Emory Vaccine Center Executive and Leadership Team

Lizi Tsulaia, the President of Photography Club Emory at Emory Vaccine Center, leads the creative documentation of institutional events and scientific milestones. The President of Photography Club Emory organizes visual storytelling initiatives that highlight the human element of the research community and the impact of vaccine development efforts. By managing a team of student photographers, the President of Photography Club Emory ensures that the center maintains a robust visual archive of its clinical and translational science activities. Lizi Tsulaia coordinates with various departments to capture the essence of the laboratory environment and the collaborative spirit of the research teams. This leadership role involves planning workshops and exhibitions that foster community engagement and promote the visibility of the center. Through the strategic use of photography, the President of Photography Club Emory enhances the public perception of the institution and documents the vital work performed by researchers in the fight against global diseases.

Ella Ferguson, the Hall Council President at Emory Vaccine Center, manages student-led initiatives that foster a supportive living and learning environment for the research community. The Hall Council President oversees residential programming and ensures that the needs of students involved in immunology and virology studies are met within the campus housing framework. By facilitating communication between residents and university administration, the Hall Council President addresses logistical concerns and promotes a culture of collaboration. Ella Ferguson organizes events that encourage networking among aspiring scientists and researchers, thereby strengthening the internal community of the center. This leadership role involves managing budgets for student activities and advocating for improvements in residential facilities. Through the promotion of student welfare and community building, the Hall Council President contributes to the overall success and well-being of the individuals who support the mission of the center in their daily academic and research pursuits.

Ziben Zhou, the President at Emory Vaccine Center, provides overarching strategic direction for the institution's research and clinical initiatives. The President oversees the alignment of basic, clinical, and translational science programs to ensure the center remains at the forefront of immunology and virology. By managing relationships with external partners and the Emory National Primate Research Center, the President drives the development of innovative vaccine strategies. Ziben Zhou coordinates with the Hope Clinic to ensure that human clinical trials are conducted with the highest level of scientific rigor and safety. This leadership role involves setting the long-term vision for the center and securing the resources necessary to address emerging infectious diseases. Through the active management of institutional partnerships and research priorities, the President ensures that the center continues to make significant contributions to global health and the advancement of vaccine technology in the modern era.

Manuella De Senna Guerra, the President, Spark Mentorship Group at Emory Vaccine Center, directs programs that connect experienced researchers with the next generation of scientists. The President, Spark Mentorship Group oversees the development of curriculum and networking opportunities that prepare students for careers in immunology and vaccine research. By facilitating mentorship pairings, the President, Spark Mentorship Group ensures that knowledge transfer occurs effectively across the institution. Manuella De Senna Guerra coordinates with faculty members to identify research opportunities for students and promotes a culture of continuous learning. This leadership role involves managing the logistics of mentorship events and evaluating the impact of the program on student career trajectories. Through the cultivation of professional relationships and the provision of guidance, the President, Spark Mentorship Group strengthens the pipeline of talent dedicated to the mission of the center and the future of global health research.

April Carswell, the Chief of Staff at Emory Vaccine Center, manages high-level operational workflows and coordinates strategic initiatives across the research facility. By streamlining communication between departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that administrative processes align with the broader mission of developing life-saving vaccines. This role involves overseeing internal resource allocation and facilitating collaboration between immunology and virology teams. April Carswell maintains organizational efficiency by monitoring project timelines and supporting the integration of clinical and translational science efforts. Through the optimization of daily operations, the Chief of Staff enables researchers to focus on critical vaccine development. The position requires constant interaction with senior leadership to refine institutional goals and maintain the high standards of the center. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational foundation necessary for the center to address complex global health challenges through advanced scientific research and clinical trial support.

Drew Homa, the Research Administration Chief of Staff at Emory Vaccine Center, directs the administrative infrastructure supporting complex immunology and virology research projects. The Research Administration Chief of Staff oversees grant management, regulatory compliance, and the logistical requirements of the state-of-the-art research facility. By managing the interface between laboratory scientists and institutional oversight committees, the Research Administration Chief of Staff ensures that all pre-clinical research adheres to rigorous safety and ethical standards. Drew Homa facilitates the smooth execution of translational science initiatives by aligning administrative support with the specific needs of vaccine development teams. This leadership role involves optimizing the use of laboratory resources and managing the budgetary requirements for large-scale infectious disease studies. Through the implementation of efficient administrative protocols, the Research Administration Chief of Staff supports the center in maintaining its position as a leader in global vaccine research and clinical trial innovation.

Patricia Benson, the Chief of Staff & Associate Dean at Emory Vaccine Center, bridges the gap between academic governance and the practical demands of vaccine research. The Chief of Staff & Associate Dean manages faculty relations and ensures that the educational mission of the institution remains integrated with the research objectives of the center. By overseeing academic policy and institutional development, the Chief of Staff & Associate Dean supports the recruitment and retention of top-tier scientists in immunology and cancer biology. Patricia Benson coordinates with the Hope Clinic to ensure that clinical trial activities align with academic standards and institutional goals. This leadership role involves fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to advance vaccine strategies and enhance the global impact of the center. Through the alignment of academic resources and research priorities, the Chief of Staff & Associate Dean drives the long-term growth and scientific reputation of the institution within the broader university framework.