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Kevin O. Saunders, PhD, graduated from Davidson College in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. He completed his doctoral research on CD8+ T cell immunity in HIV-1 infection at Duke University in 2010 under the supervision of Georgia Tomaras. He then trained as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health, focusing on antibody responses to vaccinations. In 2014, Saunders joined the Duke Human Vaccine Institute as a medical instructor and became an assistant professor in 2015. He has steadily progressed through the academic ranks, becoming a full professor in 2024 and receiving the Norman L. Letvin, MD Distinguished Professorship. His research focuses on vaccine antibody development against HIV-1 and other viral infections, utilizing techniques like single B cell PCR and advanced immunological profiling. His lab has made significant advancements in understanding glycan-targeting strategies for HIV vaccines and has also engaged in the development of coronavirus vaccines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Saunders has received several awards for his leadership and contributions to immunology and vaccine research.
Duke University • Durham, NC
Currently serves as a professor in the Department of Surgery and the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, where he leads extensive research projects on vaccine development.
Duke University • Durham, NC
Promoted to associate professor focusing on immunology and vaccine research.
Duke University • Durham, NC
Began tenure-track faculty position, involved in research and teaching.
Duke University • Durham, NC
Responsible for medical instruction and initial research activities.
Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)