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.
651 Huntington Avenue
Building 2, Room 425
Boston, MA, 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
Jonathan’s research interests as a postdoctoral fellow include virology, flow virometry and novel vaccine designs.
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.
Jeswin Joseph is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Corbett lab, where he focuses on understanding the antigenic landscape of endemic coronaviruses. His research aims to provide insights into viral entry and pathogenesis, which could enhance preparedness for endemic coronaviruses and contribute to the development of effective vaccine candidates. Outside of the lab, Jeswin enjoys playing badminton, cooking, and gathering with friends.
Dilshan has a background in basic immunology, specializing in vaccinology. He recently completed his PhD at Duke University. Originally from Sri Lanka, he has advocated for health equity, focusing on vulnerable communities, including those affected by HIV. His long-term goal is to study how social determinants of health impact immune responses, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce health disparities.
Outside of work, Dilshan enjoys CrossFit, running, hiking, and cheering for the Duke Blue Devils – obviously the best team.
Students
Connor is pursuing a PhD in virology as a graduate student at the Harvard Medical School-Division of Medical sciences. His research in Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire’s laboratory investigates the roles glycans play in endemic coronavirus and viral infection and the immune response to endemic coronavirus infection.
As a PhD student in Harvard’s Biological Sciences in Public Health program, Megan is interested in infectious diseases, public health, and science communication. Her research in Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire’s lab includes using Python, cell culture, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
Hannah is a graduate student in the Harvard Biological Sciences in Public Health program, co-mentored by Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire and Dr. Jose Ordovas-Montanes. Hannah is broadly interested in the regulators of entry and transmission of common respiratory viruses and how these viruses disrupt airway homeostasis. Outside of the lab, she enjoys attending concerts, running, and watching college basketball.
Lab and Research Staff
Fidan Baycora serves as a faculty staff assistant for Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire and her lab. In this role, she manages faculty calendars, arranges travel logistics, and completes expense reports. Beyond her core tasks, Fidan eagerly fulfills additional administrative roles as required of her.
Catherine Hammond is a research technician in the lab of Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire working primarily with Dr. Jeswin Joseph to determine the antigenicity of endemic coronaviruses. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2023 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Science, Technology, & Values. She has experience in a number of labs ranging from internships in the melanoma lab of Dr. Ashani Weeraratna at Johns Hopkins University and the vascular disease and protein receptor lab of Dr. Dudley Strickland at the University of Maryland. As well as throughout college in the mosquito photoreceptor genetics lab of Dr. Joseph O’Tousa and the ovarian cancer lab of Dr. M. Sharon Stack at the Harper Cancer Research Institute. She has enjoyed her research over the past year in the Corbett Lab to further the mission of pandemic preparedness and plans to attend graduate school in the fall of 2026.
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.