Immunology

Angie Schmider is interested in understanding how molecules organize in cells and how this organization translates to disease. She uses state-of-the-art molecular imaging approaches, combined with computational analyses and biochemical techniques, to answer biological questions. After pursing a bachelor's degree in biology, she earned her master's degree and doctorate in pharmacology from the University of Illinois, Chicago. Schmider has a small research laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital that focuses on molecular organization of proteins in cells and their role in autoimmune diseases. She has been teaching at Harvard College since 2013.

Kavitha Govindasamy is a scientist, professor, and academic leader with a distinguished career spanning molecular biology, immunology, genetics, and infectious disease research. With over a decade of research in molecular biology in vector-borne diseases, drug discovery, and vaccine development, she has contributed to high-impact discoveries, including vaccine candidates against malaria, Babesiosis, Lyme disease, and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), as well as a patented method for genetic manipulation of Babesia microti published in Nature Scientific Reports. In parallel, she has built a versatile teaching portfolio across leading institutions including Princeton, Rutgers, Kean, Montclair State, Rowan, Stockton, William Paterson, Seton Hall and Felician universities. She is recognized for inclusive and interdisciplinary teaching in the programs like statistics, life sciences, nursing, dental hygiene, public health and biomedical science. Her commitment to equity in education has been formally recognized through Rutgers' Ambassador of Inclusive and Equitable Teaching Practices credential. Beyond academia, she serves as a Youth Program Coordinator with the United Nations International Rescue Committee, mentoring and advising immigrant and refugee students in pursuing higher education. She currently serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at Eastern International College, New Jersey, nursing and dental school while also holding teaching appointments at Harvard University. Her leadership trajectory reflects a commitment to bridging cutting-edge biomedical research, inclusive pedagogy, and academic governance. Today, she is shaping the future of health care education, mentoring the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and global citizens.