We are pleased to announce that Brook Heaton, PhD, has joined the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) as a faculty member, effective September 3, 2024. She will serve as assistant director of the Duke Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) and director of the RBL Pathogen Unit.
Heaton, assistant research professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at the Duke University School of Medicine, applies her background and training in biochemistry, microbiology, and virology to investigate host requirements for viral pathogenesis, develop high-throughput in vitro assays for small molecule screens, and develop new vaccines.
“By contributing to research and the development of effective interventions, I aim to support efforts that enhance our understanding of pandemics and improve our capacity to respond to future public health challenges,” said Heaton.
With over 19 years of academic research experience, she has developed and implemented innovative molecular biology techniques to address new questions and challenges in the field of emerging infectious diseases. Her expertise is in basic virology and pandemic preparedness and she is experienced in rigorous data analysis, data-driven decision-making, and innovative vaccine design.
Heaton received her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry at Virginia Tech and completed her PhD in microbiology at the University of Chicago.