New Faculty Focus: Matt Reynolds

Q&A

 

 

Title: Assistant Professor of Immunology, Department of Pathobiological Sciences

Hometown: Clarksville, Tennessee

Degrees: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UW–Madison, 1998; Ph.D. in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UW–Madison, 2006.

Previous position: Associate Scientist, UW–Madison.

How did you get into your field of research? I always had an interest in infectious disease research and after graduating from UW with a degree in Medical Microbiology and Immunology I was fortunate to get a job with an HIV researcher on campus, Dr. David Watkins, as a laboratory technician. This kindled my interest in antiviral immune responses and vaccine design, which I carried over into my Ph.D. thesis in the Watkins lab. My lab is building off of this experience to explore new methods to design HIV vaccines, cure HIV infection and, potentially, develop immunotherapy for cancer.

What attracted you to UW–Madison? I am a bit unique as a new faculty member as I have been at UW since 1994 when I started as an undergrad. However, even as an 18-year old, the high level of research performed on campus and the opportunity to learn from experts in their field was attractive. As I have gotten older,I have gained an even greater appreciation for the level of world class educators/researchers at UW.

What was your first visit to campus like? My first visit to campus coincided with the 1993 UW/Ohio St football game, which I was able to attend. The game ended in a tie but kept the Badgers in contention for the ’94 Rose Bowl game. I was sold that UW was the place for me.

Favorite place on campus? It is hard to beat the Memorial Union Terrace in the summer.

What are you most enjoying so far about working here? The collegiality and willingness to collaborate among the UW community.

Do you feel your work relates in any way to the Wisconsin Idea? Absolutely, the research we perform could lay the groundwork for new ways to prevent or treat HIV infections.

Hobbies/other interests: I have been going to UW men’s basketball games since my freshman year of college and almost never miss a home game.