Dr. Tara Reid Awarded Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists

Dr. Tara Reid, a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and infectious diseases, has been awarded the prestigious Career Award for Medical Scientists (CAMS) from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. Based in Seattle, Dr. Reid earned both her MD and PhD in Pathobiology from the University of Washington. The CAMS award provides $700,000 over five years to support physician-scientists in bridging the transition from advanced postdoctoral/fellowship training to early faculty careers.

Project Title: Defining the Role of Treponema pallidum-Specific Humoral Responses During Infection

About the Research:

Syphilis continues to affect millions of people worldwide, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. Despite available treatments, the disease remains on the rise. The World Health Organization has identified syphilis as a priority for global elimination, with vaccine development seen as a critical path forward.

Dr. Reid’s research focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to syphilis infection. Specifically, she is investigating plasma cells—the immune cells that produce antibodies—to identify which antibodies are active in the skin and bloodstream during infection. By mapping these immune responses, her work could uncover vital clues for the development of an effective syphilis vaccine.