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Scientist Keira Simmons
(Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
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Keira Ann Simmons is a staff research associate at the UC Davis Center for Vectorborne Diseases (CVEC). She joined CVEC in November 2005, and is the lead molecular technician. She works in both research and surveillance. She does research with entomologist William Reisen and lab manager Ying Fang, and statewide testing of mosquito pools and dead birds.
Simmons received her bachelor of science degree in microbiology with an emphasis in medical microbiology in 2001 from UC Davis and then accepted a full-time position as a post-graduate researcher in the lab of professor Demosthenes Pappagianis, Department of Medical Microbiology and immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine.
Education
- A.S. in Engineering - American River College, Sacramento
- B.S. in Microbiology - University of California, Davis
Professional Experience
- 1996-1998: Laboratory Assistant, Chemistry Department, American River College.
- 1997-1998: Learning Assistant, Beacon Peer Assisted Learning Program; Courses taught: Chemical Calculations and Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry.
- 1999-2001: Lab Assistant III, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine.
- 2001-2005: Postgraduate Researcher, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine; Research: work with BSL 3 agent Coccidioides immitis, vaccine development and production, novel protein discovery, FPLC, 2D gel electrophoresis, Western Blots, extensive work with mouse model, PCR to detect fungal DNA in clinical specimens.
- 2005-present: Staff Research Associate, Center for Vectorborne Diseases; Duties: lead molecular technician; Assistant Safety Officer; testing of research and surveillance specimens for West Nile Virus, Western Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus, and St. Luis Encephalitis Virus by multiplex PCR; PRNT; plaque assay; maintenance of a Vero cell line.
Publications
- Johnson SM, Simmons KA, and D Pappagianis. 2004. Amplification of cocidioidal DNA in clinical specimens by PCR. J. Clin. Microbiol. 42:1982-1985
- Ampel NM, Nelson DK, Li L, Dionne SO, Lake DF, Simmons KA, and D Pappagianis. 2005. The mannose receptor mediates the cellular immune response in human coccidioidomycosis. Infect. Immun. 73(4):2554-5.
- Ampel NM, Nelson DK, Chavez S, Naus KA, Herman AB, Li L, Simmons KA, and D Pappagianis. 2005. Preliminary evaluation of whole-blood gamma interferon release for clinical assessment of cellular immunity in patients with active coccidioidomycosis. Clin. Diagn. Lab. Immunol. 12(6):700-4.
- Reisen WK, Brault AC, Martinez VM, Fang Y, Simmons KA, Garcia S, Omi-Olsen E, and RS Lane. 2006. Ability of transstadially infected Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixocicae) to transmit West Nile virus to Song sparrows or Western fence lizards. J. Med. Entomol. [in press].
Abstracts and Presentations
- Simmons KA, SM Johnson, S Bhakta, D Pappagianis. Demonstration of Coccidioidal DNA in Clinical Specimens Using PCR. Abstract F-81, 102nd ASM general Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT, P. 215. May 2002.
- Johnson S, Simmons K, Lunetta J, D Pappagianis. Protection of Mice with Coccidioidal Vaccine: A Comparison of Adjuvants and Immunization Routes. 48th Coccidioidomycosis Study Group. Rosarito Beach, Mexico. April 3, 2004.
- Lunetta J, Simmons K, D Pappagianis. Cloning and Expression of the Gene Encoding a Mannosidase Protein Detected in the T27K Coccidioidal Vaccine. 49th Coccidioidomycosis Study Group. Bass Lake, CA. April 2, 2005.
- Johnson S, K Simmons, D Pappagianis. Immunoprotection of Mice Using Coccidioidal Vaccine GFI. Abstract P-0608, 16th Congress of the International Symposium for Human and Animal Mycology, Le Palais des Congres de Paris, Paris, France, June 25-29, 2006.
Academics and Professional Memberships
- Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society
- Golden Key National Honor Society
- Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
- American Society for Microbiology – 2001, 2002, 2003
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, Licensed
- California State Board of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Technician, license pending
Honors
- National Dean’s List, 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 editions
- American River College Foundation Scholarship, the Women’s Social and Cultural League Scholarship – 1997
- American River College Student Association Instructional Award, Orchestra – 1997
- Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society Scholarship – Fall 1996, Spring 1997, Fall 1997
- American River College President’s List – 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
- American River College Foundation Scholarship, the Dr. Allen J. Chinn Memorial Scholarship – 1998
- Lilian D. Wells Scholarship, UC Davis – 1998
University of California Davis Alumni Association
- Community Service Award for an Organization, Imani Clinic – 2000
Contact:
Keira Simmons
Center for Vectorborne Diseases
Old Davis Road
One Shields Ave.
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA, 95616
E-mail: kassimmons@ucdavis.edu
Contact:
Kathy Keatley Garvey
Communications
UC Mosquito Research Program
Department of Entomology
396 Briggs Hall
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA 95616
Phone: (530) 754-6894
E-mail: kegarvey@ucdavis.edu
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