معرفی
Jennifer Lodge, Ph.D., is the Vice President for Research & Innovation and John Strohbehn University Distinguished Professor at Duke University. She holds joint appointments as Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Professor of Cell Biology in the School of Medicine. As chief research officer, she oversees Duke's $1.2 billion research portfolio, including grants administration and commercialization. Previously, she served as Vice Chancellor for Research at Washington University in St. Louis.
Education:
- Ph.D., Washington University in St. Louis (1988)
- B.A., Oberlin College (1979)
Research Focus: Dr. Lodge leads a research program centered on the human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Her investigations focus on fungal cell wall biosynthesis (particularly chitin/chitosan dynamics), stress response mechanisms, and developing antifungal therapies/vaccines. Her NIH-funded lab (continuously supported for 20+ years) examines biochemical processes enabling fungal virulence and immune evasion.
Publication Trends: Her recent articles (2018-2024) demonstrate three key themes: 1) Molecular mechanisms of cell wall biosynthesis and remodeling, 2) Vaccine development against cryptococcal infections, and 3) Stress response pathways enabling pathogen survival. Over 60% of publications focus on C. neoformans virulence factors, with increasing emphasis on translational immunology.
Awards & Honors:
- Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology
- Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Fellow, National Academy of Inventors
- John Strohbehn University Distinguished Professorship (2023)
Leadership & Training: She directs multiple NIH training programs including the Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology Training Program (2024-2029) and Cell Biology Training Program (2021-2026). Current grants include NIAID-funded preclinical studies for a cryptococcal vaccine (2022-2026). Her lab maintains active collaborations across Duke's basic science departments.
