Norris

I develop vaccines and immunotherapeutics to prevent and treat life-threatening infectious diseases, particularly those that affect immunocompromised individuals. Every day, I’m driven by the opportunity to translate scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that improve health outcomes. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we’re doing in the lab could one day save lives and change the course of devastating diseases.

A microbiology course introduced me to the complexities of infectious diseases. I realized the profound impact that understanding pathogens could have on human health. Then, early in my career, I had the chance to work on HIV research during the height of the HIV epidemic. Seeing how the disease devastated communities drove home the importance of research that could make a tangible difference in people’s lives. That sense of purpose continues to inspire my work today.

At UGA, I was excited by the opportunity to help build the Center for Vaccines and Immunology and contribute to its growth. The collaborative environment and additional support from the Georgia Research Alliance made it an ideal place to continue my work. As the holder of the GRA Charles H. Wheatley Endowed Chair in Immunology and Translational Biology, my lab can expand its research efforts to tackle even bigger challenges.

One of those challenges is our work to develop the first clinically-approved immunization to protect against life-threatening invasive fungal infections. These infections have been identified by the World Health Organization as a top public health threat, especially for those with weakened immune systems.

Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. Being named a GRA Eminent Scholar and receiving the UGA Lamar Dodd Creative Research Award are career highlights, but they also reflect the efforts of my team and the partnerships we’ve built. Together, we’re committed to advancing the science of immunology and making a lasting impact in the fight against infectious diseases.