Olivia Lenz DVM

A veterinarian by training, Olivia recently transitioned back to research by becoming a Postdoctoral Fellow within the Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs at Penn. Her current scientific interests include better characterizing neglected tropical diseases and bridging the gap between human and veterinary medicine with a One Health approach, as well as an historic interest in sleep and circadian neurobiology. In the Herbert lab, Olivia combines parasitology and immunology approaches to better resolve the elusive etiology of steroid-induced Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection. Olivia hopes to use her unique position as a member of both a helminth lab and a mast cell lab to ask creative questions regarding mucosal immunity.

Where are you from?

San Diego, California

What is your favorite hangout place or favorite thing to do?

Olivia is a lifelong dancer, avid scuba diver, and a beach bum at heart. In her spare time, she does volunteer spay/neuter surgeries at the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society. Winding down typically includes a hazy IPA and a good book.

What is your prior degree/training?

Olivia graduated from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine as a member of the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society in May 2020. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biological Basis of Behavior from Penn in 2013, followed by three full-time years in sleep and circadian neurobiology research.

What is your career aspiration?

Ever a non-traditionalist, Olivia is figuring out how to best unite her research interests with her love for veterinary medicine in order to empower underserved and neglected populations.

Email address: lenzo@vet.upenn.edu