Tammy Kielian, PhD, Choudari Kommineni, DVM, PhD, Professor of Pathology, has been elected to Fellowship in the American Academy of Microbiology. The academy represents the American Society for Microbiology. Fellows are relied upon for authoritative advice and insight on critical issues in microbiology.
“This is one of the top honors in our field, so I’m very humbled and grateful,” said Dr. Kielian, whose candidacy advanced through a stringent, two-round peer-review process. Dr. Kielian was among 63 scientists from 14 countries to join the academy as its 2026 fellowship class.
“Academy fellows are leaders in their field whose work influences the direction of scientific discovery and its role in society,” said Vanessa Sperandio, PhD, chair of the academy governors. “Election to the academy is a significant professional milestone, and I am delighted to welcome Dr. Kielian as a member of the 2026 Cohort.”
Joseph Khoury, MD, Dr. Kielian’s chair, said: “Dr. Tammy Kielian’s election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology is a tremendous and well-deserved honor that reflects the national and international impact of her scientific leadership. Her work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of host–pathogen interactions and neuroinflammation, and it continues to shape how the field approaches complex infectious and inflammatory diseases.”
Dr. Kielian said she appreciated the support of her nominators and accepted the honor on behalf of her team.
“This honor was made possible by the outstanding work of my graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and research staff, both past and present.”