Emory Vaccine Center Executive and Leadership Team

Tiara Ward, the Chief Operating Officer at Emory Vaccine Center, directs the logistical infrastructure required for complex vaccine research. The Chief Operating Officer oversees the daily functions of the state-of-the-art facility, ensuring that laboratory environments meet stringent safety and regulatory standards. By managing the operational budget and facility maintenance, Ward supports the ongoing work in infectious disease and cancer biology. Tiara Ward also coordinates with the Emory National Primate Research Center to synchronize vaccine strategy implementation. This leadership role involves mitigating operational risks and scaling resources to accommodate large-scale clinical trials. Through the optimization of supply chains and laboratory equipment procurement, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high-performance standards expected of a leading immunology institution. Ward ensures that all operational activities remain aligned with the overarching mission of developing effective vaccines for global health challenges.

Manuella De Senna Guerra, the President, Spark Mentorship Group at Emory Vaccine Center, leads initiatives focused on cultivating the next generation of immunology researchers. The President, Spark Mentorship Group oversees programs that connect students with experienced scientists to foster professional development in virology and vaccine research. By organizing mentorship workshops and networking events, Guerra creates a pipeline of talent that supports the long-term goals of the institution. Manuella De Senna Guerra also collaborates with faculty members to integrate mentorship into the broader academic culture of the center. This leadership role involves identifying emerging research interests among students and aligning those interests with the center's ongoing projects. Through the promotion of collaborative learning, the President, Spark Mentorship Group enhances the intellectual vitality of the research community. Guerra ensures that the center remains a hub for innovation by investing in the growth and development of future scientific leaders.

Lizi Tsulaia, the President of Photography Club Emory at Emory Vaccine Center, manages the visual documentation of the center's scientific achievements and community events. The President of Photography Club Emory oversees the creation of visual content that highlights the impact of immunology research and clinical trials. By organizing photography projects that capture the daily work of researchers, Tsulaia helps communicate the center's mission to a broader audience. Lizi Tsulaia also coordinates with the communications department to provide high-quality imagery for institutional reports and public outreach materials. This leadership role involves managing a team of student photographers and ensuring that all visual documentation adheres to the professional standards of the institution. Through the lens of photography, the President of Photography Club Emory brings the complex work of vaccine development to life. Tsulaia supports the center's outreach efforts by creating compelling visual narratives that showcase the importance of scientific discovery.

Tina Piltner, the President of Emory ProgramHers at Emory Vaccine Center, leads efforts to promote technical literacy and programming skills among students interested in medical research. The President of Emory ProgramHers oversees workshops and training sessions that equip students with the computational tools necessary for modern immunology and data analysis. By fostering a community of learners, Piltner helps prepare the next generation of researchers to tackle complex problems in vaccine development. Tina Piltner also collaborates with the center's technology department to ensure that training programs remain relevant to current research needs. This leadership role involves organizing events that highlight the intersection of computer science and life sciences. Through the promotion of technical education, the President of Emory ProgramHers enhances the research capabilities of the student body. Piltner contributes to the center's mission by building a workforce that is proficient in the digital skills required for future scientific breakthroughs.

April Carswell, the Chief of Staff at Emory Vaccine Center, manages internal communications and coordinates cross-departmental workflows. The Chief of Staff aligns administrative priorities with the broader research mission of the institution. By streamlining daily operations, Carswell ensures that the leadership team maintains focus on critical immunology and virology projects. This role involves facilitating high-level meetings and tracking progress on translational science initiatives. April Carswell also monitors resource allocation across the facility to support the development of life-saving vaccines. Through meticulous oversight of organizational processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the research environment. The position requires constant collaboration with the clinical arm of the center to ensure that administrative support matches the pace of human clinical trials. Ultimately, Carswell optimizes the operational framework necessary for the center to achieve its ambitious goals in global disease prevention.

Terry Decker, the Chief Technology Officer at Emory Vaccine Center, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for advanced immunological data analysis. The Chief Technology Officer manages the integration of high-performance computing systems that support complex virology research and clinical trial modeling. By implementing secure data management protocols, Decker protects sensitive research findings and patient information. Terry Decker also drives the adoption of new software tools that enhance the speed and accuracy of translational science experiments. This role involves collaborating with research teams to identify technological bottlenecks and providing scalable solutions that accelerate vaccine discovery. Through the deployment of advanced diagnostic platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the center remains at the forefront of medical technology. Decker maintains the integrity of the digital ecosystem, allowing researchers to focus on the critical task of developing life-saving vaccines for global diseases.

Patricia Benson, the Chief of Staff & Associate Dean at Emory Vaccine Center, bridges the gap between academic leadership and clinical research administration. The Chief of Staff & Associate Dean oversees the integration of educational programs with the center's primary research objectives. By managing faculty relations and academic policy, Benson ensures that the institution maintains its status as a leader in immunology education. Patricia Benson also coordinates with the Hope Clinic to align clinical trial outcomes with broader academic goals. This leadership role involves strategic planning for long-term research initiatives and fostering partnerships with external scientific organizations. Through the oversight of administrative policies, the Chief of Staff & Associate Dean creates a cohesive environment that supports both basic and translational science. Benson drives the development of institutional strategies that promote excellence in research and education, ensuring that the center continues to produce significant contributions to global health.

Drew Homa, the Research Administration Chief of Staff at Emory Vaccine Center, manages the complex regulatory and compliance landscape governing vaccine research. The Research Administration Chief of Staff oversees the grant application process and ensures that all clinical trials adhere to federal and international standards. By coordinating with principal investigators, Homa facilitates the smooth execution of research projects from the pre-clinical phase to human trials. Drew Homa also monitors the financial health of individual research programs, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most promising vaccine candidates. This role involves navigating the administrative requirements of large-scale immunology studies and maintaining transparency in research reporting. Through the implementation of rigorous compliance frameworks, the Research Administration Chief of Staff protects the integrity of the center's scientific output. Homa supports the research mission by removing administrative barriers, allowing scientists to focus on the development of life-saving medical interventions.

James Leonard, the Associate Chief Information Officer at Emory Vaccine Center, manages the day-to-day technical operations of the center's information systems. The Associate Chief Information Officer oversees the maintenance of laboratory networks and ensures that research data remains accessible and secure. By supporting the IT needs of the clinical arm, Leonard facilitates the efficient collection of data during human clinical trials. James Leonard also coordinates with the broader technology team to implement system upgrades that improve the speed of data processing for immunology research. This role involves troubleshooting technical issues that arise within the research facility and providing immediate support to scientific staff. Through the management of hardware and software assets, the Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that the center's digital tools remain reliable. Leonard contributes to the overall mission by maintaining the technical stability required for continuous, high-impact vaccine research.

Diana Carter, the Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Emory Vaccine Center, directs the overarching administrative strategy for the entire institution. The Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer oversees human resources, facility management, and institutional policy development. By aligning administrative functions with the center's research goals, Carter ensures that the organization operates with maximum efficiency. Diana Carter also manages the budget for administrative departments, ensuring that resources are allocated to support the needs of the immunology and virology teams. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to set long-term goals for the center's growth and operational success. Through the implementation of best practices in organizational management, the Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer creates a stable foundation for scientific innovation. Carter ensures that the center remains well-positioned to address global health challenges by maintaining a robust and responsive administrative infrastructure.