Principal Investigator

Caitlin was born, raised and attended undergrad in Boulder, Colorado. She completed her PhD at UCSF in Biochemistry and Structural Biology and transitioned to studying viruses during her postdoc at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. Outside of the lab, she loves dance, exploring nature, and creative writing.

cstod@pitt.edu

Lab Manager 2025-present

Rebecca is from Georgia and attended undergrad there, which is where she discovered her love for virology. She completed her PhD at UW-Madison in Cellular and Molecular Pathology studying human tumor viruses, then transitioned to Boston where she worked with viral vectors as a Scientist at Addgene. She realized she loved academia and viruses so much that she made her way to Pittsburgh to continue the dream. Outside of the lab, she loves gardening, Latin dancing, and reading.

Postdoctoral Associate 2026-present

Zac is originally from Kansas City, Missouri and received both his bachelor’s and master’s degree at Missouri State University. He recently completed his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh studying viral-host interactions of the HIV capsid. Outside the lab, he likes to hike, play volleyball, and explore the back roads on his motorcycle.