Jack D. Griffith

Jack D. Griffith is a Kenan Distinguished Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and Biochemistry and Biophysics at the UNC School of Medicine. He is a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and has contributed to DNA-protein interaction studies for over 46 years.

• Education: BA in Physics (Occidental College), PhD in Biochemistry (Caltech), Postdoctoral work with Arthur Kornberg.

Research Interests: Focus on DNA replication, repair, and telomere biology using electron microscopy and biochemical approaches. Key work includes the trombone model of DNA replication, HSV/HPV viral replication mechanisms, and t-loop discovery in telomere protection.

Publications & Collaborations: Collaborative studies with Charles Richardson, Robert Lehman, Tom Broker, and Lubomir Tomaska have led to breakthroughs in DNA replication and telomere looping. His lab pioneered visualization of t-loops and t-circles in diverse eukaryotes.

Scientific Awards:

• Progress in Photography Award (2020)
• National Academy of Sciences election (2018)
• Fogarty IRCA grant (2020)

Advising & Lab Environment: Mentored highly successful students and fellows, including Anthony Cesare and Taghreed AlTurki. The lab combines EM with genetics to study telomeres and collaborates globally. Griffith's personal pursuits include aviation and restoring vintage cars.