Maureen McGargill

About Maureen McGargill

Immunology expert with over 25 years of research experience, including 18 years leading an academic research program focused on immune regulation in autoimmune diseases, pathogen infections, and tumors. An accomplished research leader, project manager, and scientific editor with a strong track record of publications, successful grant funding, and public engagement.Experienced science communicator and educator, having designed and directed graduate-level immunology courses and mentored over 30 trainees. Led the editorial management of a pioneering peer review initiative aimed at improving the evaluation and dissemination of scientific research. Notable Research Achievements:• Delineated pivotal T cell signaling pathways driving autoimmune disease.• Identified mechanisms mediating broad antibody protection against divergent influenza viruses.• Discovered that prior common cold coronavirus exposure impacts antibody response to SARS-CoV-2.• Revealed a role for pathogen-specific antibodies in promoting autoimmune disease.• Uncovered a novel link between the immune system and osteochondroma development.

Experience

1. Editor & Project Manager

   Solving For Science

   Aug 2024 — Present

   As an editor and project manager for the Discovery Stack Pilot Study, I lead the editorial management of a pioneering initiative aimed at transforming scientific peer review. Conducted by Solving for Science, this study tests a novel peer review model designed to overcome slow processes, biased reviews, and impact ratings tied to journal branding instead of scientific merit.My responsibilities include:• Conducting targeted searches to identify, evaluate, and select manuscript preprints for enrollment.• Performing detailed literature searches to find, recruit, and train expert reviewers to effectively use the novel review platform. • Developing and implementing a structured review workflow by building and managing databases to track manuscript enrollment, reviewer assessments, and participant surveys.• Automating data collection and reporting by designing tailored forms for manuscript submissions, peer review assessments, and participant feedback.• Identifying key metrics for analysis and creating clear visual representations to effectively communicate findings and drive actionable improvements.• Engaging with the scientific community through newsletters, website updates, and outreach initiatives.• Hosting weekly meetings with the Scientific Advisory Board to drive strategic decision-making.

Education

• University of Minnesota

  Ph.D., Immunology

  1995 — 2000

• Creighton University

  B.S., Biology

  1990 — 1994

• Creighton University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Biology

• University of Minnesota

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Immunology

  1995 — 2000

Skills

• Confocal Microscopy
• Immunofluorescence
• Molecular Cloning
• Animal Models
• Biochemistry
• Cell
• Cancer
• In Vivo
• Elisa
• Rna Isolation
• Immunohistochemistry
• Qpcr
• T Cells
• Western Blotting
• Molecular Biology
• Fluorescence Microscopy
• Dna
• Autoimmune Diseases
• In Vitro
• Pcr
• Cancer Research
• Cell Biology
• Transfection
• Cell Culture
• Flow Cytometry
• Immunology
• Assay Development
• Tissue Culture