Corbett Lab
We are a diverse team at the forefront of viral immunology, molecular virology, and protein engineering. Together, we use our expertise to inform vaccine development and therapeutic antibody discovery, particularly focused on pandemic preparedness.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
651 Huntington Avenue
Building 2, Room 425
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
Meet Our Team
Kizzmekia S Corbett-Helaire
Dr. Corbett uses her viral immunology expertise to propel novel vaccine development for pandemic preparedness, including mRNA-1273, a leading vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine concept incorporated in mRNA-1273 was designed by Dr. Corbett’s NIH team from viral sequence and rapidly deployed to industry partner, Moderna, Inc., for Phase 1 clinical trial, which unprecedently began only 66 days from viral sequence release. mRNA-1273 was shown to be 94.1% effective in Phase 3 trial and is authorized for use in multiple countries. Alongside mRNA-1273, Dr. Corbett boasts a patent portfolio which also includes universal coronavirus and influenza vaccine concepts and novel therapeutic antibodies. In all, she has over 15 years of experience studying dengue virus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, and coronaviruses, garnering several prestigious awards, such as the Benjamin Franklin Next Gen Award and the Salzman Memorial Award in Virology. Combining her research goals with her knack for mentorship, Dr. Corbett invests much of her time in underserved communities as an advocator of STEM education and vaccine awareness.
I want my lab to feel like a family where everyone has each other’s back – there are older siblings and younger siblings, but each person has a specific position that is essential.
Kizzmekia S. Corbett-Helaire
Postdoctoral Fellows
Christian Dzuvor is a researcher whose journey has transitioned from chemical and bioengineering to microbiology, viral immunology, and vaccinology. As a Postdoctoral Fellow within the Corbett lab, Christian leverages expertise in viral immunology, protein engineering, and nanotechnology. Their work focuses on developing innovative universal vaccines and antibody therapeutics to combat coronaviruses and other emerging viruses with pandemic potential, contributing to preparedness efforts at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases.
Students
Lab and Research Staff
How to join the Lab
We are often looking for new Corbett Lab members, if you are interested in joining our lab family, please email your CV to Kizzmekia at kizzmekia_corbett@hsph.harvard.edu.
Common positions include: Staff Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Assistant, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Summer Intern.