Christine Birdwell, Ph.D.
Senior Research Associate
Christine Birdwell earned a B.A. in Chemistry from the University of North Texas, where she developed a strong interest in microbiology. She pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Louisiana Health Science Center–Shreveport, studying viral pathogenesis, with a focus on Epstein–Barr virus–induced epigenetic changes that prime epithelial cells for oncogenic transformation. After completing her Ph.D. in 2016, she continued investigating herpesvirus–host interactions at Texas A&M University Health Science Center, examining HHV‑6–mediated disruptions in mitochondrial homeostasis and their potential links to neurological disease. She later expanded her expertise at MD Anderson, studying novel therapeutic approaches, including epigenetic modifiers, for refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Christine has since returned to her passion for antiviral therapeutics. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, diamond painting, and caring for plants.
Leila FotoohAbadi, Ph.D.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Dr. Leila FotoohAbadi majored in virology and immunology during her undergraduate and graduate studies in medical microbiology. Her doctoral research focused on developing targeted nanomedicines for the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS, with particular emphasis on enhancing drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using antiretroviral therapy (ART)–nanoparticle conjugates. To advance this work, she was awarded an EMBO Scientific Exchange Grant, enabling a research internship at the Medical Faculty of the University of Bern, Switzerland. During her Ph.D., Dr. FotoohAbadi also evaluated HIV-1/2 neutralizing antibodies and investigated the antiviral activities of potent drugs and synthetic or natural compounds against HIV/AIDS and HPV.
As a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), she examined how monocytes contribute to the heightened risk of atherosclerosis in virologically suppressed HIV-positive individuals on combination ART (cART), as well as in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. She also conducted studies on novel therapeutic interventions for human monkeypox (hMPox).
Currently, Dr. FotoohAbadi’s research explores the pathogenesis of viral infections (including SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses) and the immunopathogenesis of HIV, with a focus on comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and aging associated with both HIV and non-HIV infections.
Her scientific interests span infectious diseases, atherosclerosis, inflammation, cardiometabolic syndrome, immunology, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular complications, prophylactic and therapeutic development, drug delivery systems (DDSs), and preclinical-to-clinical translational research.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and visiting museums.
Steven Klawinsky, B.S.
Research Technician
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Texas A&M University, Steven applies expertise in virology, PCR techniques, and animal studies involving mice to advance understanding of infectious pathogens and their mechanisms. His work contributes to ongoing efforts to understand the immunopathogenesis of viral infections and develop novel treatments.
Motivated by a strong desire to help people, Steven finds fulfillment in contributing to research that has meaningful impacts on public health. Outside the lab, he enjoys gardening, listening to music, attending concerts, video gaming, dancing, fishing, hunting, and caring for his dog Selena - all hobbies which are also shared by his wife, Sarah.
Matthew Mitakidis, B.S., M.S.
Research Technician
Matthew Mitakidis earned a dual degree in Rehabilitation Studies and Chemistry from the University of North Texas and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at A.T. Still University. His clinical experience includes orthopedic rehabilitation and emergency medicine during the COVID‑19 pandemic, shaping his understanding of patient care across diverse settings. He has participated in medical mission work in Southeast Asia, community health initiatives in Ecuador, and observed HIV clinical care in South Africa, fostering a strong global health perspective. At UT Southwestern, under the mentorship of Dr. Theodoros Kelesidis, Matthew studies viral immunopathogenesis, HIV‑associated comorbidities, and cardiometabolic disease, with particular interest in inflammation‑driven atherosclerosis in people living with HIV. His goal is to advance translational research linking mechanisms to improved clinical outcomes. Outside the lab, he enjoys cooking, piano, pickleball, and time with his husky.
Kamilla Ablyazova, B.S., M.S.
Research Technician
Kamilla Ablyazova is a Chemistry graduate student at the University of Texas at Dallas, with her project focusing on histone research. She is also a certified pharmacy technician and has had the pleasure of helping patients get affordable medications and improving community wellness outcomes for over 4 years. In Kelesidis' lab, she has been involved in clinical research studies, such as clinical trials of novel antivirals in humans, and clinical trials to optimize antiretroviral therapy and people living with HIV. She has also been involved in basic science studies to elucidate immunopathogenesis of viral infections, including HIV and respiratory viruses. Outside of work and school, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and playing pickleball.