Sharon Hillier, PhD

There are new primary NIH-funded research emphasis areas in Dr. Hillier’s laboratory. The first is related to the evaluation and testing of topical microbicides for prevention of HIV. As the Site Support Laboratory Core for the Microbicide Trials Network, this lab provides support for clinical trials of microbicides at sites in the US, India, and Africa. Activities include evaluation of STI diagnostics for use in clinical trials, evaluation of the impact of products on the vaginal microflora, and the assessment of immune mediators in the female genital tract in relationship to vaginal product usage. A second major emphasis area is related to the identification and characterization of vaginal microbes, many of which are novel species, and their association with preterm birth, pelvic inflammatory disease, and vulvodynia. In the area of preterm birth, this laboratory collaborates with Dr. Hy Simhan on studies characterizing the impact of nutrition and genetics on preterm birth, and collaborates with Dr. Roberto Romero to characterize components of the genital flora in women delivering at term and preterm. In collaboration with Dr. Wiesenfeld and Dr. Cherpes of the MWRI, the laboratory is characterizing novel organisms from the female genital tract associated with pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Most recently, this lab has initiated collaboration with Dr. Bernard Harlow of the University of Minnesota on the association of vaginal microflora with vulodynia.

Lab Personnel

Lorna Rabe, BS, M(ASCP)

May Beamer, BS

Michele Austin, BS

Kevin Stoner, BS

Lisa Cosentino, BS

Melinda Petrina, BS

Rometa Pollard, BS

Bridget Leyland, BS

Donald Jones, BS

Lynda Jones, BS

Edward Livant, MS, MT(ASCP)