Lab Members

Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen, PhD, is an associate professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. His research focuses on how glycosylation and host-virus interactions shape immune responses, inflammation and premature aging.

Before joining Northwestern, Mohamed was an associate professor at The Wistar Institute from March 2017 to August 2024. He completed his PhD and postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Blood Systems Research Institute, where he was later appointed research scientist.

Earlier in his career, he served as a virologist for the World Health Organization Regional Reference Laboratory for poliovirus in Egypt, his home country. Outside the lab, Mohamed enjoys nature, gardening and reading history. 

Amanda Pires Bonfanti Andrade, PhD, is a biomedical scientist with a Master's and PhD in Applied Immunology (UNICAMP, 2024, Brazil). She has international research experience at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, and over 10 years of experience in academic research focused on immunology, cell and molecular biology.

She is skilled in designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies, with expertise in flow cytometry, cell culture, immunotherapy, molecular biology and histological analysis. She has a strong background in managing scientific projects, animal handling and protocol validation.

Leila Giron, PhD, is a Brazilian-born scientist, and her research focuses on the role of cell metabolism in HIV persistence. She is passionate about translational science and uncovering new strategies to understand better and treat viral infections. She is also dedicated to mentoring and supporting young scientists as they navigate their own academic paths.

Outside the lab, she enjoys photography, travel and ballet; these are her favorite ways to stay grounded and creative.

Shamsul Islam, PhD, originally from Bangladesh, joined the Abdel-Mohsen Lab in 2023. His research focuses on utilizing advanced animal models to investigate the interactions between immune dysfunction and aging in the context of chronic diseases such as HIV.

He is particularly interested in developing novel therapeutic strategies to overcome immune dysfunction and promote healthier aging. Outside the lab, he enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines with his family and relaxing with a good TV show.

Pratima Saini, PhD, is originally from India and holds a PhD in Immunology with a specialization in Glycobiology. She is passionate about understanding the role of glycans in immune regulation. Outside the lab, she enjoys hiking, camping and exploring new places.

Shalini Singh, PhD, received her PhD from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India, where she developed antioxidant nanoparticles to mitigate oxidative stress during HIV-TB co-infection. Following her doctoral studies, she joined the Abdel-Mohsen Lab as a postdoctoral researcher.

Her research focuses on exploring the role of glycans in modulating host immune responses and developing intervention strategies to enhance innate immune functions against chronic viral infections such as HIV and SARS-CoV. She is also deeply interested in understanding how glycans and chronic inflammation influence biological aging in the context of chronic diseases. Shalini has presented her work at several international platforms, including CROI 2024 and 2025. Outside the lab, she enjoys creating DIY handcrafts.