PhD, University of Arizona, Microbiology and Immunology BS, University of California, Irvine, Biological Sciences

Hohman's research interests are in the evolution of the immune system. Her current projects are aimed at characterizing J chain and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in lower vertebrates. In mammals, these two molecules have an important role in antibody-mediated secretory immunity, the protection of mucous membranes, such as those lining the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, by secretory antibodies. As a comparative immunologist, Hohman is interested in the roles of J chain and pIgR in secretory antibody transfer in lower vertebrates and in the evolution of this transfer mechanism throughout the vertebrates. Her projects include a comparative analysis of J chain DNA sequences from an array of shark and ray species, and identification and characterization of pIgR molecules in amphibians and fish. Hohman's most recent publications on the nurse shark J chain and on pIgR from the amphibian Xenopus laevis have been in the Journal of Immunology.