Dr Barbara Shacklett, PhD, is Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California, Davis. Her laboratory is recognized for developing and applying innovative approaches to study mucosal immunity to HIV. Over the past 10 years, her work has helped elucidate the relationship between mucosal T-cell responses and immune control of HIV infection, both in human cohorts and in the nonhuman primate model (SIVmac). This work has included studies of HIV “Elite” Controllers, the role of mucosal regulatory T-cells (Treg), mucosal immune reconstitution in individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), and mucosa-associated invariant T-cells (MAIT cells). Her group also studies the female reproductive tract, including hormonal regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses and the impact of menstrual cycle phases on host defense. She has coauthored over 80 peer-reviewed publications, served on grant review panels in the US, France, and Canada, and is currently an Associate Editor of Mucosal Immunology.

Stefan Baral is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Stefan completed his training at the University of Toronto in Community Medicine as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Family Medicine with the Canadian Council of Family Physicians and provides clinical care through the Inner-City Health Associates.

Professor Cindy Shannon is a descendant of the Ngugi people from Moreton Bay region in Queensland. She is Professor of Indigenous health at QUT. Cindy is the chair of the Queensland Ministerial Advisory Committee on Sexual Health and has played a key role in policy advice and implementation for the sector, at the national, state and community levels for the past 20 years.