Malak Kotb
Born in Cairo, Kotb received her BSc and MSc in Biochemistry from Ain Shams University. In 1977, she was chosen by Rotary International to be Goodwill Ambassador to USA. She got her PhD in Immunology and Biochemistry from UTHSC and St. Jude Hospital then completed postgraduate work at Duke. Before moving to Ohio in 2008 to assume her position as Chair of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, she was Endowed Professor. of Translational Res.at UTHSC where she established & directed research programs, including the immunogenetics, translational and biodefense programs. She directed the Midsouth Ctr for Biodefense and Security, an advanced biotechnology research and education Ctr dedicated to improving preparedness in natural or deliberate biological crises or pandemics Kotb assumed many national and international leadership roles, chaired NIH study sections and as consultant to several international entities to optimize preparedness against catastrophic diseases. A Fulbright Scholar, Kotb runs systems biology, translational res. programs, integrating immunology, genetics, genomics and bioinformatics. She applies genetherapy and uses nanoparticles to target cancer. Kotb authored 165 papers, has been invited to speak across the globe, participating in and chairing numerous conferences, grant review panels and NIH study sections. She has contributed to securing US funding for research in Egypt. Kotb now directs the Midwest Ctr. for Emerging Infectious Diseases. She has been Senior Res. Career Scientist at the VA Med Ctr. since 1999. Her work focuses on applying holistic systems genetics and biology approaches to discover disease-modifying genes and pathways. She uses genetically diverse models, bioinformatics and computational tools to elucidate interactive pathways that modulate disease susceptibility and outcomes among genetically diverse patients. This information focuses the discovery of disease roadmap to translate research findings from bench to bedside and deliver targeted, customized medical care. She is currently a Professor, and the former founding chair of the Department of Basic Sciences at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences.