I run a laboratory at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark NJ USA. I study host-pathogen interactions as I find both microbiology and immunology interesting. So, we have projects on bacterial pathogenesis as well as innate pathways important for host defense as well trying to understand specific cells important in the airway, currently epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. One area of concentration has been the role for type I and III interferons in bacterial infections, which we have studied in the context of several, with a concentration to Staphylococcus aureus. I am originally from Australia and have been working in the USA for 19 years, but I have kept my accent!
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
Dane Parker. PhD. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Associate Professor.
Where did you do your training?
Degrees were at Monash University in Melbourne Australia. While my postdoctoral training was at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, NY USA.
Briefly, what is your research about?
My laboratory investigates host-pathogen interactions, which blends my molecular microbiology PhD with innate immune function postdoc. We study bacterial pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus, host innate immune responses to its infection (pertinent to this society-how bacterial pathogens can activate type I and III interferons), primarily in the airway as well as more fundamental innate immune cell function.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
It has provided many opportunities to present and travel to interesting places. I have been involved in abstract reviews and committees in the past that have led to very fruitful collaborations and job opportunities!
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
Exclusively from a meeting, no.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
Hawaii. Can’t beat that location! It was a satellite symposium at AAI. Also, Kanazawa-Japan was an amazing experience.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
Relax! Travel. Exercise. Play tennis.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
Advice. Volunteer when societies reach out-it can lead to bigger things. I volunteered to speak at a symposium, and it led to a book deal. I volunteered to read conference abstracts and lead me to finding a collaborator that also ultimately led to a better faculty position!
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
Recent TV: pluribus, the pitt, nobody wants this, abbott elementary
Going back: breaking bad, game of thrones, Seinfeld, friends, x-files
What is your favorite cytokine?
IFN-beta. I started with it and how bacteria can activate type I IFN signaling.
Connect with Dane: @daneparkerlab (X) // @daneparkerlab.com (BSKY)
Lab website: www.daneparkerlab.com