Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, which prohibits the states and federal government from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex. It is also a time to recognize the incredible achievements since its passage and to highlight ongoing efforts in the pursuit of full equality. Today, we honor the service members and all women in science who continue to drive innovation and inspire inclusion for future generations.

Yesterday, Col Eli Lozano, WRAIR's Commander, participated in the inauguration of a cutting-edge TB laboratory in Abuja. This $1.5M U.S.-funded facility is set to dramatically improve the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, addressing the continent's largest TB burden. "For 131 years, our Walter Reed Soldiers and Civilians have tirelessly worked to test and develop products that will reduce the impact of infectious diseases. In the case of tuberculosis control, the outlook is promising because TB is both preventable and treatable," said Col. Lozano. #DefenseHealth #GlobalHealth

On World Mosquito Day, we honor the 1897 discovery by Sir Ronald Ross, who first identified the malaria parasite in a female Anopheles mosquito, revealing how these insects transmit malaria between humans. This day also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against mosquito-borne diseases, the world's deadliest threat. At WRAIR, we're proud to carry on this legacy, having conducted over 120 clinical trials to combat diseases spread by mosquitoes. Our Entomology Branch is now developing a dengue infection model to enhance military research, aiming to protect our service members from the world’s most widespread arboviral disease. The CDC reports over 10 million cases in the Americas, making this research vital for safeguarding our troops both at home and abroad.

Yesterday's WRAIR O-Day was a blast! Our community came together with families in tow, making it a day full of fun and camaraderie. Our commander took a refreshing plunge in the dunk tank and the staff section finally claimed victory of the Commander's Cup, ending CMPN's two-year reign.

The future is bright! #STEMLife Learn about our fellowships here: https://lnkd.in/ebaEGDFw

Five days left to apply for this once in a lifetime opportunity to work with our team in Kenya! https://lnkd.in/eZbVTj2D

Work with our incredible team in Kenya! https://lnkd.in/eZbVTj2D

Congratulations to Abigail Marne, WRAIR-West’s first graduate of the Army Educational Outreach Program Summer Fellowship. Throughout eight weeks, she gained experience in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research via assisting on an ongoing Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated pharmacological randomized controlled trial (RCT). Dr. Nathan Kearns served as her mentor, and provided extensive training on intramural grant writing, and other areas of professional development including career path options as a civilian or military, Research Psychologist.   WRAIR-W would like to thank Abigail for her hard work and dedication during the fellowship and wish her the best in the remainder of her doctoral training and future career pursuits.

Today, WRAIR had the pleasure of welcoming MG Paula C. Lodi, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Research & Development Command, and Ms. Kathleen L. Berst, Acting Assistant Director Support/Component Acquisition Executive for the Defense Health Agency, along with their teams. The group learned about WRAIR's vast infectious disease and brain health research portfolio. The tour also covered some of our unique capabilities like the Pilot Bioproduction Facility, WRAIR's cGMP-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, and the Multidrug-Resistant Organism Repository and Surveillance Network, which keeps tabs on antibiotic-resistant bacteria for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The group also visited our Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch, where we study head injuries and the impact of repeated blast exposure on the brain, and recieved an exclusive look at BH Gear, our new training program that teaches medics basic behavioral health skills for deployment. We’re thrilled to have shared our capabilities and achievements, and we look forward to the great work we will do together.

The 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games are here, and the excitement hit a fever pitch during Physical Readiness Training this week. Soldiers took to the field, track, court, and everything in between to cheer on Team USA. Enjoy!