Carlos Orihuela, Ph.D., was recently named to an endowed professorship position in the UAB Department of Microbiology. In addition, Elena Frolova, Ph.D., was named Professor Emeritus in the Department of Microbiology.

Orihuela became the inaugural holder of the Triton Endowed Professorship in Microbiology at UAB, which was formally established in September 2023. Supporting Orihuela’s appointment to the endowed professorship, the UAB Board of Trustees resolution cites him as “a leader in the fields of microbiology and infectious diseases,” with a particular research focus over the past 20 years on the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Orihuela previously served as interim chair of the Department of Microbiology and Director of the Microbiome Center at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. He has published more than 110 manuscripts, letters, and book chapters and has more than 80 invited lectures at national and international venues. In addition, he has mentored more than 25 graduate students and postdoctoral and clinical fellows from all over the world.

"I consider myself extremely fortunate to be part of the Department of Microbiology," Orihuela said. "Moreover, I am exceptionally honored by the receipt of the Triton Endowed Professorship in Microbiology. I intend to use the endowment to visit world-class laboratories and have exceptional scientists visit UAB so that I can incorporate exciting cutting-edge technologies into our research program."

Frolova was named Professor Emeritus of Microbiology in the Department of Microbiology.

Frolova, who retired from the Department of Microbiology in March 2024, joined the UAB Department of Microbiology in 2009. During her time in the department, she served on many departmental committees, mentored eight postdoctoral fellows, authored and co-authored more than 80 publications, and developed a significant international reputation, being frequently invited to present her work at international forums.

In addition, her laboratory worked during the COVID-19 pandemic to develop novel approaches to coronavirus, specifically in the areas of virus replication and pathogenesis.