The Laboratory of
HIV Immunopathogenesis
and Emerging Pathogens

Alina graduated from the Univeristy of Hawaiʻi in 2013 with a BS in Biology. During her undergrad, Alina worked with Dr. Alan Lau at the Cancer Research Center of Hawaiʻi studying endoplasmic-reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD) of connexin in cancer. Alina also worked in Dr. Steven Robinowʻs lab studying the nuclear receptor UNFULFILLED (UNF) in mushroom body neurodevelopment in Drophila melanogaster. Following graduation, Alina entered the Cell and Molecular PhD program under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Corley. Her PhD work focused on the role of immunometabolism and epigenetics in Type 2 Diabetes of local communities in Hawaiʻi. She also participated in other community based research projects with Dr. Ryan Lee, researching ketogenic diet therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and epilepsy in children, and with Dr. Lishomwa Ndhlovu, studying the gut microbiome and immune cell metabolism in HIV-infected individuals on antiretrovial therapy.

Research Interest: Epigenetics, DNA methylation, Immunometabolism, NGS, Diabetes, HIV, Infectious Disease.

Awards/Accolades:

• Recipient, Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Kai Bowden Award in Medicine (2019)

  • Department of Cell and Molecular Biology

  • Mentor: Michael J. Corley, PhD

Fun Fact: Alina enjoys travelling and trying new foods, especially sweets. Sheʻs looking forward to trying all the desserts New York has to offer. She also likes to spend time with her family and friends in Hawaiʻi and in northern Thailand, where she volunteers at a childrenʻs home.

Hometown: Kalihi, HI
 

B.S., Biology – University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (2013)

Ph.D., Cell and Molecular Biology – University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (2020)