Vanessa Menard
Lab: Loren Gragert, PhD
Biography
Prior to beginning my doctoral studies, I served in the healthcare industry for 13 years, advancing from phlebotomist to medical laboratory scientist. My transfusion medicine experience began as a technician at a blood donor center, where I collected donor products. After earning my medical laboratory scientist certification, I transitioned to the transfusion medicine department, performing complex compatibility testing. This clinical experience provided a strong foundation for my current research, which focuses on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) in the context of histocompatibility.
As both a healthcare worker and patient, I observed fundamental challenges in the healthcare system that demanded solutions beyond daily workarounds. This motivated my transition from healthcare worker to biomedical research, where I could focus on developing sustainable, evidence-based solutions to these challenges. I am driven by the belief that my efforts will contribute significantly to this field.
While pursuing my doctorate, I maintain my medical laboratory science certifications and licenses, positioning me to pursue my goal of becoming a Fellow of the American College of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) and direct ASHI-accredited laboratories after completion of my PhD.
Research
My research centers on the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) or “the compatibility gene”. This gene encodes proteins on our cells that label your cells as "you” and my cells as “me”, like a fingerprint. There’s only a 1 in 100,000 chance there’s someone out there with an exact HLA type as yours. In kidney transplantation, the molecular pattern of donor HLA must be closely matched to that of the recipient in all the right places for transplant success. This is required if we’re going to replace someone’s kidney with one that is built out of someone else’s cells with someone else’s HLA fingerprint and hope the immune system doesn’t notice the difference and attack it as an intruder. I study HLA genotypes and antibody profiles to find immunological loopholes that would allow donor organs to reside in a new host without triggering destruction by the immune system. My goal is to transcend the limitations of traditional HLA matching paradigms and the associated health disparities to open up donor access for patients who spend years on waitlists or must accept organs with higher immunological risk.
Areas of expertise:
Medical laboratory diagnostic techniques
Developing expertise in computer coding for data analysis and development of computational tools
Contributions
Thanks to my time as a Girl Scout, I developed the belief that I should find ways to provide meaningful contributions to whatever it is that I’m involved in. As a PhD student at Tulane, I found a way to do this as a representative in the Biomedical Sciences Student Association (BMSSA). So far, my projects have included updating the library resources for our courses, upgrading the student lounge, and bringing attention to our need for improved dining options at the Downtown campus. My inner Girl Scout is fulfilled through these projects.
Publications
Conference Abstract
Liu H, Menard VW, Harkrider J, El-Dahr SS, Mumtaz M, Chen C. Developmental Programming of CKD. Oral Presentation. American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week, November 2024. Published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 35(10S):10.1681/ASN.20247stq93cp.
Manuscript (in progress)
Yu N, Panch S, Mepani K, Stanworth S, Bonet-Bub C, Gragert L, Menard V, Mangiola M, Maiers M, Berka N. Epitope-Based Matching for Platelet Transfusion Overview 'Is it time?': Insights and Future Directions from the 2024 American Red Cross Symposium on Platelet Component Selection. (submitted)
Interests
Aside from my research, I enjoy performing arts. I’m a member of the NOLA Chorus Girls, a 1930’s jazz-inspired dance crew. I’m also into hula-hoop dancing and baton twirling. Another passion of mine is the art of communication. I enjoy the challenge of making complicated information easy to access and fun to digest, so I often incorporate humor and cartoons when appropriate to reach an audience I feel could benefit from the knowledge.
