CU Boulder researcher Aaron Whiteley is recognized by the American Society for Microbiology for his work exploring bacterial immune responses and how it translates to the human immune system
A University of Colorado Boulder researcher has been recognized with the 2024 American Society for Microbiology Award for Early Career Basic Research for his work exploring how bacterial immune systems recognize and respond to phage infection.
Aaron Whiteley, an assistant professor of biochemistry, was honored for his research finding that bacterial and human immune systems are highly related and share a common ancestor. He and his research colleagues in the Whiteley Lab study what bacterial immune response can indicate about host-pathogen interactions and the mechanisms of signaling in human cells.
By focusing on specific signaling pathways in bacteria and human cells, particularly the cGAS-STING pathway, Whiteley hopes to better understand the role they play in resistance to infectious disease and cancer. Better understanding can inform better, more-targeted therapeutics. Click for the full feature - "Studying the surprising similarities between humans and bacteria" - in the Arts and Sciences Magazine.
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) announced the recipients of its 2024 Awards and Prize Program. The awards recognize leading scientists and researchers in the field for their professional accomplishments and contributions to research, education, clinical laboratories, service and scientific diversity.
Aaron Whiteley was awarded an ASM Award for Early Career Basic Research. More information on the ASM website.