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The UAB Department of Microbiology has undergone a remarkable journey of growth and transformation since its founding in 1945. Initially consisting of just three faculty members primarily focused on anti-infectives research, the department's trajectory shifted dramatically with the recruitment of immunologists, notably Raymond Hiramoto, Ph.D., in 1966.

The 36th Bertram M. Marx Endowed Lecture hosted by the UAB Department of Microbiology took place on March 11, 2024, and featured distinguished immunologist and 40-year UAB career veteran Max D. Cooper, M.D. Cooper is known for his research characterizing T cells and B cells and having made numerous unprecedented contributions to the field of immunology. Cooper's presentation was titled "Evolution of Lymphocyte-Based Immunity."

Amarshi Mukherjee, M.Sc., Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow in the UAB Department of Microbiology, recently received two awards for his work at UAB’s Postdoc Research Day, an event designed to showcase the research of UAB Postdoctoral Scholars and to promote networking and collaboration among trainees.

Frances Lund, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Microbiology and director of the Heersink School of Medicine Immunology Institute, has ranked 10th nationally out of 1,000 principal investigators in the fields of microbiology, immunology, and virology, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research report for 2023. Lund earned the ranking after securing more than $5.2 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding.

An ongoing lecture series within the UAB Department of Microbiology celebrating nearly 40 years since its establishment has brought a wealth of knowledge to the UAB research community among its distinguished lecturers.

The UAB Department of Microbiology has been ranked No. 12 in the country among 96 other microbiology departments, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research report for 2023. This represents a substantial climb from its position at No. 16 in 2022.

Max D. Cooper, M.D.Distinguished immunologist and 40-year career veteran of UAB, Max D. Cooper, M.D., will be returning to UAB on March 11 as this year’s lecturer for the 36th Bertram M. Marx Endowed Lecture, hosted by the UAB Department of Microbiology. Cooper is known for his research characterizing T cells and B cells and having made numerous unprecedented contributions to the field of immunology.

The 2024 Susan Roberts Dubay Endowed Lecture hosted by the UAB Department of Microbiology took place on Wednesday, Feb. 14, in Cudworth, Room 102. Michael S. Diamond, M.D., Ph.D., Herbert S. Gasser Professor at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis, presented, “Alphavirus receptor interactions; new insights into the first step in the virus infection cycle.”

The Susan Roberts Dubay Endowed Lecture series in the UAB Department of Microbiology has been inviting world-class scientists to share their knowledge with UAB audiences since 2015; however, the impact of the lecture series started well before then.

The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), the largest coalition of biomedical research associations in the United States, has secured a nearly $500,000 two-year grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant supports a program aimed at reshaping the prevailing culture within biological societies, specifically addressing adverse effects on early-career researchers from historically excluded populations.

Louis Justement, Ph.D., professor in UAB’s Department of Microbiology, has been elected to the Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) Group on Research, Education, and Training (GREAT) Steering Committee for a three-year term.

Founded in 1996, GREAT seeks to offer professional development opportunities and foster communication among faculty and administrative leaders of biomedical, Ph.D., M.D.-Ph.D., and postdoctoral programs across the nation.

Frances Lund, Ph.D., endowed chair in Immunology within the UAB Department of Microbiology and director of the Immunology Institute, has been elected a 2024 American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Distinguished Fellow.

Louis Justement, Ph.D., professor in UAB’s Department of Microbiology, has recently assumed the role of President of the Society for Leukocyte Biology (SLB) as of Jan. 1, 2024.

Founded in 1954, the SLB is a global community of researchers and clinicians who study the critical role of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the immune response.

J. Victor Garcia-Martinez, Ph.D.In a groundbreaking presentation at the recent 40 Years of HIV Science conference held at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, J. Victor Garcia-Martinez, Ph.D., professor and Chair of Microbiology, explored the crucial role of resident microbiota in the acquisition and pathogenesis of two human-specific pathogens: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).

Ninecia Scott, Ph.D.

Ninecia Scott, Ph.D., was a dedicated postdoctoral researcher in the UAB Department of Microbiology with a notable academic background.

She earned her B.S. degrees in pharmaceutical sciences and biology from North Carolina Central University, historically black college and/or university (HBCU), and later completed her Ph.D. in molecular microbiology and microbial pathogenesis at Washington University in St. Louis, focusing on the immune system's impact on pulmonary Tuberculosis infections.

Melissa McDaniel, Ph.D.Melissa McDaniel, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the UAB Department of Microbiology, is preparing for an upcoming year of groundbreaking research at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands.

Her work revolves around the complex world of polymicrobial infections and the fascinating dynamics that shape the outcomes of chronic diseases.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of Nathional Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, accepted the 2020 FASEB Public Service Award March 24, 2022.  FASEB President Patricia Morris and Past President Louis Justement presented the award.  The award presentation was delayed due to COVID-19.  FASEB's Public Service Award, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding conributions to the cause of biomedical or biological research through their work in government, public affairs, the media, the law, the arts, or related fields.

A part of the UAB family for over 12 years, Hubert Tse, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Microbiology, is an expert in diabetes research. Tse’s research interests in Microbiology include understanding the immunological mechanisms involved in Type 1 diabetes pathogenesis and islet transplantation rejection. Tse has been published in several peer-reviewed publications, including Journal of Immunology, Immunohorizons, and Diabetes, and has received a number of grants, awards, and honors.

A member of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Medicine Faculty since 1978, David Briles, Ph.D., has been a trailblazer in the field of Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine development and pathogenesis.

By Stefan Tuomanen

Welcome to another UAB Faculty spotlight. This month we are featuring Dr. Eric Ubil, PhD, MBA.