NYC Gazette

Dr. Sabine Ehrt has been appointed the new chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine. She aims to build on the department's strong national and international reputation in tuberculosis research and to expand its research portfolio. Her plans include hiring faculty with expertise in antimicrobial resistance and malaria, as well as those from various scientific backgrounds.

Dr. Ehrt joined Weill Cornell Medicine in 1999 and currently serves as a professor of microbiology and immunology. She takes over from Dr. Carl Nathan, who has led the department since 1998 and will continue to contribute to the faculty.

Dr. Robert A. Harrington, Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine, expressed his support: “Dr. Ehrt is a distinguished scientist, dedicated mentor, and proven leader, with more than 25 years of service to our institution. We are thrilled that she is taking on the role of chair of microbiology and immunology.”

Dr. Ehrt's research has garnered insights into Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its metabolic adaptations within human hosts. Her work has shown how tuberculosis infection alters host immune cells, allowing the infection to persist.

A significant challenge for Dr. Ehrt is addressing skepticism towards interventions like vaccines and potential reductions in funding from the National Institutes of Health. Despite this, Dr. Ehrt emphasizes the need for readiness as history suggests a possible resurgence of infectious diseases.

Dr. Nathan, recognized internationally for his work on tuberculosis, will continue his research while advising Dr. Harrington and research deans. Dr. Ehrt said, “Dr. Nathan and I have been collaborators for more than two decades. He has been incredibly supportive during this transition process.”

Dr. Ehrt's achievements in research include nine active NIH grants and joint awards from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She has authored over 107 publications and her work has been cited more than 17,000 times.

In collaboration with Dr. Dirk Schnappinger, Dr. Ehrt helped develop a strain of Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette–Guérin with a dual tetracycline kill switch, aiding researchers globally in studying tuberculosis.

“We developed a tool to turn the microbe’s genes on and off,” Dr. Ehrt said. “We’ve used that to identify new tuberculosis drug targets and the genes necessary for establishing or maintaining infection.”

Dr. Ehrt holds degrees from Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen and completed fellowships at Weill Cornell Medicine and the University of California at Berkeley.

Her leadership roles include editorial positions in notable scientific journals and chairing prominent conferences. Dr. Ehrt has also received teaching and mentoring awards from Weill Cornell institutions and the American Academy of Microbiology's Career Scientist Award.

Weill Cornell Medicine remains committed to excellence in patient care, scientific discovery, and educating future physicians worldwide. The institution's network extends to Cornell University, international programs, and collaborations with major hospitals in New York.