Vincent C. Lombardi, Ph.D. began his work in CFS, as an undergraduate in the field of Biostatistics, characterizing T-cell populations in CFS patients. He later continued to work in CFS-related research in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Suhadolnik at Temple University, studying the interferon regulated RNase L antiviral pathway and its involvement in CFS. Dr. Lombardi completed his graduate degree at the University of Nevada receiving his Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 2005. The primary focus of his Ph.D. thesis was the isolation and characterization of novel diuretic neuro-peptides. Prior to the completion of his graduate degree he co-founded the specialty clinical laboratory, Redlabs, U.S.A., Inc. This clinical laboratory, which later became VIPDx, was formed to serve doctors and their patients who suffer from CFS. Dr. Lombardi served as the Director of Operations as well as the leader of laboratory research and development for new diagnostics in the clinical laboratory.

Upon joining WPI July 1, 2007, Dr. Lombardi's research effort focused on the inflammatory component of CFS and its relationship to the development of lymphoma in CFS patients. It was at this time that Dr. Lombardi established his collaboration with Robert Silverman, Ph.D., of the Cleveland Clinic, the world's leading authority regarding the RNase L antiviral pathway. Dr. Silverman had recently made the discovery of XMRV in RNase L deficient cancer patients. Dr. Lombardi's research on the association of the RNase L pathway in CFS patients, and discussions with Dr. Silverman prompted him to begin the search for XMRV in CFS.

As an integral member of WPI's research team, Dr. Lombardi continues to focus his research efforts in neuro-immune diseases and the innate immune system, including potential pathogens and their involvement with the interferon system and RNase L antiviral pathway.

Prior to joining the WPI team in 2010, Svetlana Khaiboullina worked as a Research Assistant Professor in Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nevada Reno for 15 years. Svetlana's research was focused on investigating various aspects of hantavirus genetics, molecular epidemiology, diagnostics, and specific prophylaxis of hantavirus disease. It should be noted that Dr Khaiboullina's research was not limited to understanding of hantavirus pathogenesis. Indeed, she was involved in collaborative studies on various potentially fatal human pathogens including dengue virus, yellow fever virus, papilloma virus, cytomegalovirus and E coli 0157:H7. She has authored and co-authored 28 peer-reviewed publications and 2 patents. Dr. Khaiboullina received her MD and PhD at the Bashkortostan State Medical Institute, Russia. Her postdoctoral educational training includes molecular biology, immunology, and vaccine development. Her present contribution to the WPI includes basic research in HGRV innate immune activation and development of diagnostic assays.

Shanti Rawat, M.S. brings her extensive experience in microbiology to the WPI research team. Shanti holds a bachelor's degree in biology along with a master's degree in Zoology from Lucknow University. Shanti went on to receive a second master's degree in microbiology from the University of North Dakota. Mrs. Rawat has worked at the University of Nevada for twenty-three years in several research laboratories including Dr. Ellen Baker, Dr. Jeff Seamen, Dr. W.T. Gerthoffer and Dr. Cherie Singer. During her tenure at UNR Shanti has supervised graduate and undergraduate students using her vast knowledge of molecular biology techniques. Shanti also managed the Invitrogen and Promega onsite freezers and refrigerators for the entire university. As a member of WPI's research team Shanti's expertise in cell culture, molecular biology, and Western Blot techniques have been instrumental to WPI's research projects.