For more than three decades, Dennis Kasper has conducted research in microbiology, infectious diseases and public health while discharging a broad range of administrative and educational responsibilities. Dr. Kasper is the William Ellery Channing Professor of Medicine and a Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Harvard Medical School. As Director of the Channing Laboratory, a research facility with a high international profile, he plays a powerful role in shaping cutting-edge research programs in infectious diseases and epidemiology.

Dr. Kasper has led studies on the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis, focusing primarily on group B Streptococcus and Bacteroides fragilis. He has applied the substantial body of knowledge gained in these studies to elucidate the interactions of bacterial surface virulence factors with host defenses. His work has centered around the biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and immunology of polysaccharides. Years of basic and translational research have culminatedin a group B streptococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine, targeting the most common bacterial cause of serious neonatal infections. Dr. Kasper's research on B. fragilis has revealed how bacteria induce the hallmark host response of abscess formation. This basic work has opened an avenue of investigation into a novel class of immunomodulators to prevent intraabdominal abscesses and adhesions.

In his term as Executive Dean for Academic Programs at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Kasper worked to facilitate the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical advances and to promote collaboration within and among departments and institutions. He recently made the decision to step down from this position in order to devote his full efforts to his research and to lead the New England Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research. Dr. Kasper has served as Chair of the NIAID's Board of Scientific Counselors and as a key member of the Executive Committee of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, whose presidency he assumed in 2002. For 8 years he served as President of the International Society for Anaerobic Bacteria.

Dr. Kasper is currently Editor-in-Chief of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine. He is the author of more than 300 research and clinical publications encompassing an array of topics in infectious diseases and microbiology.