Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health

08/05/2026

CVD Spotlight: Casey Leyva, MPA

Casey is a Program Manager and a valued member of the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development & Global Health.

Casey plays an essential role in maintaining the programmatic integrity of the Center’s NIAID-funded Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit (VTEU) Grant, the foundation of CVD's clinical vaccine research program for more than 50 years. Managing a portfolio of this size, complexity, and significance requires exceptional organization, communication, and leadership, qualities that Casey demonstrates every day.

In addition to overseeing key aspects of the VTEU program, Casey manages a portfolio of large, complex international studies conducted by CVD investigators across Africa and Asia.

Casey's ability to bring together stakeholders across institutions, countries, and disciplines ensures that important vaccine research continues to advance efficiently and effectively. Her dedication and expertise help support studies that have the potential to improve health outcomes for communities around the world.

Thank you, Casey, for your leadership, partnership, and commitment to advancing global vaccine research.

08/05/2026

🎉 CVD is proud to announce the promotion of Megan McGilvray to Director of Clinical Operations and Compliance.

Megan’s leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on our organization. She has been instrumental in strengthening clinical operations, supporting high-quality research, and ensuring the highest standards of compliance across our programs.

Please join us in congratulating Megan on this well-deserved promotion. We appreciate her dedication and look forward to seeing her continued contributions in this expanded leadership role.

08/04/2026

08/04/2026

What happens when you bring future scientists into the workplace?

At the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health's Bring Your Child to Work Day, our youngest visitors got a behind-the-scenes look at the science happening every day across our Center.

From slime-filled lessons about macrophages and hands-on experiments demonstrating the scientific method to lab tours, live mosquitoes, and even a mini clinical trial demonstration, the day was packed with curiosity, learning, and fun.

Most importantly, our team had the opportunity to share their passion for science with the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers who helped make the day unforgettable.

Here's to inspiring tomorrow's scientists, one experiment at a time!

07/09/2026

We are excited to announce that Matt Laurens, MD, MPH, has been appointed Associate Director for Clinical Research at CVD, effective July 1, 2026.

Dr. Laurens brings exceptional leadership, scientific expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing clinical research. In this role, he will build on the strong foundation of our clinical research program and help drive its continued growth, innovation, and impact.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to Karen Kotloff, MD, for her years of dedicated leadership and invaluable contributions to CVD's clinical research enterprise. Her vision, mentorship, and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the program and advancing its success.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Laurens on this well-deserved appointment and thanking Dr. Kotloff for her outstanding service and leadership.

06/24/2026

CVD Spotlight: Christina Manoto, MBA

Christina Manoto is a Senior Financial & Budget Analyst and valued member of the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health.

Chris has been a strong champion for several key initiatives within the CVD Administrative Team, including streamlining procurement card processes, trial participant payment processing, and travel and purchasing workflows. Her efforts have improved efficiency and strengthened operational consistency across these areas.

Chris consistently goes above and beyond expectations in her work. Most recently, she has taken the initiative to develop and implement an enhanced expense authorization form, an effort that will strengthen transparency and accountability across CVD.

Drawing on her extensive experience within the university, Chris brings a deep understanding of institutional policies and procedures. She consistently applies this knowledge to ensure compliance while supporting the team in navigating complex administrative requirements with confidence.

Chris is a great friend and collaborative team player who is always willing to educate, guide, and assist her colleagues, contributing to a supportive and well-informed work environment.

Thank you, Chris, for your dedication, initiative, and the meaningful impact you continue to make across the Center.

06/17/2026

Stayin' alive with science!
Join a study using wearable devices to detect malaria symptoms.
Looking for interested adults 18-50 years old.
Compensation may be up to $2715 for qualified volunteers.
Learn more: www.CVDTrials.org/InfectionDetection

06/15/2026

News from University of Maryland School of Medicine’s CVD!

University of Maryland, Baltimore launched a strategic investment initiative, committing up to $33 million to support innovative research and strengthen the university's scientific enterprise.

Through a highly competitive review process, three CVD-led initiatives were selected, securing $2.2 million in funding to tackle urgent global and local public health challenges:
•“Evolution of Dengue Virus in Response to Host Factors, Climate Drivers and Vector Kinetics,” led by Kirsten Lyke, MD, Professor of Medicine
•“Maryland Respiratory Pathogen Project: A New Platform for Respiratory Disease Research,” led by Justin Ortiz, MD, MS, Professor of Medicine
•“Unraveling Maternal Milk Bolstering of Infant Gut Health (UMBIGH),” led by Marcela Pasetti, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics

These projects exemplify the power of cross-disciplinary
collaboration and innovation—addressing infectious diseases both in Maryland and around the world.

Read more: https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/faculty/gettoknow/archive/2026-faculty-news/three-cvd-researchers-receive-pivot-awards-from-umb.html

In light of changing Federal funding priorities, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) created a Pivot Strategic Investment Initiative, committing up to $33 million in research support to strengthen the institution’s resilience. The funds will be distributed across the university. With the m...

06/10/2026

CVD Spotlight: Jose Lemme, PhD

Dr. Jose Lemme is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and a valued member of the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Vaccine Development & Global Health.

He has pioneered the development of human immune organoid models, which are innovative tissue culture models that are transforming our understanding of mucosal immunity and human health. Dr. Lemme’s research focuses on two key areas:

• Mucosal immune development and responses to infectious and commensal microorganisms
•Host-pathogen interaction in the gut and immunity to diarrheal pathogens

His work is helping to inform public health interventions and advance the fields of tissue engineering, immunology, infectious diseases, and vaccinology.

Recently, Dr. Lemme was awarded an R21 grant from to study Bordetella pertussis infection and immunity in human nasal organoids.

He is known among mentors, mentees, and collaborators for the rigor, innovation, and excellence of his research. Dr. Lemme also stands out for his commitment and collaborative approach.

Thank you, Dr. Lemme, for your outstanding contributions to CVD!

06/09/2026

Exciting new research from CVD!

New research published today in highlights encouraging results from a clinical trial evaluating a dual-target vaccine for Lassa fever and rabies called LASSARAB.

“This vaccine is designed to protect against two viruses of global health importance,” said study principal investigator Justin Ortiz, MD, MS, Professor of Medicine. “By combining targets into a single product, it could reduce the need for separate vaccination efforts and streamline delivery in settings where access is limited.”

This first-in-human study of the LASSARAB vaccine found it to be safe and capable of generating antibody responses against both viruses.

LASSARAB was developed by a research team led by Mathias Schnell, Director of the Jefferson Center for Vaccines and Pandemic Preparedness.

Congratulations to the entire team on this important milestone!
Read more: https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/cvd/news-and-events/cvd-news/first-in-human-clinical-trial-shows-promising-results-for-new-lassa-fever-vaccine.html

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) reported encouraging results from an early clinical trial that tested a new dual vaccine against Lassa fever and rabies. The study, published today in the journal Nature Medicine,...