Christa Osuna

Cellular immunologist with 15 years of experience performing functional immunology assays. Extensive experience evaluating immunomodulators (small molecules and biologics) in non human primate (NHP) infectious disease models and development of ex vivo companion assays. Start-up experience developing in vitro assays and in vivo mouse models for multiple cell therapy platforms. Five years of leading small research groups to meet ambitious project timelines while fostering career growth of all mentees.

Cellular immunologist with 15 years of experience performing functional immunology assays. Extensive experience evaluating immunomodulators (small molecules and biologics) in non human primate (NHP) infectious disease models and development of ex vivo companion assays. Start-up experience developing in vitro assays and in vivo mouse models for multiple cell therapy platforms. Five years of leading small research groups to meet ambitious project timelines while fostering career growth of all mentees.

Harvard Medical School, Boston MA                                                                                                  

Ph.D., Immunology, 2006-2012

Advisor: Dr. Norman L. Letvin (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Division of Viral Pathogenesis) 

• Perform T-cell functional assays (immunophenotyping, 51Cr release, CFSE, ICS), demonstrating qualitative differences between SIV-specific CD8+ T cells from NHPs.
• Utilize surface plasmon resonance to measure ex vivo peptide-MHC:TCR affinities of virus-specific CD8+ T cells, demonstrating an association of epitope dominance with TCR affinity.
• Utilize ex vivo cell sorting and mRNA expression profiling to confirm functional differences among across SIV-specific CD8+ T cell populations. 
• Construct MHC class I monomers and tetramers for biochemical and immunological assays.

Harvard School of Public Health, Boston MA                                                                        

M.P.H., Quantitative Methods, 2012-2013

University of California Irvine, Irvine CA                                                                               

B.S., Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, 2002-2006