Kearney named distinguished professor in microbiology
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Published Date: Feb 28
On February 7, 2014, the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees appointed John F. Kearney, Ph.D., distinguished professor in the UAB School of Medicine Department of Microbiology. This is one of the University’s highest honors bestowed on faculty by the Board.
Kearney’s work has brought worldwide recognition to UAB. He is an internationally recognized expert in monoclonal antibodies and their source: immune cells known as B cells that produce the antibodies necessary to fight off infections and other immune threats.
Kearney came to UAB as a postdoctoral fellow in 1974 and joined the microbiology faculty in 1977. In addition to his primary faculty appointment in the microbiology department, Kearney holds several other appointments at UAB including senior scientist in the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and UAB Center for Disease Preparedness, as well as a professor in the Division of Developmental and Clinical Immunology.
On February 7, 2014, the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees appointed John F. Kearney, Ph.D., distinguished professor in the UAB School of Medicine Department of Microbiology. This is one of the University’s highest honors bestowed on faculty by the Board.Kearney’s work has brought worldwide recognition to UAB. He is an internationally recognized expert in monoclonal antibodies and their source: immune cells known as B cells that produce the antibodies necessary to fight off infections and other immune threats.
Kearney came to UAB as a postdoctoral fellow in 1974 and joined the microbiology faculty in 1977. In addition to his primary faculty appointment in the microbiology department, Kearney holds several other appointments at UAB including senior scientist in the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and UAB Center for Disease Preparedness, as well as a professor in the Division of Developmental and Clinical Immunology.
PostDocs Score Big at Research Day
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Published Date: Feb 19
Six microbiology department postdoctoral scholars received awards on February 17, 2014, at the annual Postdoctoral Research Day. “I don’t believe that we have had this many winners from one department previously,” says Sharon Johnston, program manager in the UAB Office of Postdoctoral Education.
Postdoctoral Research Day, hosted by the UAB Postdoctoral Association (PDA) and the Office of Postdoctoral Education (OPE), allows trainees an opportunity to practice their presentation skills, compete for monetary awards, and network with faculty and other postdocs. Trainees present their work in a situation similar to a conference, and receive constructive feedback to help them improve their presentation technique.
The 2014 microbiology winners are:
These outstanding trainees were among 53 entrants from UAB and SRI (Southern Research Institute). Each submitted a 300-word abstract and presented a 12-minute talk about their research project. Research Day was divided into six sessions with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards for each session. Presentations were judged by UAB faculty and SRI scientists.
Postdoctoral Research Day, hosted by the UAB Postdoctoral Association (PDA) and the Office of Postdoctoral Education (OPE), allows trainees an opportunity to practice their presentation skills, compete for monetary awards, and network with faculty and other postdocs. Trainees present their work in a situation similar to a conference, and receive constructive feedback to help them improve their presentation technique.
The 2014 microbiology winners are:
| Davide Botta (Lund lab), 2nd Place, Session One | |
| Valeria Lulla (Frolov lab), 3rd Place, Session Five | |
| Colin Reily (Novak lab), 1st Place, Session Five | |
| Alexander Speer (Niederweis lab), 2nd Place, Session Two | |
| Jim Sun (Niederweis lab), 1st Place, Session Two | |
| Venkata Yeramilli (Kearney lab), 2nd Place, Session Five |
These outstanding trainees were among 53 entrants from UAB and SRI (Southern Research Institute). Each submitted a 300-word abstract and presented a 12-minute talk about their research project. Research Day was divided into six sessions with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards for each session. Presentations were judged by UAB faculty and SRI scientists.
Yother Receives Diversity Award
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Published Date: Feb 17
David Briles, Ph.D.; Janet Yother, Ph.D.; Jocelyn Hauser; Kanupriya Gupta, Ph.D.Janet Yother, Ph.D., has a special knack for encouraging minorities who have chosen to pursue a career in science and mentoring them to become successful scientists. Her work to promote diversity in science education and training was recognized on February 13, 2014, when she received the UAB President’s Diversity Award for Mentoring.
"The mentoring award is a new category of diversity award,” explains UAB Microbiology Department professor David Briles, Ph.D. “It is for faculty who through their mentoring have had a significant impact on the diversity of UAB students and graduates. Janet mentored the first under-represented minority student to receive a Ph.D. while training in the UAB Microbiology Department. This success made it clear that our department could provide a nurturing environment for students of all stripes and has led to the training of many minority graduate students in the labs of microbiology faculty members.”
UAB President’s Diversity Awards are presented annually to recognize the significant achievements of faculty, staff and students who have worked to develop a more culturally diverse, competent and inclusive university community. Awards are given in five categories for projects or activities that best reflect the implementation of unit and/or campus diversity goals.
Potential New Drug Pathway Target for Battling Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
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Published Date: Feb 07
A study by the UAB School of Medicine reveals a potential new drug pathway target for battling Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or Mtb, the pathogen that causes tuberculosis. Read more about this research at “Disrupting iron transport leads to cell death in tuberculosis bacterium.”
5th Southeastern Mycobacteria Meeting
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Published Date: Feb 07
Nearly 100 researchers attended the 5th Southeastern Mycobacteria Meeting, held at UAB January 24-26, 2014. This regional meeting provided a platform to catalyze communication and collaboration between mycobacteria researchers and clinicians in the Southeast. Attendees included primary investigators, postdoctoral scholars, medical professionals, graduate and undergraduate students interested in basic biology, epidemiology or clinical aspects of mycobacteria and mycobacterial diseases. Speakers included: Lalita Ramakrishnan, University of Washington; Hardy Kornfeld, University of Massachusetts; Adrie Steyn, K-RITH; Alastair Leslie, K-RITH; Karen LaCourciere, NIH; Ed Khan, UAB; Gail Cassell, IDRI.
The 5th Southeastern Mycobacteria Meeting was supported by UAB Center for AIDS Research, UAB Microbiology Department, and Infectious Disease, Global Health and Vaccines Strategic Planning Initiative.
To read more about this meeting, go to “Mycobacteria meeting focuses on TB.”
For more about Mycobacterium tuberculosis, go to “UAB Reaches to Africa to Study TB;” “Drug-resistant TB underestimated, Cassell says;” and “Disrupting iron transport leads to cell death in tuberculosis bacterium.”
The 5th Southeastern Mycobacteria Meeting was supported by UAB Center for AIDS Research, UAB Microbiology Department, and Infectious Disease, Global Health and Vaccines Strategic Planning Initiative.
To read more about this meeting, go to “Mycobacteria meeting focuses on TB.”
For more about Mycobacterium tuberculosis, go to “UAB Reaches to Africa to Study TB;” “Drug-resistant TB underestimated, Cassell says;” and “Disrupting iron transport leads to cell death in tuberculosis bacterium.”
Bliss Chang Invited to Present His Work at Posters on the Hill
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Published Date: Feb 05
Undergraduate student Bliss Chang, a Beckman Scholar working in Dr. Jamil Saad’s lab, will participate in the 18th Annual Posters on the Hill event on April 28-29, 2014.
Chang’s poster is one of only 60 chosen from 600 entries. He will be the first from Alabama to present.
Posters on the Hill, sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research, Washington, D.C., is a part of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. It provides an opportunity for members of Congress to understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students and their mentors.
Chang and Saad hope to meet with many Congressional Representatives to tell them how important federal funding is to basic research and the development of future scientists.
Undergraduate student Bliss Chang, a Beckman Scholar working in Dr. Jamil Saad’s lab, will participate in the 18th Annual Posters on the Hill event on April 28-29, 2014. Chang’s poster is one of only 60 chosen from 600 entries. He will be the first from Alabama to present.
Posters on the Hill, sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research, Washington, D.C., is a part of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. It provides an opportunity for members of Congress to understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students and their mentors.
Chang and Saad hope to meet with many Congressional Representatives to tell them how important federal funding is to basic research and the development of future scientists.
Kabarowski Among UAB Researchers to Establish New Imaging Method
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Published Date: Feb 04
Microbiology professor Janusz Kabarowski, Ph.D., and Miranda Collier, an undergraduate student who works in Kabarowski’s lab, are major contributors to the development of a research method that will aid in critical initiatives addressing a variety of diseases including cancer, chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases and age-related degenerative diseases.
Read more about the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry—MALDI-IMS in the Tuesday, January 28, 2014, edition of the UAB Reporter.
Read more about the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry—MALDI-IMS in the Tuesday, January 28, 2014, edition of the UAB Reporter.
Congratulations to Our Recent Graduates
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Published Date: Dec 17
December 14, 2013
Pulin Che
Robert Marsden Cox, Jr.
Christina Michelle Croney
Kristopher Ruben Genschmer
Kanupriya Gupta
David Samuel Jordan, Jr.
Kate Kosmac
Lauren M. Lilly
Michael R. Ludwig
Eva Szymanska Mroczek
Melissa Oliver
Amber Lynne Rowse
Kimberly A. Thomas
Melissa Marie Walker
December 14, 2013
Pulin Che
Robert Marsden Cox, Jr.
Christina Michelle Croney
Kristopher Ruben Genschmer
Kanupriya Gupta
David Samuel Jordan, Jr.
Kate Kosmac
Lauren M. Lilly
Michael R. Ludwig
Eva Szymanska Mroczek
Melissa Oliver
Amber Lynne Rowse
Kimberly A. Thomas
Melissa Marie Walker
Briles Elected to National Academy of Inventors
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Published Date: Dec 13
Congratulations to Dr. David Briles, who was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors during the academy’s annual Conference March 6-7, 2014, in Alexandria, Virginia.
Briles’ work on proteins that are candidate antigens for pneumococcal vaccines has led to several patents on pneumonia vaccines.
The National Academy of Inventors, founded in 2010, recognizes and encourages inventors with patents issued from the US Patent and Trademark Office. The organization is comprised of more than 3,000 members and fellows from more than 200 US and international universities, and governmental and non-profit research institutions.
Congratulations to Dr. David Briles, who was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors during the academy’s annual Conference March 6-7, 2014, in Alexandria, Virginia. Briles’ work on proteins that are candidate antigens for pneumococcal vaccines has led to several patents on pneumonia vaccines.
The National Academy of Inventors, founded in 2010, recognizes and encourages inventors with patents issued from the US Patent and Trademark Office. The organization is comprised of more than 3,000 members and fellows from more than 200 US and international universities, and governmental and non-profit research institutions.
SOM Nominates Yother for 2014 Diversity Award
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Published Date: Nov 22
Congratulations to Dr. Janet Yother, the School of Medicine faculty nominee for the 2014 President’s Diversity Award for Excellence in Mentoring. Her nomination will be reviewed by the President’s Diversity Award Selection Committee, along with nominees from across the entire university. Award recipients will be announced at a public ceremony on January 30, 2014, at the UAB Alumni House.
Congratulations to Dr. Janet Yother, the School of Medicine faculty nominee for the 2014 President’s Diversity Award for Excellence in Mentoring. Her nomination will be reviewed by the President’s Diversity Award Selection Committee, along with nominees from across the entire university. Award recipients will be announced at a public ceremony on January 30, 2014, at the UAB Alumni House. 2013 UAB Microbiology Research Retreat
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Published Date: Oct 25
 The 22nd Microbiology Research Retreat was held on October 18-20, 2013, at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana, Alabama. “This was the first time for the retreat at this recently remodeled venue. Everyone was very impressed with the facilities, the staff and the surrounding countryside. The 4-H Center is convenient to UAB, less than an hour away,” says Dr. Pete Burrows, Microbiology Graduate Program Director.The 85 attendees, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty, shared diverse experiences and knowledge. “On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, there were 20 talks by students and postdoctoral fellows, including a record number of New Investigators, students in their first through third year of graduate school. A poster session with light refreshments was held on Friday evening with 21 presenters,” says Burrows.  Kimberly Benton, Ph.D. was key note speaker for this year’s retreat. A former graduate student in Dr. David Briles lab, Benton currently is the Deputy Director for the Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies at the US Food and Drug Administration Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Benton gave an informative talk, explaining this career option. “Sunday morning featured three very interesting faculty talks,” says Burrows. “Dmitry Shayakhmetov, University of Washington, who is a potential Microbiology recruit, Mengxi Jiang, University of Michigan, who will be joining the Microbiology Department in January, and Chuck Elson, who is here at UAB in the Department of Medicine.”  Free time activities were geared for the enjoyment of all attendees. “On both Friday and Saturday nights there was a campfire by Lay Lake, which forms one boundary of the 4H property,” says Burrows. Several trainees commented that the s’mores and roasted marshmallows were a fun treat at these social gatherings. The extended Saturday afternoon break allowed time for trainees and their mentors to team up for games of basketball and putt-putt, with only the bravest confronting the climbing wall and giant swing. The retreat was a success because of the hard work of many individuals in the Micro office, in particular Kristina Sinclair and Justin Daigneault who attended the entire event and kept things running smoothly," says Burrows. |
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| The three-day retreat concluded with the presentation of awards. Students receiving awards at the retreat include:
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Bedwell Elected to SOM Faculty Council
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Published Date: Oct 07
Congratulations to Dr. David Bedwell who has been elected to a three-year term on the School of Medicine Faculty Council, effective January 1, 2014. This school-wide committee reviews all promotions and tenure appointments within the School of Medicine at UAB. The Council reviews both clinical appointments and appointments in the basic science departments. In addition to having served on this committee a number of years ago, Bedwell has served as a member and Chair of the microbiology department Promotion and Tenure Committee.
Congratulations to Dr. David Bedwell who has been elected to a three-year term on the School of Medicine Faculty Council, effective January 1, 2014. This school-wide committee reviews all promotions and tenure appointments within the School of Medicine at UAB. The Council reviews both clinical appointments and appointments in the basic science departments. In addition to having served on this committee a number of years ago, Bedwell has served as a member and Chair of the microbiology department Promotion and Tenure Committee.
Bedwell Elected to SOM Faculty Council
By:
Published Date: Oct 07
Congratulations to Dr. David Bedwell who has been elected to a three-year term on the School of Medicine Faculty Council, effective January 1, 2014. This school-wide committee reviews all promotions and tenure appointments within the School of Medicine at UAB. The Council reviews both clinical appointments and appointments in the basic science departments. In addition to having served on this committee a number of years ago, Bedwell has served as a member and Chair of the microbiology department Promotion and Tenure Committee.
Congratulations to Dr. David Bedwell who has been elected to a three-year term on the School of Medicine Faculty Council, effective January 1, 2014. This school-wide committee reviews all promotions and tenure appointments within the School of Medicine at UAB. The Council reviews both clinical appointments and appointments in the basic science departments. In addition to having served on this committee a number of years ago, Bedwell has served as a member and Chair of the microbiology department Promotion and Tenure Committee.
Kearney Is UAB 2013 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer
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Published Date: Sep 13
Kearney receives 2013 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer award from Provost, Dr. Linda LucasCongratulations to microbiology department faculty member Dr. John Kearney who was named UAB 2013 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, one of the highest honors a UAB faculty member can receive.
After earning his Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Melbourne, Australia, Kearney came to UAB as a postdoc with Drs. Cooper and Lawton. His postdoctoral work focused on in vitro models of immunoglobulin isotope switching. He joined the microbiology staff in 1977 and has continued his studies on B cell differentiation. His work has brought worldwide recognition to UAB.
Kearney will be the keynote speaker at the 2013 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer reception in the fall.
Read more about Dr. Kearney's accomplishments.
Listen to an interview with Dr. Kearney.
Kearney receives 2013 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer award from Provost, Dr. Linda LucasCongratulations to microbiology department faculty member Dr. John Kearney who was named UAB 2013 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, one of the highest honors a UAB faculty member can receive. After earning his Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Melbourne, Australia, Kearney came to UAB as a postdoc with Drs. Cooper and Lawton. His postdoctoral work focused on in vitro models of immunoglobulin isotope switching. He joined the microbiology staff in 1977 and has continued his studies on B cell differentiation. His work has brought worldwide recognition to UAB.
Kearney will be the keynote speaker at the 2013 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer reception in the fall.
Read more about Dr. Kearney's accomplishments.
Listen to an interview with Dr. Kearney.
Kym Proctor Is Employee of the Month
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Published Date: Aug 27
As program administrator for the Immunology and Microbiology Themes of UAB's Graduate Biomedical Sciences program, Kym is the person in the know. She routinely answers questions about enrolling in graduate school at UAB, registering for classes, and even the best places to go for lunch. “She is the rock we lean on for support, the glue that holds our program together, the one who keeps us on track, the Mom away from home, the therapist, the shoulder we cry on and the sun on a cloudy day,” says Melissa Oliver, Ph.D. candidate in the GBS program.
Read more about Kym at Proctor named Employee of the Month for August.
As program administrator for the Immunology and Microbiology Themes of UAB's Graduate Biomedical Sciences program, Kym is the person in the know. She routinely answers questions about enrolling in graduate school at UAB, registering for classes, and even the best places to go for lunch. “She is the rock we lean on for support, the glue that holds our program together, the one who keeps us on track, the Mom away from home, the therapist, the shoulder we cry on and the sun on a cloudy day,” says Melissa Oliver, Ph.D. candidate in the GBS program.Read more about Kym at Proctor named Employee of the Month for August.
Opportunity of a Lifetime UAB President Ray Watts Has Big Vision for the Future of UAB
UAB Beckman Scholars Attend 2013 Symposium
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Published Date: Aug 02
UAB’s five (3 finishing, 2 starting) Beckman Scholars attended the Beckman Foundation's Scholars Symposium, July 25-27, at the Beckman Center of the National Academy of Sciences and Engineering in Irvine, California.
Read moreSpring Immunology Symposium Brings People Together
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Published Date: Jul 24
UAB was host for the Spring Immunology Symposium held June 22-23, 2013. This was the second year for the regional meeting that was created by faculty from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Emory University School of Medicine. The symposium showcases immunology research being done in the Southeast as researchers share new work, exchange ideas and build collaborations.
The Microbiology department played an important role in hosting this event. Hubert Tse, Ph.D., was one of the organizers of the meeting, which was sponsored by the Immunology Autoimmunity and Transplantation Steering Committee. Frances Lund, Ph.D., microbiology department chair, and Casey Weaver, M.D., microbiology department secondary faculty member, were co-directors of the steering committee.
Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Rolf Zinkernagel of the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland; Dr. Emil Unanue of Washington University School of Medicine; and Dr.John Cambier of the Denver School of Medicine, were distinguished keynote speakers. Faculty members at Emory, HudsonAlpha, Vanderbilt, University of Tennessee at Memphis, Georgia Regents University, University of Florida and UAB presented their work.
UAB was host for the Spring Immunology Symposium held June 22-23, 2013. This was the second year for the regional meeting that was created by faculty from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Emory University School of Medicine. The symposium showcases immunology research being done in the Southeast as researchers share new work, exchange ideas and build collaborations.The Microbiology department played an important role in hosting this event. Hubert Tse, Ph.D., was one of the organizers of the meeting, which was sponsored by the Immunology Autoimmunity and Transplantation Steering Committee. Frances Lund, Ph.D., microbiology department chair, and Casey Weaver, M.D., microbiology department secondary faculty member, were co-directors of the steering committee.
Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Rolf Zinkernagel of the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland; Dr. Emil Unanue of Washington University School of Medicine; and Dr.John Cambier of the Denver School of Medicine, were distinguished keynote speakers. Faculty members at Emory, HudsonAlpha, Vanderbilt, University of Tennessee at Memphis, Georgia Regents University, University of Florida and UAB presented their work.
Read more at UAB Medicine News.
Chaplin Named Associate Dean for Faculty Development
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Published Date: Jul 24
Congratulations to David Chaplin, M.D., Ph.D., who has been named Associate Dean for Faculty Development in the UAB School of Medicine. In this new position, Chaplin will focus on increasing development opportunities for faculty. “My vision is to develop programs that will be useful for people at each stage of their careers,” said Chaplin.
Congratulations to David Chaplin, M.D., Ph.D., who has been named Associate Dean for Faculty Development in the UAB School of Medicine. In this new position, Chaplin will focus on increasing development opportunities for faculty. “My vision is to develop programs that will be useful for people at each stage of their careers,” said Chaplin.Read more at UAB School of Medicine News.
Mestecky Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Medicine
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Published Date: Jun 25
Jiri Mestcky, M.D., Ph.D., was awarded an honorary doctorate of medicine by Palacky’s University, School of Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic during a ceremony at the Archbishop’s Palace on May 14, 2013. (In photo left: Mestecky, Dean of the Medical School, Rector [President] of the University, Promotor [vice-president]. Front: Carriers of university insignia and symbols.)
Jiri Mestcky, M.D., Ph.D., was awarded an honorary doctorate of medicine by Palacky’s University, School of Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic during a ceremony at the Archbishop’s Palace on May 14, 2013. (In photo left: Mestecky, Dean of the Medical School, Rector [President] of the University, Promotor [vice-president]. Front: Carriers of university insignia and symbols.)