Julie McElrath

Julie McElrath is currently the Director of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at Fred Hutch. Prior to this role, they worked as a Research Technician in the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) Laboratory at Fred Hutch from February 2016 to March 2018. In this role, they performed studies as part of ongoing clinical trials to identify and characterize induced T-cell responses in recipients of investigational/candidate vaccines for HIV, Ebola, and other related infectious diseases.

Julie completed an independent-project in which they performed epitope mapping via ELISpot and ICS assays on stimulated PBMC samples from HVTN 106. Epitope mapping allowed their to compare the breadth and depth of the immune response in vaccine recipients from each arm of the trial. These experiments were the primary endpoint for the trial, and produced a wealth of data which was featured in the primary manuscript.

During their time as a Research Technician, some of their key duties included maintaining GCLP-compliant records of assays, equipment usage, reagent preparation, etc., preparing and maintaining reagents, stocks, cultures, and lab supplies, and performing ELISPOT and ICS assays to characterize vaccine-induced T-cell responses. Julie also gained experience in operating and carrying out maintenance and QC of laboratory equipment through their work in this role.

Julie McElrath has a Bachelor's Degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Washington. Julie is currently continuing their education with a focus in Applied Immunology at the University of California San Diego.

Julie McElrath works with Bruce Clurman - EVP & Deputy Director, Nancy E. Davidson - Director, Clinical Research, and Paul Buckley - Director, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Julie McElrath reports to Thomas J. Lynch Jr., President and Director.