Dr. Vella's primary research focus is on T follicular helper cells (Tfh) in human lymphoid tissues and circulating Tfh in lymph and blood. The Vella Lab's long-term goal is to enhance our ability to measure and modulate human immune function in settings of immune disequilibrium, such as in chronic infection and transplantation; to inform our mechanistic understanding of human immunology; and, ultimately, to improve clinical care. Dr. Vella aims to use blood to understand human lymph node biology and health in the settings of vaccination, immune reconstitution, and HIV.

BA, University Of Delaware (Major: Biology, Minor: English), 2002

PhD, University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine (Immunology), 2008

MD, University Of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 2010

MSTR, University of Pennsylvania (Translational Research), 2019

Attending Physician

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, 2011-

Infectious Diseases Society of America, 2011-

American Academy of Pediatrics, 2010-

American Physician Scientist Association, 2008-

National Center for AIDS Research, Early Stage Investigator, 2018

Travel Award, American Association of Immunologists Annual Meeting, 2016

Fellowship Award, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, 2014

Gary C. Comer Award for Professional Excellence, 2013

Best Residency Research Project, 2013

Senior Resident of the Year Award, 2013

Richard L Day, MD, Prize for Pediatrics, 2010