Peter Jahrling | |
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Scientific career | |
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Peter B. Jahrling is chief of the Emerging Viral Pathogens Section of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Jahrling received his PhD in medical microbiology from Cornell Medical College. He joined the military as an officer at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), and remained employed as a civilian after his service. Since 2005, Jahrling has been the chief scientist of the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Frederick, Maryland, and chief of the Emerging Viral Pathogens Section.[1][2]
His research focuses on the development of animal models for viruses infecting humans, strategies for vaccination and treatment of serious viral pathogens, and characterization of newly discovered viruses.[1][3] He oversees BSL-4 labs at Fort Detrick.[4]
The Hot Zone mentions Jahrling's early research in Ebola virus. He is portrayed in the first season of The Hot Zone television series by Topher Grace.[5]
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The NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Frederick, Maryland
Transcription
Medical research has led to greater control of the infectious microbes that affect our world. Despite these advances, much work remains to be done to reduce the threat of diseases such as Ebola and pandemic influenza. At the Integrated Research Facility, or IRF, in Frederick, Maryland, scientists with the National Institutes of Health study infectious agents safely and securely. According to Chief Scientist Dr. Peter Jahrling, the ultimate goal is to develop new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat emerging diseases. "Many of these infectious diseases are little understood. There are no really effective countermeasures, be it antiviral drugs or antimicrobials, and the more we understand these newly emerging pathogens, the better qualified we will be to counter them in the future." What sets the IRF apart from other labs is its use of advanced diagnostic imaging tools, such as SPECT and whole-body MRI, to study research models under biosafety level 4, or BSL 4, conditions. Imaging space is arranged into adjoining pathogen and non-pathogen areas, allowing IRF investigators to visualize diseases as they unfold, without breaching the containment barrier or damaging equipment. "In many ways, we've built the equivalent of an intensive care unit for experimentally infected animals. It is the only facility in the world that incorporates this kind of imaging modality into BSL 4 biocontainment." IRF scientists must undergo rigorous training to conduct research in a high-containment facility. To avoid exposures, they wear special positive-pressure suits connected to a supply of filtered air. They also must follow strict procedures for cleaning and disinfecting equipment and for entering and exiting the lab. The IRF's design incorporates the knowledge gained from years of working safely in high-containment labs. With its unique imaging capabilities and research expertise, the facility is a national resource for scientists from academia, industry, and government to address the challenges of emerging infectious diseases. "The IRF in particular is unique among the facilities here in that we are open to all qualified investigators, and we rely on external collaborating partners for the kind of quality science that I know we are capable of producing."
Awards
- 2003 Elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science[6]
- Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service
- Federal Career Service Outstanding Professional Award
- Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service
- Order of Military Medical Merit
- Joel M. Dalrymple Award for Distinguished Medical Service, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States
- Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Filovirus Research[7]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Peter Jahrling, Ph.D. | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases". Niaid.nih.gov. Retrieved 2017-03-30.
- ^ "Peter B. Jahrling, Ph.D. | Principal Investigators | NIH Intramural Research Program". Irp.nih.gov. 2011-06-01. Retrieved 2017-03-30.
- ^ "Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick - Peter Jahrling". Grantome.com. Retrieved 2017-03-30.
- ^ Vivien Marx (January 2014). "High-security labs: Life in the danger zone". Nature. 505 (7483): 437–441. Bibcode:2014Natur.505..437M. doi:10.1038/505437a. PMC 7095018. PMID 24429638.
- ^ Cohn, Paulette (May 7, 2019). "Topher Grace on Going from The Hot Zone to the Fun Minor Adventures with Topher Grace". Parade. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
- ^ "Fellows of AAAS" (PDF). Retrieved 8 May 2019.
- ^ "Integrated Research Facility Leadership | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases". www.niaid.nih.gov. Retrieved 8 May 2019.