James Samuel

James Samuel, PhD, is a Regents Professor and Department Head of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology at Texas A&M University’s School of Medicine, holding the Wofford Cain Endowed Chair in Infectious Disease. He specializes in molecular pathogenesis of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) and vaccine development.

Education:

• B.A., Miami University, 1976
• M.S., Washington State University, 1983
• Ph.D., Washington State University, 1986

Research Focus: His lab investigates Coxiella burnetii’s virulence mechanisms, including type 4 secretion system (T4SS) effector proteins and host immune modulation. Studies also target vaccine strategies using recombinant antigens and understanding protective immunity against Q fever.

Awards:

• Wofford Cain Endowed Chair in Infectious Disease

Advising/Grants: While no students are listed, his work is supported by grants enabling research into pathogen-host interactions and vaccine efficacy. Collaborative efforts include non-human primate models for human Q fever studies.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology department, focusing on infectious disease research with emphasis on biothreat agents and immune response mechanisms.