DANIELA BUNIAK NOVEMBER, 2023

INCLUSIVITY IN
IMMUNOLOGY
In the field of immunology, fostering inclusivity is crucial for advancing innovation and
collaboration. The blog will spotlight the significant contributions of three esteemed doctors:
Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, renowned for her groundbreaking work in vaccine development;
Dr. Mario Roederer, a distinguished leader in immunological and flow cytometry research;
and Dr. Tasuku Honjo, a pioneer in immune checkpoint investigations. Their achievements
underscore the importance of an inclusive approach, guiding the discipline toward a more
equitable and cooperative future in the study of immune systems.

Dr. Kizzmekia S.
Corbett
Kizzmekia "Kizzy" Shanta Corbett is an American viral
immunologist. She was born in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina
on January 26, 1986. Corbett earned her Bachelor's from
UMBC and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from
UNC-Chapel Hill, conducting postdoctoral research at the
NIH on coronavirus vaccines.

I Since June 2021, she has held the position of Assistant Professor of Immunology
and Infectious Diseases at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and serves
as the Shutzer Assistant Professor at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute.n a
challenging era destined to leave a significant mark on history, Kizzmekia Corbett
and her team of scientists have emerged as beacons of hope. As the scientific
lead of the team, Corbett played a pivotal role in the development of the
Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine—the most potent weapon against the novel
coronavirus.

Contributions to the field

Her expertise in viral spike proteins and the human
immune response to them significantly contributed to the
rapid development of the vaccine. Dr. Corbett has been
instrumental in advancing our understanding of the
immune system's response to viral infections, especially in
the context of COVID-19. In addition to her scientific
contributions, she has actively advocated for vaccine
equity and engaged in public outreach to promote
vaccine acceptance, particularly in underrepresented
communities. Dr. Corbett's work has been crucial in the
fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and has made a
significant impact in the field of immunology.
 DANIELA BUNIAK NOV,2023

DR. MARIO
ROEDERER
Dr. Mario Roederer is a prominent immunologist
known for his work on flow cytometry and HIV
research. He is openly gay and has been an
advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the scientific
community. Dr. Roederer's research has significantly
contributed to our understanding of the immune
system.

Background
Dr. Mario Roederer's academic journey began with a B.S.
in chemistry from Harvey Mudd College in 1983, followed
by a Ph.D. in biological sciences from Carnegie Mellon in
1988 under the mentorship of Dr. Robert Murphy. He further
honed his expertise during postdoctoral and research
fellowships at Stanford University from 1988 to 1999 under
the guidance of Dr. Leonard Herzenberg. Prior to joining
the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) in 2000, he served as
an adjunct associate professor at the University of
California, San Francisco. Currently, as a senior
investigator at the VRC, Dr. Roederer holds pivotal roles,
including Chief of the Immunology Technology Section,
Director of the Flow Cytometry Core, and Director of the
Nonhuman Primate Immunogenicity Core within the
Laboratory of Immunology. His extensive academic
background and leadership positions underscore his
significant contributions to the field of immunology.

Contributions to the field

Dr. Mario Roederer's contributions to the field of immunology are multifaceted and have significantly
advanced our understanding of immune cells and infectious diseases. His expertise in flow cytometry
represents a groundbreaking achievement, transforming the study of immune cells through precise
analysis and sorting based on various parameters. Notably, Dr. Roederer's HIV research has been
pivotal in elucidating the virus's intricate interactions with the immune system. His work has provided
invaluable insights into the characterization of HIV-specific T cells and B cells, offering implications for
both vaccine development and treatment strategies.

In addition to his impactful scientific endeavors, Dr. Roederer has played a crucial role in evaluating
vaccine candidates, contributing to the ongoing efforts to combat infectious diseases. Furthermore,
his advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the scientific community is a testament to his commitment to
diversity and equality. By actively promoting inclusivity, Dr. Roederer has left a lasting impact on
scientific advancement, fostering an environment that embraces a wide range of perspectives and
backgrounds. Overall, he stands as a prominent figure in immunology, celebrated for his
groundbreaking contributions to science and his dedication to promoting inclusivity within the
scientific community.
 DANIELA BUNIAK NOV, 2023

DR. TASUKU HONJO

Dr. Tasuku Honjo is a distinguished Japanese immunologist and Nobel laureate recognized for his
groundbreaking contributions to immunology. Renowned for his pioneering research on immune
checkpoints, particularly the discovery of PD-1, Dr. Honjo has significantly influenced the field of
cancer immunotherapy. As a professor at Kyoto University, his work has played a crucial role in
advancing our understanding of the immune system's regulatory mechanisms and their applications
in healthcare.

Background
Honjo was born in Kyoto in 1942. He earned his M.D.
degree in 1966 from the Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto
University, where, in 1975, he received his Ph.D. degree in
Medical Chemistry under the supervision of Yasutomi
Nishizuka and Osamu Hayaishi.

Honjo served as a visiting fellow at the Department of

He is a member of the Japanese Society for
Immunology and served as its president between 1999
and 2000. Honjo is also an honorary member of the
American Association of Immunologists.
Embryology at the Carnegie Institution of Washington from
1971 to 1973. He then relocated to the U.S. National
Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, where he
studied the genetic basis for the immune response at the
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
He served as a fellow between 1973 and 1977, followed by
numerous years as an NIH Fogarty Scholar in Residence
starting in 1992.

Contributions to the field

Dr. Tasuku Honjo, a distinguished immunologist, is renowned
for his groundbreaking discovery of the programmed cell
death protein 1 (PD-1) and its pivotal role as an immune
checkpoint. This discovery has been instrumental in the
development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, a revolutionary
class of cancer immunotherapy drugs. By inhibiting PD-1,
these drugs unleash the immune system, enabling it to
effectively target and eliminate cancer cells, marking a
profound transformation in cancer treatment. Dr. Honjo's
contributions were so impactful that he received the Nobel
Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2018. Beyond PD-1, his
molecular identification of cytokines IL-4 and IL-5, along with
the discovery of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID),
has significantly expanded our understanding of the immune
system. His pioneering work addresses one of humanity's
greatest health challenges, providing life-changing
advancements in oncology and benefiting countless cancer
patients worldwide.
DANIELA BUNIAK NOV, 2023

HOW I CAN CONTRIBUTE

TO THE IMMUNOLOGY
FIELD AS A LATINA WITH A
BIOCHEMISTRY MAJOR?

With a background in Biochemistry and

Molecular Biology, complemented by my
identity as a first-generation immigrant
from Venezuela and a Latina, I believe my
potential impact on the field of
immunology is both significant and
unique. My strong foundation in
molecular science equips me to delve
deep into the molecular intricacies of the
immune system, offering the potential
for novel therapeutic insights.

As someone who values diversity and inclusivity due to my cultural background, my

perspective can drive research that addresses healthcare disparities and the distinct
immunological challenges faced by various communities.

Growing up as an immigrant, I've learned firsthand the importance of considering

diverse factors like genetic backgrounds and environments in immunological research.
This awareness fuels my interest in understanding how different populations respond
to treatments and vaccinations. Being bilingual, I can facilitate collaboration and
communication across international research efforts, giving immunology studies a
broader impact.

My career goals in biotech and public health perfectly align with the field's focus on
improving global health outcomes. Plus, my fascination with physiology and body
chemistry makes me eager to dive into the intricate biochemistry of immune
responses. I hope to bring innovative approaches to tweaking immune functions for
disease prevention and treatment. In essence, my mix of experiences and interests
positions me to contribute uniquely to immunology research. I'm all about blending
scientific know-how with a keen understanding of sociocultural aspects, aiming to
advance healthcare and foster inclusivity in the field.

read more on blog :) @dani.buniak

 DANIELA BUNIAK NOV, 2023

How can we further promote and

develop more diversity and
inclusion in the field of
immunology?

Promoting diversity and inclusion in the

field of immunology needs a team effort
on many fronts. We should actively
encourage a mix of people at all career
stages, make research spaces welcoming
to everyone, and provide mentorship
and training programs that fit the needs
of those who aren't well-represented.

Backing up groups that support diversity, making sure funding is reachable, and
looking into health disparities are big steps. Also, spreading the word and educating
the public, changing policies, and being open about collecting data can help even
more. Teaming up with other scientific areas can bring fresh ideas.

On top of all that, connecting with schools and groups that push for diversity in
science can open up paths for people who don't usually get into immunology.
Programs in schools and communities can get young minds interested and give
resources to future scientists from different backgrounds. Having experienced
researchers guide newcomers, especially those from underrepresented groups, can
offer a lot of help. Creating spaces where diverse immunologists share their stories
can inspire the next bunch of scientists and show how much talent is out there.
Basically, it's about supporting each other, getting the community involved, and
making sure everyone has a fair shot in immunology.

References
https://asm.org/biographies/kizzmekia-s-corbett,-ph-d
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kizzmekia_Corbett
https://irp.nih.gov/pi/mario-roederer
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/mario-roederer-phd-
immunotechnology
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2018/honjo/facts/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasuku_Honjo