Dr. Peter M. Small
M.D., University of Florida, 1985
For over a decade, the central theme of Dr. Small's research has been the nature and consequences of genetic variability within the species M. tuberculosis, one of the world's most successful pathogens. At the Institute his group is using high-throughput genotyping to explore the interaction of M. tuberculosis and humans at two levels. At a population level they are integrating ecological and evolutionary principles to understand the determinants of global pathogen propagation. Simultaneously, at a molecular level they are exploiting a phylogenetic perspective to better understand the molecules that determine the outcome of host pathogen interactions. Common to both efforts is an intensely collaborative approach involving a broad range of expertise.
Dr. Small's original research involved bringing together teams of basic scientists, public health officials and clinicians to use of molecular epidemiologic techniques to address pragmatic questions about the control of tuberculosis. This work included population based field research projects in Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe. Currently, his focus is on the use of DNA microarrays and SNP analysis to construct robust phylogenies of M. tuberculosis.
Prior to joining ISB, Peter Small was an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Stanford University School of Medicine, where he also directed the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Training Program. He now also serves as a Senior Program Officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation where he is responsible for developing and implementing the foundation's tuberculosis related investments. Central to this activity is his long standing interest in the translation of scientific advancements into tools that can improve the health of those living in developing countries. He served as a member of the Institute of Medicine's committee addressing the elimination of tuberculosis in the United States and currently serves as a member ot the WHO Stop TB Coordinating Board. He is a recipient of the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) Young Investigator Award and the Princess Chichibu Award by the Japanese for his pioneering work in the molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis.
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