

Lavanya Visvabhar
Dr. Lavanya Visvabharathy is a thought leader in the field of neurology, with a specialized focus on the immunology of infectious diseases. As a Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University, she has dedicated her career to understanding the complex interactions between pathogens and the immune system, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work has been pivotal in advancing our knowledge of how the immune system responds to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Dr. Visvabharathy earned her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she honed her expertise in infectious diseases. Her research is characterized by a deep commitment to unraveling the mechanisms of immune response and the potential implications of autoimmunity in the progression and severity of COVID-19. Through her studies, she has contributed significantly to the scientific community's understanding of these critical issues. Her scholarly contributions include numerous publications that explore the nuances of immune response to SARS-CoV-2. These works have been instrumental in shedding light on the potential role of autoimmunity in COVID-19, offering insights that could inform future therapeutic strategies. Dr. Visvabharathy's research not only addresses immediate public health concerns but also lays the groundwork for long-term advancements in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. In addition to her research, Dr. Visvabharathy is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of scientists. She is passionate about fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment, encouraging her students and colleagues to push the boundaries of current scientific knowledge. Her dedication to both research and education makes her a respected figure in the field of neurology and immunology.