Susan Kaech, Ph.D.

Susan Kaech, Ph.D., assistant professor of immunobiology, is one of 50 researchers named Early Career Scientists by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). This award was created by the HHMI to fuel the creative energy of young scientists strained by reductions in federal funding in scientific research and education. The award includes a research grant of $1.5 million over six years to support Kaech’s research. Kaech is an expert on protective T-cells generated by the immune system to combat infections. In particular, she is focusing on memory T-cells, which are long-lived cells that remember pathogens from prior infections and can provide long-term protection against reinfection. Kaech is working on ways to enhance responses to infection and to improve vaccines.