Janice Fung’s Quest to Combat Plague Through Vaccine Innovation
GSBMS Student Investigates Mucosal Vaccines Against Yersinia Pestis
Janice Fung's research on an intranasal subunit vaccine against Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, has become the focus of her work as a Ph.D. student in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Fung is exploring ways to optimize the vaccine to enhance its protection against various forms and strains of plague, targeting the primary site of infection to create a stronger, more immediate immune response at mucosal surfaces in the lab of Paul M. Arnaboldi, M.S., Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology, microbiology, and immunology.
“Dr. Arnaboldi has shown me so much in terms of how to independently think and new laboratory techniques,” said Fung.“ Research is not always as linear as some people may think – it’s like a zigzag and you need to rewire your brain to think outside of the box.”
Her interest is in infectious diseases was sparked during a research trip to Nigeria during her undergrad studies at Rochester Institute of Technology. She studied malaria, which deepened her understanding of global health issues and set her on a path toward a career in research.
“The trip was eye opening in terms of not just the culture, but also just the prevalence of infectious disease,” recalled Fung. “I had a general understanding of malaria, but the research I did there opened my eyes to so much I didn’t know.”
While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences and biotechnology, she enrolled in infectious disease courses. Initially on the pre-med track, Fung’s biology courses broadened her perspective, ultimately steering her toward a career in research. During her undergraduate studies, she also conducted cancer research, focusing on spheroid models.
“I think the biggest deciding factor for me was despite the patient-to-patient interaction, which is an area where I get the most fulfillment in the health care setting, I enjoyed understanding the ‘whys’ of scientific questions,” explained Fung.
With experience in the pharmaceutical industry at GlaxoSmithKline, she hopes to continue advancing vaccine research and raising awareness about its importance. As a chemistry lab lecturer at Purchase College State University of New York, she finds that teaching her students has given her a fresh perspective on her own research and a stronger appreciation for educating the future generation.
