About AST
Mandy Ford, PhD
Specialty:
Basic Science (transplantation immunology)
Graduated From:
Emory University
Current Position:
Associate Professor, Emory University
Current Projects:
Regulation of memory T cells in transplantation
What made you decide to work in transplantation?:
The mammalian immune system is (for the most part) remarkably effective at defending the host against a constant barrage of microbial invaders. Investigating ways to alter the process of recognition and response to foreign antigen in order to prevent allograft rejection—in effect to throw a monkey wrench in 500 million years of evolution—represents an especially intriguing challenge.
What do you find to be the most valuable aspect of your work?:
I am hopeful that my contribution to training the next generation of transplantation immunologists will be of value to our field and to transplant recipients.
Fun Facts:
My first exposure to biology research was a summer spent with my father at the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, FL when I was seven.