Three faculty from the Department of Integrative Immunobiology have been awarded distinguished professorships by Duke University. They will be honored at the university’s annual distinguished professorship event on May 18.
Distinguished professorships are awarded to faculty who have demonstrated extraordinary scholarship in advancing science and improving human health.
Integrative immunobiology’s 2026 cohort of new distinguished professors are:
Alter Geller Distinguished Professor for Research in Immunology
Jorn Coers, PhD
Jorn Coers, PhD, is a professor in molecular genetics and microbiology, professor of integrative microbiology, and professor in cell biology. He is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to microbiology, infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions, and innate immunity. His research focus is on understanding fundamental aspects of the immune response to microbes as well as the corresponding immune evasion strategies evolved by human pathogens to undermine immunity and establish infections. His work has led to paradigm shifts in the field, uncovering novel immune pathways and mechanisms that could inform therapeutic strategies for combating infections and inflammatory diseases.
Alter Geller Distinguished Professor for Research in Immunology
Mari L. Shinohara, PhD
Mari L. Shinohara, PhD, is a professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of Integrative Immunobiology. She also has appointments in neurobiology, cell biology, and molecular genetics and microbiology. Her research focuses on understanding how the immune system fine-tunes the balance between protective responses against pathogens and excessive and uncontrolled responses that can lead to autoimmunity. Her research program integrates fungal immunology, autoimmune disease mechanisms, and neuroimmunology, uncovering fundamental principles that connect these traditionally separate fields, and her work has clarified the inflammatory changes that occur during the development of autoimmunity and fungal infections.
Minnie Geller Distinguished Professor for Research in Genetics
David M. Tobin, PhD
David M. Tobin, PhD, is a professor of molecular genetics and microbiology who also has appointments in cell biology and integrative immunobiology. His research focuses on understanding the interplay between mycobacteria and their hosts, using model organism genetics, human genetics, pharmacology and high-resolution microscopy. By identifying key pathways utilized by the infecting bacteria and the host innate immune system, he seeks to discover new therapeutic targets and interventions to combat tuberculosis. His work integrates zebrafish genetics with mechanistic studies of mycobacterial pathogens, advancing fundamental understanding of host–pathogen interactions relevant to human diseases including tuberculosis and leprosy.
Read about all 22 faculty members in the School of Medicine who have been awarded distinguished professorships.