Email: dxu4mt@virginia.edu

Lexi grew up in New Prague, Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology in 2021. Her undergraduate research focused on understanding the cellular kinetics and pathogen control response during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections within the lung and brain. During an internship at the NINDS, she investigated the mechanisms in which the glia limitans superficialis breakdown following repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries. Her research focus in the Lukens lab has now shifted to understanding the role of innate immune pathways activated during tauopathies. Outside of the lab, she enjoys baking new sweets, exploring Charlottesville’s food scene, and hiking new trails.