Nicole Baumgarth

Nicole Baumgarth, DVM, PhD, is a Professor at the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology in the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. She holds the prestigious titles of Bloomberg Distinguished Professor and Peetz Family Professor, and serves as the inaugural director of the Lyme and Tickborne Diseases Research and Education Institute.

Education:

• DVM, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover (1987)
• PhD, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover (1989)

Her research focuses on B cell biology, humoral immunity, and immune responses to infections such as Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi) and influenza virus. She investigates B cell subsets, B-1 cells, antibody production, host-pathogen interactions, and the mechanisms of immune protection and suppression. Her work bridges immunology, microbiology, and public health, with a strong emphasis on translational applications.

Her recent publications highlight trends in B cell activation during viral infections, the role of B cells in neuroimmunology and inflammation, and strategies for combating tickborne diseases. She has made significant contributions to understanding extrafollicular B cell responses, natural antibody production, and the long-term impact of Borrelia infection on immunity.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Elected Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Neil L. Spector Memorial Award (ILADEF)
• Lauren Brooks Hope Award (Global Lyme Alliance)
• Zoetis Excellence in Research Award
• UC Davis Chancellor’s Fellow
• Young Scientist Award, Options for the control of Influenza III
• Carl Norden Prize
• Post-doctoral fellow, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
• Chair and Standing Member, NIH Study Sections (CMIB, STOD, IHD)

Nicole Baumgarth has advised and collaborated with numerous students and researchers, contributing to a robust body of work in immunology. She has received significant recognition for her leadership in NIH review panels and her impactful research. While specific grant details are not listed, her sustained publication record and leadership roles suggest strong funding support. She is actively involved in advancing research on Lyme disease and influenza, with recent work exploring immune modulation, microfluidic B cell isolation, and environmental impacts on infection outcomes.

Lab and Research Team: Her laboratory investigates B cell responses in infection and immunity, utilizing mouse models and advanced immunological techniques. She leads a multidisciplinary team focused on eliminating threats from tickborne diseases and understanding fundamental mechanisms of B cell biology.