James E. Galen

James E. Galen, Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, specializes in developing attenuated bacterial vaccines and plasmid-based expression systems for pathogens like Clostridium difficile, Salmonella, and Yersinia pestis. His work focuses on live oral vaccines and antigen export technologies to enhance immune responses.

• Education: B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of Virginia (1979); Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (1991).

Dr. Galen’s research includes engineering Salmonella vectors to deliver vaccines against malaria, SARS, plague, and enteric fever. He pioneered antibiotic-free plasmid stabilization systems and non-hemolytic ClyA technology to improve vaccine safety and efficacy.

Recent publications highlight his work on C. difficile vaccines targeting toxins A, B, and CDT, and heterologous prime-boost strategies combining Salmonella vectors with DNA vaccines. His studies span preclinical trials, animal models, and clinical immunology.

• Scientific Awards: Multiple U.S. and international patents for antigen export systems, plasmid stabilization, and vaccines against Salmonella and C. difficile.

• Grants: NIH R01 funding for C. difficile vaccines (2012–2017); Wellcome Trust Strategic Translational Award (2012–2017); Enteric CETR grant for typhoid and Shigella vaccines.