Jorn Coers, PhD, professor in molecular genetics and microbiology and professor of integrative immunobiology, and Mari L. Shinohara, PhD, professor of integrative immunobiology, are among 65 new fellows elected to the American Academy of Microbiology.
Fellows of the academy, the honorific leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology, are elected annually through a highly selective, peer-review process based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology.
Coers conducts research to understand fundamental aspects of the innate immune response to bacterial pathogens as well as the corresponding immune evasion strategies that human pathogens use to undermine immunity to establish infections.
“I am honored to receive this recognition and grateful to my colleagues, mentors, and trainees who have inspired me and were instrumental in the success of my lab’s research program. Microbial infections underlie many acute and chronic human illness in ways that we don’t yet fully understand. This recognition further fuels my passion to keep exploring, and I am excited for the discoveries that lie ahead.”
Shinohara’s research explores how the immune system fine-tunes the balance between protecting against pathogens while avoiding excessive and uncontrolled immune reactions. Her laboratory is particularly interested in fungal infections in the brain and the lung.
“My election to the Academy of the American Society for Microbiology is both an honor and a reflection of the incredible colleagues and trainees I have had the privilege to work with. I am deeply grateful for their contributions and support, and I look forward to giving back by advancing research in host-microbe interactions, strengthening our scientific community, and mentoring the next generation of scientists.
The Academy has over 2,600 fellows representing all subspecialties of the microbial sciences and who are involved in basic and applied research, teaching, public health, industry and government service. This year, the Academy received 146 fellowship nominations from across the globe.
The American Society for Microbiology is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of over 37,000 scientists and health practitioners. Its mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.