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- Posted Monday November 23, 2015
Dr. Paul Keim of TGen and NAU is named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
AAAS recognizes Dr. Keim for contributions to microbiology, genetics, genomic analysis, evolution, forensics and public health
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Nov. 23, 2015 - Dr. Paul
Keim, Director of the Pathogen Genomics Division of theTranslational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and
the Cowden Endowed Chair of Microbiology at Northern Arizona
University (NAU), has been named a Fellow of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Election as a Fellow of AAAS is an honor bestowed upon members by
their peers for meritorious efforts to advance science or its
applications.
Dr. Keim's peers recognized him for "distinguished contributions
to the fields of microbiology, evolution and genetics through the
use of genomic analysis for applications in forensics, biology and
public health," according to the AAAS, which will formally announce
this year's Fellows in the Nov. 27 issue of the organization's
journal Science.
Dr. Keim and other new Fellows also will be recognized Feb. 13 at
the AAAS Fellows Forum during the 2016 AAAS Annual Meeting in
Washington, D.C.
Dr. Keim is a world-renowned expert in anthrax and other
infectious diseases. At TGen and NAU he directs investigations into
how to bolster the nation's biodefense, and to prevent outbreaks -
even pandemics - of such contagions as flu, cholera, E. coli,
salmonella, and even the plague.
"There is no question that AAAS's recognition of Dr. Keim is
extremely well deserved," said Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen President
and Research Director. "Paul's achievements in revealing the
genomes of microbial pathogens - both natural and those made into
weapons - are of profound worldwide importance.His research,
along with his dedication to his students and to the cause of
public health, place him in the upper echelon of premier
scientists, and cements Arizona's place on the map in this critical
and growing area of research."
"Thousands of NAU students have participated in research organized
by Dr. Keim, and from there have launched successful scientific
careers," said NAU President Rita Cheng. "His research group has
forged a strong partnership between the university and TGen North,
generating an important economic impact and producing health
benefits for Arizona and beyond."
Dr. Keim is Director of TGen's Pathogen Genomics Division, also
known as TGen North in Flagstaff, which aims to protect human
health though genomic investigations of some of humankind's most
deadly microbes.
Dr. Keim also is Director of NAU's Microbial Genetics &
Genomics Center, also in Flagstaff, a program that works with
numerous government agencies to help thwart bioterrorism and the
spread of pathogen-caused diseases.
"I'm gratified to know this honor also brings recognition to
everyone in the lab, including the students who work with us," said
Dr. Keim, a Professor at TGen and Regents Professor of Microbiology
at NAU. "Their contributions, achieved through dedication and
talent, are meaningful and well deserving of the attention."
Dr. Keim is a former member and chair of the federal government's
National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), where he
helped draft national research policy guidelines for blunting
bioterrorism while elevating ethical standards and improving the
quality of scientific research.
"Our science has been completely transformed by the rapid
advancements of technology. Now, TGen's job is to use these
advancements to make positive impacts on human health. We have that
ability, therefore, we feel that we have that responsibility to
mankind," Dr. Keim said.
His lab was involved in the investigation of the 2001
anthrax-letters attacks. Anthrax samples from the U.S. House and
Senate buildings were rushed under heavy guard to Dr. Keim's
laboratory in Flagstaff for analysis. At the time, the FBI didn't
have a biosafety Level 3 lab. Dr. Keim's lab became the major
repository for anthrax samples gathered for comparison by the FBI
from across the globe.
TGen North collaborates with local,
national and international universities, biotech companies,
security agencies, health care providers, public health departments
and other institutions in its quest to protect human health.
Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff, TGen Physician-In-Chief and Distinguished
Professor, was named an AAAS Fellow in 1992 for his work in Medical
Sciences.
Dr. Thomas Witham, NAU Regents Professor of Biology, was named an
AAAS Fellow in 2011 for his research in Ecological Sciences.
The tradition of AAAS Fellows began in 1874. Fellows are elected
by the AAAS Council, which is the policymaking body of the
Association, chaired by the AAAS president, and consisting of the
members of the board of directors, the retiring section chairs,
delegates from each electorate and each regional division, and two
delegates from the National Association of Academies of
Science.
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About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with neurological disorders, cancer, and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org. Follow TGen on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @TGen.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
Cynthia Brown
NAU Office of Public Affairs
928-523-0611
[email protected]
About AAAS
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is
the world's largest general scientific society, and publisher of
the journal, Science (www.sciencemag.org) as well as Science
Translational Medicine (www.sciencetranslationalmedicine.org) and
Science Signaling (www.sciencesignaling.org). AAAS was founded in
1848, and includes 254 affiliated societies and academies of
science, serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest
paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in
the world, with an estimated total readership of 1 million. The
non-profit AAAS (www.aaas.org) is open to all and fulfills its
mission to "advance science and serve society" through initiatives
in science policy, international programs, science education, and
more. For the latest research news, log onto EurekAlert!,
www.eurekalert.org, the premier science-news Web site, a service of
AAAS.