Naomi Bryant, PhD, and Liam Fitzsimmons, PhD, are the two first postdoctoral researchers to receive the CIC’s new Immunology Innovation Awards. These awards recognize the brightest up-and-coming scientists across Immunology and aids in recruiting them to the Center. Bryant was recruited by Loren Erickson, PhD, after she finished her Doctorate in Microbiology at UVA in 2025. Fitzsimmons was recruited by Sarah Ewald, PhD, and received a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Colorado Denver.
Bryant and Erickson will investigate alpha-gal syndrome, a unique allergic condition that can develop following a tick bite. People with alpha-gal sensitivity can experience allergic reactions to foods such as beef, eggs, and milk. Erickson and his collaborators have also linked alpha-gal sensitivity to cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Bryant plans to continue her career in biomedical research, bridging fundamental immunology and its application to human health. The Immunology Innovation Fellowship allows her to remain at UVA, join the CIC, and continue developing as an independent scientist – all while significantly advancing Erickson’s research program. Trained in human immunology, Bryant strengthens a growing area of focus in the Erickson Lab. Her expertise will enhance the team’s human sample collection and processing efforts, bring advanced biostatistical approaches to their analyses, and drive the incorporation of imaging mass cytometry for spatial proteomics analysis of the immune response to tick bites in skin. Little is known on how a tick bite can lead to the development of alpha-gal syndrome, so anything gained from Bryants’ work will greatly advance the field. “This project is extremely complex – technically, analytically, and logistically,” says Erickson. “Naomi brings strengths in all three areas. There’s no way I’d be able to do this without her”.
In turn, Erickson is providing Bryant with opportunities to expand her technical skill set, gain experience in mentoring, and build the foundation for an independent research career. Having focused on T cell immunology in her doctoral training, Bryant will now broaden her expertise to encompass other components of the immune system through her work on the alpha-gal project. “Through the Immunology Innovation Award, I have been given the opportunity to explore new areas of scientific research which leverage cutting edge technologies” says Bryant.
Fitzsimmons and Ewald are studying Toxoplasmosa gondii, a parasite that infects humans and causes chronic infections that last a lifetime. Ewald and coworkers have previously shown that nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) plays an important role in controlling and clearing T. gondii infections. Fitzsimmons is an expert in how iNOS and nitric oxide can control bacterial infections, like Salmonella and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. His experience has allowed him to make an immediate positive impact in the lab. “For 30 years, we have known that nitric oxide shapes parasite biology,” Fitzsimmons explains. “No one knows how or why. Sarah’s and my expertise will allow us to answer those questions.”
“Liam is the one of the strongest postdocs my lab has seen,” says Ewald. “This award recognizes his excellence and will support his future grant and career opportunities.” Fitzsimmons looks forward to a career as an independent researcher and is using his time in the Ewald lab as an opportunity to build the skills he needs for his next career stage. He identifies factors including an independent research environment, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive mentor as making the Ewald lab an ideal fit.
Immunology Innovation Awards are available for postdocs mentored by CIC resident or advisory committee members on a rolling basis. Interested parties should contact Justin Taylor, PhD, for more information.