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Kizzmekia Corbett    

Immunologist, Vaccine Developer, Assistant Professor at Harvard

Kizzmekia "Kizzy" Shanta Corbett, now Kizzmekia S. Corbett-Helaire, formerly the American viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIAID NIH) based in Bethesda, Maryland, has significantly advanced her career in immunology and public health. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases.

Corbett-Helaire was the lead scientist on the NIH team that developed the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, leveraging over 15 years of experience studying dengue virus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, and coronaviruses. Her expertise in spike proteins of coronaviruses like SARS and MERS was pivotal in designing the vaccine shortly after the novel coronavirus's genetic sequence was identified. Her research has also been integral to the development of the Eli Lilly therapeutic monoclonal antibody, making significant contributions to global health during the pandemic.

Beyond her scientific achievements, Corbett-Helaire has made notable public appearances on media platforms such as "CBS Mornings," "Good Morning America," and even "Sesame Street," discussing her journey in vaccine development and leadership in critical situations. She has engaged with two U.S. presidents, further emphasizing her role as a crucial figure in public health. Recognized as a "TIME Hero of the Year," she continues to advocate for diversity in STEM and dedicates efforts to STEM education and vaccine awareness in underserved communities.

News


UMBC Graduate Who Helped Develop COVID Vaccine Keynote Speaker At Black History Month Breakfast
This year’s theme was Black Health and Wellness. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a viral immunologist, was invited to be the keynote speaker. “I have grown to become invested in the health and wellness of all people, but especially those who are oftentimes excluded from access and opportunities that afford them equal health,” Corbett said.
Kizzmekia Corbett is leading NIH's team to find a coronavirus ...
Her defenders say she was ridiculed for speaking the truth. AD. “I don't think there's anything she said that's outlandish that goes against any ...
Kizzmekia Corbett: Lead vaccine developer says she wants to help ...
(CNN) Vaccines are on everyone's minds these days. As the first shots of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are administered in the United States, and as Moderna gets ...
Working on coronavirus vaccine trials, Kizzmekia Corbett is 'not your ...
"At some point, you have to decide how much to care," Corbett said. "You understand that your work will have to be mighty so that it can do your speaking.".
Meet the Black female scientist at the forefront of COVID-19 vaccine ...
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett's interest in science started from an early age, but she never knew the difference she would make.

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