Klein Awarded for Scientific Contributions to Women’s Health

Sabra Klein, PhD, assistant professor in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology , was awarded the Society for Women’s Health Research Medtronic Prize for Scientific Contributions to Women’s Health. The annual prize was established to highlight a mid-career female scientist or engineer for her contributions to women’s health.

Recognized as a leading expert on sex differences in susceptibility to infection, Klein has published more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and, most recently, co-edited the book: Sex Hormones and Immunity to Infection. Her research focuses on the impact of hormones on immune responses to viruses and examines how immunological, hormonal and genetic differences between males and females affect sex differences in susceptibility to viruses such as influenza viruses, human papillomavirus and hantaviruses. Klein’s research indicates that females typically mount more robust immune responses than males, which can be beneficial for clearance of viruses, yet can be detrimental by causing immunopathology.

“It is an honor to be named the 2010 recipient of the Society for Women’s Health Research Medtronic Prize for Scientific Contributions to Women’s Health,” said Klein. “I am thankful to my many colleagues at the Bloomberg School who have supported my career and research, and hope this encourages other female scientists to promote women’s health and study the impact of sex on the causes and outcome of infectious diseases.”

Klein was nominated for the award by her adviser and former Johns Hopkins faculty member, Randy Nelson, PhD, who nominated Klein for the impact of her research and for her mentorship of women. The $75,000 prize is given to a female scientist or engineer whose work has led or will lead directly to the improvement of women’s health. To be considered, each nominee must have devoted a significant part of her work to women’s health and served as a role model and mentor for both students and colleagues. Klein will be honored at the fifth annual Society for Women’s Health Research gala dinner on Monday, May 3, in Washington, D.C.