Malak Kotb Named UC Chair of Molecular Genetics

CINCINNATI—Malak Kotb, PhD, has been named chair of the department of molecular genetics, biochemistry and microbiology at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine, effective May 1, 2008 and pending approval by the UC Board of Trustees.

Kotb currently is A.C. Mullins Professor of Translational Research at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis where she established and directed the immunogenetics, translational and biodefense research programs. Kotb also directs the Mid-South Center for Biodefense and Security, a multidisciplinary research and education center dedicated to improving preparedness in natural or deliberate biological crises and pandemics by applying advanced biotechnologies to generate effective diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics. Additionally, she is a senior research career scientist and chief of the Lymphocyte Research Program at the VA Medical Center in Memphis.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Kotb,” said David Stern, MD, dean of the UC College of Medicine. “Her high energy, enthusiasm and desire to include all faculty in her plans to move forward make her an ideal person to lead the department of molecular genetics, biochemistry and microbiology. She will be a very welcome addition to the leadership team of the College of Medicine.”

A native of Cairo, Egypt, Kotb received her doctorate in immunology and biochemistry from UTHSC and St. Jude Children’s research hospital, and completed postgraduate work at the Howard Hughes Laboratories at Duke University Medical Center.

Kotb runs a systems biology, translational research program and has expertise in immunology, immunogenetics, microbial pathogenesis, molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, protein chemistry, biochemistry and enzymology. She has collaborated with many physicians, nationally and internationally, on clinically applied research, particularly in the areas of infectious diseases and solid organ and cellular transplantation. Additionally, she has assumed many national and international leadership roles, and participated and chaired numerous grant review panels and NIH study sections.

A 1997 Fulbright Scholar, Kotb is the author of more than 150 scientific articles, has been an invited speaker throughout the world, and has participated and chaired numerous grant review panels and National Institutes of Health study sections.

Kotb will be replacing Jerry Lingrel, PhD, who had chaired the department since 1981. Lingrel remains chair until Kotb arrives next year and will stay at UC as professor to continue his research and education responsibilities.