Preston R Arnold

My goal is to develop as a physician scientist who treats and builds understanding of immunologically mediated diseases. I am especially interested in T cells, immunoregulation, and tolerance. I believe these ideas are applicable to a wide variety of human diseases and want to work as a physician scientist to bridge the gap between patient care and basic science. I completed my undergraduate work in biochemistry from Brigham Young University. While there, I was blessed with an extraordinary research experience with the lab of Dr. Seth Bybee studying entomology and phylogenetics. It was with the Bybee lab that my interest and love of research grew. However, I also came to understand that I wanted to pursue research in human health and began to develop a fascination with the complexities of the immune system and immune tolerance. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue this passion through the Texas A&M MD/PhD program. Through the program I am preparing to understand research through the lens of medicine and human health. I have also had the privilege of working with and learning from Dr. Xian Li and his lab in the Houston Methodist Immunobiology and Transplant Center. This extraordinary opportunity has introduced me to immunological research within the context of transplant and mouse models and has provided me with unique access to the scientists and physicians in Houston Methodist's Transplant Center. My research with the Li lab has been focused on the interactions of IRF4 and Batf3 in controlling FoxP3 expression and has afforded many opportunities for my growth and development as a scientist and immunologist. I am looking forward to finishing my MD and PhD training and continuing on to residency with an eye toward continued development in medicine and immunology. I believe that this training will prepare me well to be a leading physician scientist and to advance the understanding and treatment of immunologically mediated disease.