Dr. Qiana Matthews, a native of Ohio, is an alumnus of Clark-Atlanta University and Meharry Medical College, where she obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry. After completing her doctorate studies, she joined the Division of Human Gene Therapy at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB). After completing her post-doctoral studies Dr. Matthews was promoted to instructor and subsequently Assistant Professor. During her time at UAB, Dr. Matthews earned numerous honors and acknowledgements such as the UAB Career Enhancement Award, Office of Postdoctoral Education Award, Charles Barkley Young Investigator Award, and Infectious Diseases Unsung Hero Award. Most importantly, Dr. Matthews was the recipient of an NIH R01 grant on HIV vaccination using adenoviral vectors. Dr. Matthews is currently a faculty member at Alabama State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Ph.D. Since arriving at Alabama State University Dr. Matthews has received an NIH R15 grant to explore HIV progression and drug abuse. In addition Dr. Matthews has received a grant from the National Science Foundation to study the common cold virus and extracellular vesicles. Dr. Matthews has presented at several national and international meetings. Dr. Matthews has published several peer reviewed research articles, review research articles, and book chapters on these topics. Program. At Alabama State University, she continues her productive research program on HIV, Chagas, and Zika pathogenesis and treatment. Since the start of Dr. Matthews’ career, she is most proud of the number of students and trainees that she has mentored.