David Kuhrt Email: dmk26@pitt.edu Lab: Stefano-Cole Lab The goal of my project is to understand how B cells become activated and mature following viral infection. Viral infection leads to activation of effector, effector/memory, and then true memory B cell populations. Somev iruses, such as HIV, cause the disruption of these populations. Through the use of flow cytometry, I will track various B cell populations during and after viral infections. This information will show if there is regulation of the B cell compartment that causes some viruses to be cleared and some to become chronic infections. It is my hope that a more thorough characterization of B cells during viral infection will lead to the design of more effective vaccines and vaccine strategies.