Lyndsay Avery Assistant Professor of Biology
Bio
Penn-PORT Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
PhD in Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)
BS in Biology, Utica College (Utica, NY)
Areas of Expertise
Immunology, Cell biology, Infectious diseases
Courses I Teach:
- Cell Biology
- Biological Communications
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Introductory Cell Biology and Genetics
I aim to create life-long learners by awaking curiosity in students. I am especially committed to establishing critical research skills for all students in order to support a more diverse STEM workforce.
Research
T cells are a key component of the immune system, protecting the body from pathogenic organisms. Defects in T cell function lead to immunodeficiency disorders that can be characterized by recurring infections and development of tumors, often resulting in death. One such disease is X-linked moesin-associated immunodeficiency (X-MAID). This is a devastating disease caused by a single point mutation in the cytoskeletal protein, moesin. Cytoskeletal proteins are structural elements that guide the movement of other proteins and control cell migration. Cell migration is essential for proper immune cell development. My research thus far has indicated that X-MAID patients have a defect in the development of lymphocytes, beginning in the bone marrow. Therefore, I aim to understand how the mutation is affecting immune cell development and investigate possible therapeutic approaches.
Recent News
Lyndsay Avery of the biology faculty accompanied two Saint Michael’s biology majors, Ava Albis ’23 and Olivia Stebbins ’24, when the students presented their research at the American Society for Cell Biology meeting in Washington, DC in November. In Lyndsay’s lab, Ava and Olivia study the effects of a mutation seen in patients with severe immunodeficiency.
(posted February 2023)