معرفی
Dr. Keith Fowke is a Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Manitoba. He earned his B.Sc.(H) in Microbiology (1988) and PhD (1995) from the University of Manitoba, with thesis work on HIV resistance in Nairobi’s Pumwani sex workers cohort. His career spans postdoctoral research at NIH’s National Cancer Institute, project scientist roles at BBI Biotech, and progressive academic appointments at Manitoba, culminating in department head (2013).
- Education: B.Sc.(H) (University of Manitoba, 1988), PhD (University of Manitoba, 1995).
The Laboratory of Viral Immunology, led by Dr. Fowke, focuses on three pillars: 1) Immunological and genetic factors in HIV resistance/control; 2) Role of immune activation and receptor polymorphisms in disease progression; 3) Pre-existing immunity to influenza and vaccine responses. Research leverages long-standing collaboration with Nairobi’s Sex Worker Outreach Program (SWOP) and Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), yielding breakthroughs like linking STIs to HIV risk and identifying natural HIV immunity.
Recent work highlights the catastrophic consequences of PEPFAR funding cuts for HIV services in Kenya, where SWOP clinics reduced female sex worker HIV prevalence from 44% to 12% between 2008-2017. Dr. Fowke’s team also investigates HPV-related cancers among men who have sex with men.
Scientific Awards
- Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
As a principal investigator, Dr. Fowke mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in immunology and infectious diseases. His lab collaborates with global health initiatives like CanCURE (Canadian HIV Cure Enterprise) and receives funding from CIHR, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Research Manitoba. The lab operates in Room 539 at 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg.
