Jacqueline M. Achkar

Jacqueline M. Achkar, M.D., M.S., is a Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine with dual appointments in the Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Department of Microbiology & Immunology. She serves as Associate Director for Translational Bench to Bedside Research in the Clinical Research Training Program and Director of Global Health Research. Dr. Achkar is an active physician scientist specializing in infectious diseases, with board certifications in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases.

She holds a Medical Diploma and Doctoral Degree from Free University of Berlin, a Master of Science in Clinical Research Methods from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and completed residency/fellowship at NYU School of Medicine.

Her translational research focuses on tuberculosis biomarker discovery, diagnostics evaluation, and protective antibody responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Dr. Achkar leads national/international collaborations spanning clinical research, epidemiology, microbiology, and molecular biology. Her work addresses critical global health challenges including point-of-care diagnostics, novel therapies, and vaccine development for TB, the world's leading infectious killer.

Her recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on antibody-mediated immunity against tuberculosis, with investigations into monoclonal antibodies targeting mycobacterial antigens, immunological synapse dynamics, and correlates of protection in nonhuman primate models. These studies consistently integrate virology, immunology, and translational medicine approaches.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America (FIDSA)

As Principal Investigator, she leads multiple NIH-funded grants including:

• Non-sputum-based biomarkers for tuberculosis detection (NIAID, 2025-2026)
• Characteristics and protective efficacy of human antibodies against M. tuberculosis (NIAID, 2019-2024)
• Antibodies associated with protection against tuberculosis in nonhuman primates (NIAID, 2017-2020)

She mentors through Einstein's Clinical Research Training Program and co-directs the Global Health Center.