance of cytokine production (IL-21, IFN-gamma) regulating CD4 T cells’ role in antibody production and parasite killing.

Education
PHD, 2001, Washington University
MA, 1997, New York University
BA, 1993, Cornell University