Dawn M. Wetzel

Dawn M. Wetzel, M.D., Ph.D., serves as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Biochemistry at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where she is also an infectious disease specialist at Children’s Health. Her clinical and research work focuses on pediatric parasitic infections and neglected tropical diseases.

Education:

• M.D. and Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis
• Pediatrics Residency, Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian (Columbia University)
• Fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Yale University

Research Focus: Dr. Wetzel’s laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms of parasitic infections, with emphasis on Leishmania, Toxoplasma, and Cryptosporidium. Her work bridges biochemical parasitology and drug discovery, targeting critical steps in parasite life cycles to develop novel therapeutics for neglected tropical diseases. Current research explores tubulin polymerization in Leishmania, kinase-mediated host-pathogen interactions, and high-throughput screening of antiparasitic compounds.

Publication Trends: Recent publications (2019-2020) demonstrate a strategic shift toward drug discovery using compound libraries like the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box. Earlier work (2003-2012) established foundational knowledge of parasite motility mechanisms and host kinase involvement in infection. Her research consistently integrates parasitology, immunology, and cell biology to address treatment gaps for protozoan diseases.

Scientific Recognition:

• Holds patent for anti-parasitic medicines
• Multiple research grants supporting laboratory work
• National recognition for contributions to parasitology

Academic Leadership: As principal investigator of the Wetzel Lab, she mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in molecular parasitology. Her laboratory receives sustained grant funding for drug discovery initiatives and maintains active collaborations in infectious disease research.

Research Environment: The Wetzel Lab operates within UT Southwestern’s Department of Pediatrics, focusing on translational research to convert biochemical insights into therapeutics for leishmaniasis and related neglected diseases. The team employs multidisciplinary approaches spanning molecular biology, high-throughput screening, and parasite-host interaction studies.