Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunobiology, and David G. Schatz, PhD, chair and Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Immunobiology, were named Distinguished Fellows of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI).
The designation, among the organization’s highest honors, recognizes members for their distinguished careers and outstanding scientific contributions as well as their service to AAI and the immunology community.
Iwasaki's research has greatly advanced understanding of the mechanisms of immune defense against viruses at mucosal surfaces, a major site of entry for infectious agents. Schatz has made fundamental contributions to the understanding of the mechanisms that assemble and diversify antigen receptor genes that encode antibodies and T cell receptors.
Iwasaki is also a professor of dermatology; of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; and of epidemiology (microbial diseases). She is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. Schatz is a professor of molecular biophysics and biochemistry.