Dr. Velpandi Ayyavoo
Principal Investigator
Dr. Ayyavoo leads the lab with a focus on HIV pathogenesis in the central nervous system. His work combines molecular virology and neuroscience to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Roberta Souza Dos
Postdoctoral Researcher
I am driven by a long-standing fascination with how pathogens hijack and reshape cellular processes causing diseases, particularly within the central nervous system. At the University of Pittsburgh, my PhD research focused on how HIV disrupts synaptic integrity, specifically the neurogranin dysregulation in the brains of PWH. Under Dr. Ayyavoo’s mentorship, I established cutting-edge human brain organoid models to study HIV-associated neuropathogenesis in vitro. Now, as a postdoctoral researcher, I use these models to investigate neuroimmune interactions underlying dementia, bridging virology, neuroscience and neuroimmunology. This integrative approach let to my selection as an Alzheimer’s Association awardee (2023-2026). Outside the lab, I enjoy road tripping with my family and attending musicals and concerts around Pittsburgh.
Sathish Selvam
Postdoctoral Researcher
I completed my Ph.D in Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, India. My current research focuses on understanding mechanism of HIV-1 latency using hiPSC-derived brain organoid models to study neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier interaction.
Indea Stroeve Rogers
Ph.D. student
I grew up in a small town called Nederland in Colorado and completed my MS in Public Health Microbiology and Emerging Infectious Diseases from the George Washington University. There I studied parasitic infections, specifically hookworm and trypanosomes, and aim to understand infectious diseases through a One Health approach. I enjoy climbing mountains or really anything that gets you outside, climbing, rafting etc. as well as traveling and trying new foods. A fun fact is that I have hiked up to just under 23,000 ft!
Marc C.E. Wagner
Staff Researcher/Lab Manager
University of Pittsburgh Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, AIDS Cure Research Collaborative, I4C (Immunotherapy for an HIV Cure- Martin Delaney Collaboratories) , National CAB member of the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS), CAB member for the Pitt Men’s Study, AIDS Free Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Clinical Research Site (CRS) and Shepherd Wellness Community. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh but have lived in Philadelphia while working at the University of Pennsylvania. My journey started early on as I acquired HIV between my first study visit in 1984 and my second visit in 1985. I have now lived much longer with HIV than without it. This has offered me a breath of experience of the impact the disease holds on those living with HIV. I now find myself working on how HIV impacts the human brain. I work on a variety of HIV basic science and cure related organizations. Beyond science I enjoy gardening with a passion for everything related to frogs. I even created an oasis for them in my backyard. You can take a glimps of it at Marc’s Amazing Backyard (I https://sites.google.com/site/marcsamazingbackyard ) I also enjoy spending time with good friends making meaningful memories together.
Beatriz Moreira Rodrigues
PhD Student
I’m a PhD student visiting from Brazil. My research focuses on the interaction between latent HIV and SARS-CoV-2 in the brain, using human microglia and organoid models.Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, walking in parks, reading, cooking, learning new things, traveling, going to concerts, and visiting museums. Passionate about science, technology, and communication, I believe in the positive impact of integrating these fields to improve people’s lives and build a more sustainable future
Rishi Krishnakumar
Undergraduate Student
I’m a freshman pursuing a major in Molecular Biology with plans to attend medical school. Outside of academics, I enjoy weightlifting, playing football, and spending time with friends.
Grant West
Undergraduate Student
I'm a senior Biological Sciences student from Butler, PA, and plan to pursue a PhD in Infectious Diseases at the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of lab, I love channeling my energy into rugby, wakeboarding, and hiking with my four Labradors: Una, Margot, Rosa, and Georgie.