Mary Stenzel-Poore, PhD, Professor, has been appointed Interim Chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (MMI).

Dr. Stenzel-Poore obtained a PhD in Immunology from OHSU (class of 1987) and obtained additional training in Neuroscience at the Salk Institute. In 1995, she joined the School as an Assistant Professor in MMI. Her dual training in immunology and neuroscience has resulted in development of a NIH-funded research program in neuroimmunology. A primary research focus involves the role of inflammation in injury and protection of the central nervous system.

Dr. Stenzel-Poore is also the Director of the MMI Graduate Training Program. She is a member of a study section for NINDS and heavily involved in diversity enhancement efforts, both at OHSU and as Chair of Review of Specialized Neuroscience Research Programs for under-represented minority serving institutions.

Dr. Stenzel-Poore noted: "The future of medical research calls for new ways of inquiry that require multi-disciplinary collaboration and integration among basic scientists and pre-clinical and clinical scientists to solve challenging biomedical problems. MMI's nationally-recognized expertise in areas of pathogenesis of infection and immunity integrates well with the clinical and translational research goals of OHSU and offers great synergy for the pursuit of joint ventures as new research initiatives evolve."