IDCRC Profile: Mallory Shriver, MS
Mallory is a lead research project coordinator for the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She has been a vital member of UMB’s VTEU, supporting COVID-19 clinical trials including her part in helping develop and qualify the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) platform for measurement of mucosal Ab responses for Mix and Match and MOMI-Vax.
Mallory will be pursuing other opportunities and leaving the University of Maryland. We thank her for her contributions to the IDCRC and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
How long have you worked with a VTEU?
I have been with the VTEU since starting my position at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in November 2019 as a laboratory research assistant. Early on, I supported VTEU studies by processing specimens and performing ELISA assays. A few months later, when the COVID-19 pandemic started, I became immersed in COVID-19 vaccine trials (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) and the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT). Through our involvement in these clinical trials, we were granted additional laboratory space, and I piloted the establishment of a new laboratory to expand our COVID-19 serology capabilities.
Briefly describe the IDCRC-supported trials you’ve worked on.
I participated in the MOMI-Vax and Mix and Match studies for which I led the development and optimization of multiplexed assays for SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies in mucosal secretions (breast milk, nasal fluid, and saliva). Between these studies, I have coordinated the laboratory testing and analysis of several thousand serum and mucosal samples. Learn more about other IDCRC Studies
Of these trials, what has been the most impactful or highlight of the work?
Both MOMI-Vax and Mix and Match have been impactful personally and in their scientific contributions. I have grown professionally and expanded my knowledge of immunology and scientific skills as each study posed new challenges and questions. I have had the great fortune of learning from expert researchers. Working in collaboration with other sites and IDCRC leadership, these studies have revealed valuable insight into research areas that were previously ignored at the start of the pandemic—safety and efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in pregnant people and infants and the mucosal immune response. As these studies conclude, I hope our work will help to fill these knowledge gaps.
What is a strength or example of the importance of the IDCRC during the pandemic and beyond?
One strength of the IDCRC is its ability to foster collaboration between many sites and experts. The IDCRC provides an excellent platform for conducting efficient and concerted multisite studies.
What do you like to do outside of the VTEU?
Beyond the VTEU, I have been involved with vaccine trials and challenge trials for other pathogens including norovirus, pseudomonas, shigella, influenza, poliovirus, and Klebsiella. I am interested in bioanalytical characterization, analysis of new biomarkers, and laboratory leadership. Outside of work, I enjoy powerlifting and walking my three dogs.
