Marianna Kulka, PhD

About

Dr. Marianne Kulka is currently appointed as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.

Research

Our research program investigates the mechanisms of immune regulation in respiratory and allergic disease, with a focus on how innate immune pathways shape host responses to allergens, pathogens, and environmental triggers. By integrating molecular immunology, nanomedicine, and translational models, our work seeks to define new therapeutic strageties for conditions such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, viral infections, and chronic inflammatory disease. A major pillar of our program develops nanomaterial-based delivery systems to precisely modulate immune responses. These platforms are designed to enhance vaccine efficacy and improve safety. 

Our team brings a unique dimension in standards and regulatory harmonization, drawing on leadership at international standards councils and industrial partnerships. Our work has established frameworks to facilitate reproducibility and accelerate translation of immunological discoveries into clinical and industrial applications.

Active participant in:

Applied Virology Institute: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/li-ka-shing-institute-virology/li-ka-shing-applied-virology-institute/index.html

Alberta Respiratory Clinic: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/alberta-respiratory-centre/about-us/index.html

Immunology Network: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/immunology-network/index.html

Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI): https://www.ualberta.ca/en/neuroscience-and-mental-health-institute/index.html

AI + Health Hub: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/health-sciences/research/ai-and-health-hub.html

Teaching

MMI 436/536