Bertram Jacobs,
Director, School of Life Sciences, ASU
Professor of Virology, ASU
We are on the cusp of being able to engineer viruses to do what we wish. To “domesticate” viruses, if you will, to serve a purpose for humankind. Jacobs will discuss two engineering projects, one to improve use of viruses as vaccine vectors, and a second, to generate viruses that can target and replicate in cancer cells.
Can we make tiny machines that can take us on a “Fantastic Voyage”, to the depths of our body, to improve health? And, are we naturally “infected” with viruses that help us fight cancer?
Virus: Who goes there, friend or foe!
ASU’s Biodesign Institute in the Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, his research is focused on developing a vaccine for HIVone that prevents infection or extends the lives of HIV patients. Jacobs also leads a group of students every summer to sub-Saharan Africa to teach AIDS prevention to the international community.
Jacobs is one of the world’s foremost experts on a poxvirus called vaccinia, a cousin of the smallpox virus. He has genetically engineered vaccinia as a vehicle against a number of infectious agents, bioterrorism threats, cancer, and other viruses, including HIV.
He also assists HIV/AIDS-related support organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Aunt Rita’s Foundation, on the Advisory Board for Support for International Change, and on the Board of Directors for HEAL.
For those with Emeritus parking decals, parking is available in the Stadium Structure, right across the street from Sun Devil Stadium. For those who don't have an Emeritus decal, you can park in the Fulton Center parking lot and there is also metered parking on 7th Street. Please bring your parking ticket with you for validation.
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