Pitt Pediatrics congratulates Timothy W. Hand, PhD, for his recent election as an Americas Councilor for the Society for Mucosal Immunology (SMI) from 2023-2025. Hand is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Disease and the Director of the Gnotobiotic Animal Core Laboratory, as well as an RK Mellon Foundation Scholar.
The SMI was formed in 1987 and is currently comprised of a worldwide group of clinicians, researchers, and scientists dedicated to advancing research and education in the field of mucosal immunology. This field of science, which was decades ago seen as niche but is now considered among the forefront of immunobiology research, focuses on the sites at which most antigens enter the body: the mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts. Studies often center particularly on the immune system’s recognition of pathogens which can lead to inflammatory bowel diseases, food allergies, gluten intolerance, and similar conditions or issues.
Speaking about his election and future goals with the organization, Hand has said, “I am so excited to join the board of SMI. I am looking forward to expanding the reach of mucosal immunology and to help bring new investigators with diverse viewpoints and experiences into our field. The meetings hosted by SMI are already excellent and I’m excited to be able to contribute to maintaining our conferences as venues to disseminate the best and most impactful new findings in mucosal immunology.”
Follow Pitt Pediatrics on Twitter and Instagram for ongoing updates on Hand’s work in mucosal immunology and related disease.