Joel Crespo
e-mail address: jlcrespo@umich.edu

Mentor: Weiping Zou, MD, PhD

Research Description

Naïve T cells are thought to be quiescent cells with no active functional characteristics. Upon recognition of their cognate antigens naïve T cells differentiate into an effector/memory functional phenotype and mount an immune response. Current studies are to define the factors which control the effective differentiation and maturation of naïve T cells as well as understand their immunological fate and function. Our research goals are to understand what maintains the naïve state of T cells and determine whether naïve T cells play an active role in functionally shaping the immune response.

Awards

Eli Lilly Scholar Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Leadership Alliance Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Program-MHIRT

Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (MBRS- RISE)