Blair DeBuysscher

Dr. Blair DeBuysscher is an esteemed Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Montana, where she is also affiliated with the Center for Translational Medicine. Her academic journey began with a Ph.D. from the University of Montana, conducted in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH. During her doctoral studies, she delved deeply into the realms of virology and vaccine design, laying a strong foundation for her future research endeavors. Dr. DeBuysscher's research is primarily centered on the intricate dynamics between host and pathogen, particularly in the context of vaccination and infection. Her work is distinguished by a keen focus on the adaptive immune response, with a special emphasis on B cell characterization. She employs advanced antigen-specific B cell enrichment techniques to identify and isolate B cells that are specific to proteins found in subunit vaccines. This approach allows her to assess the health and robustness of B cell populations and to investigate the impact of various adjuvants on these populations. In her innovative research, Dr. DeBuysscher combines antigen-specific B cell enrichment with single-cell sorting and sequencing. This powerful combination enables her to gain deeper insights into how novel adjuvants influence the downstream adaptive immune response. Her goal is to develop an "adjuvant fingerprint," a tool that can be used to select the most effective adjuvant for future vaccines, thereby enhancing vaccine efficacy and safety. Dr. DeBuysscher's contributions to the field of immunology and vaccine design are significant, as she continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of the immune system's response to vaccination. Her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also holds promise for the development of more effective vaccines, which could have a profound impact on public health. In addition to her research, Dr. DeBuysscher is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists. She actively engages with students and colleagues, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. Her dedication to both research and education makes her a valuable asset to the University of Montana and the broader scientific community.