News

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 6, 2021) — When times are tough, a University of Kentucky alumnus can always be found helping others. In the case of Mosoka Fallah, Ph.D., it’s more than just a helping hand — it’s lifesaving work.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 6, 2021) — Findings from a University of Kentucky College of Medicine study could lead to a new way to combat the bacteria responsible for tooth decay.

The research led by Natalia Korotkova, assistant professor in the UK Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, identified a potential therapeutic target in Streptococcus mutans, bacteria that lives in the mouth and causes tooth decay.

As stated by UK's International Center, the UK Alumni Global Impact Award "seeks to recognize alumni whose highly distinguished careers have featured significant work outside the United States that has resulted in outanding contributions to their communities or professions in global contexts, and/or who have exemplified ideals of global citizenship through the promotion of inter-cultural communication and mutual understanding, international peace and security, or responsible and sustainable international development." Dr. Mosoka P. Fallah graduated in 2011 from Dr.

It is with excitement that after an extensive, nationwide search, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine will officially welcome Ilhem Messaoudi, PhD, to campus as the new chair of the department of microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics. This appointment will be effective Nov. 1. As chair Dr.

Beth Garvy, PhD, and Sidney Whiteheart, PhD, originally planned to study blood clotting in HIV-positive patients when they first approached one another to establish a unified research team. Then COVID-19 emerged, and their focus shifted on the disease that started a global pandemic.

April 16-17, 2021, was the Spring meeting of the KY-TN Branch of the American Society for Microbiology (see attached program). It was hosted virtually by U of L. Dr. Erin Garcia was an invited speaker, and Jamila Tucker from Dr. Sarah D'Orazio's lab gave a 10 minute talk. Jamila's oral presentation entitled “Intracellular Replication Promotes Colonization of the MLN by Protecting Listeria monocytogenes from Phagocyte Clearance and Exogenous Lipoate Starvation” was awarded second place among graduate student presentations!

First, thanks to those who helped with the poster session and those who showed up to support the trainees! The event was a big success, and everyone seemed to have a good time! Here are the winners:

Postdoc Category – Invited to speak at the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series in early May

1st place – Dr. Lindsey R. Conroy – Markey Cancer Center – “Visualization of lung tumor microenvironmental glycogen by next generation digital pathology” – winner of $700

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 1, 2021) – The STEM Through Authentic Research and Training (START) program at the University of Kentucky is creating a unique pipeline to increase science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) literacy and promote STEM careers for traditionally underrepresented populations (people of color, individuals with disabilities, students from free or reduced lunch schools), first-generation college students, and girls and women in STEM.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2021) — While the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines continue to be administered across the United States under an emergency authorization status, ongoing coronavirus vaccine research and development remain critical to the fight against the global pandemic.

The emergency authorization allows us to protect people now, but research will continue for decades, says University of Kentucky College of Medicine vaccine researcher Jerry Woodward.

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne bacterial disease in the U.S., with 200,000 new cases each year. While incidence in Kentucky typically has been relatively low, the incidence of the tick vector, lxodes scapularis, has increased over the past five years, even spreading to areas it did not previously live.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2020) — A new University of Kentucky College of Medicine study may provide answers for why so many COVID-19 patients experience thrombosis, or the formation of blood clots that obstruct blood flow through the circulatory system.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an ever-changing environment requiring quick adjustment, especially in the field of research. In response to the pandemic, scientists at UK ceased non-essential research activity in the spring, and education was moved to online platforms. While these measures were necessary to ensure safety for faculty and learners, graduate students in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) PhD program saw their progress interrupted.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 18, 2020) — The University of Kentucky Society of Postdoctoral Scholars (SOPS) hosted their first Research Pitch Competition where 19 postdocs and fellows showcased their research with one-minute elevator pitches.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2020) — PDS Biotechnology, a clinical stage immunotherapy company, has announced positive results from preclinical testing conducted at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, PDS0203. 

Throughout the summer the University of Kentucky College of Medicine has been part of a University-wide pilot program aiming to help boost resumes and build important skills for both UK and non-UK students.

The Summer Badge Program is not your average summer school. The program provides an opportunity for learners to complete courses and earn digital badges, regardless of their current major, with the badges certifying competency in a specific skill.

Congratulations to Dr. Sarah D’Orazio who was a recipient for this year’s University-wide “Excellent Research Mentor Award”. Dr. D’Orazio has worked to cultivate the careers of numerous graduate, undergraduate, and High School Students. This award reflects her commitment and success in supporting the teaching and research missions of MIMG.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 11, 2020) — University of Kentucky researchers have launched antibody testing that will help to understand what immunity to COVID-19 really means. Several research labs and core facilities within UK’s Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy will be testing the antibodies of recovered COVID-19 patients for a study to see how long they protect against reinfection.

Clinical leaders from the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center, College of Medicine and College of Pharmacy have launched a clinical trial for experimental therapies to treat patients infected with COVID-19. The trial will investigate the effectiveness of azithromycin, ivermectin and camostat mesylate—drugs that could inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease.

Subbarao Bondada, professor of microbiology in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and Markey Cancer Center, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Election as an AAAS Fellow is an honor bestowed upon AAAS members by their peers.

Our own Dr. Subba Bondada has been elected to the rank of AAAS Fellow in the Section on Medical Sciences by the Council of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

From Dr. Bondada's award letter: Each year the Council elects members whose “efforts on behalf of the advancement of science or its applications are scientifically or socially distinguished.” On behalf of the Council of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, I am very pleased to inform you of your election to the rank of AAAS Fellow.

Congratulations Dr. Bondada!