Pamela J. Bjorkman

Dr. Pamela J. Bjorkman is the Max Delbrück Professor of Biology at the California Institute of Technology, and Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Southern California, and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Bjorkman is renowned as a pioneer in the field of X-ray crystallography. Bjorkman’a research centers on understanding the three-dimensional structure and function of molecules involved in cell surface recognition of viral pathogens in the immune system. She is particularly interested in understanding the immune response against HIV-1 and influenza in order to develop improved therapeutics. Bjorkman’s laboratory uses X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and biochemistry to study pathogen envelope glycoproteins and host immune response proteins. Using structural information and alternate antibody architectures, they are working to engineer antibody-based reagents with increased potency and breadth. A parallel line of research works to investigate the structural correlates of broad and potent antibody-mediated neutralization of HIV-1 in order to better understand what leads to naturally-occurring broad and potent antibodies. In related work, the Bjorkman laboratory uses three-dimensional imaging techniques such as electron tomography and fluorescent microscopy to investigate HIV/SIV infection in animal and human tissues. Bjorkman has received numerous awards for her work, including the Gairdner International Award, the NIH Director's Pioneer Award, the Eminent Scholar Award from the Medical University of South Carolina, the L'Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Award, and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences in addition to her American Academy of Arts and Sciences Membership. Bjorkman’s numerous publications appear in prominent journals such as Nature and Science.