Dr. Rudra leads a research program focused on viral immunology, host-pathogen interactions, and mechanisms of immune-mediated disease. While his work has longstanding roots in coronavirus immunobiology and pathogenesis, his laboratory now broadly investigates how dysregulated immune responses drive severe viral disease and how targeted antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapies can improve outcomes.
Dr. Rudra earned his BVSc from Veterinary College, KVAFSU, India, and his MVSc from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute before completing his Ph.D. in Viral Immunology at Oakland University. He later completed postdoctoral training in coronavirus immunobiology and virology at the University of Iowa.
His work has been recognized with multiple honors, including the President’s Fellows Faculty Research Award, the Regents Research Award, and the Distinguished Early Career Award. In addition to leading an active translational research program, he serves as Director of the Immunopathology Core and Co-Director of the Animal Model Core for the Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases.
Associate Professor
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology
College of Veterinary Medicine
Oklahoma State University
Ph.D. Candidate
Roshan joined the lab as a Master’s student in Spring 2022 before transitioning into the Ph.D. program in Comparative Biomedical Sciences in 2023. He earned his BVSc degree from Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. His research investigates the role of TLR7/TRAF6 signaling in shaping lung antiviral immunity and inflammatory responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a focus on understanding how innate immune pathways regulate disease severity.
Ph.D. Candidate
Rakshya earned her BVSc degree from Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal in 2021 before joining the lab as a Master’s student in Spring 2022. She then transitioned into the Ph.D. program in 2023. Her research investigates how dysregulated immune responses contribute to disease severity during SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a focus on identifying host factors that can be targeted to reduce pathogenic lung inflammation while preserving antiviral immunity.
Ph.D. Candidate
Cody grew up in Morris, Oklahoma, a rural community south of Tulsa. He joined the lab as an undergraduate researcher in 2022 before earning a B.S. in Microbiology/Cell and Molecular Biology with minors in neuroscience and psychology, and beginning his Ph.D. studies in Fall 2023. His research focuses on viral immunology, antiviral therapeutics, and inflammatory responses to infection, with an emphasis on translational impact.
In addition to his research, Cody serves as the lab manager, overseeing laboratory operations, inspections, certifications, and regulatory compliance to support a productive research environment.
After completing his Ph.D., Cody plans to pursue a career as a physician-scientist bridging translational research and patient care. He has received multiple awards at institutional and national symposiums for his research and scientific communication and is passionate about mentorship, collaboration, and supporting the next generation of scientists.
Dual D.V.M./Ph.D. Student
Ph.D. Student
Ph.D. Student
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
DVM/M.S. Student
