UCLA Microbiologist Wins Prestigious Packard Fellowship

LOS ANGELES, CA - A researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA has been recognized with a prestigious fellowship award by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Assistant Professor Lena Pernas was selected from among 20 early career scientists who will each receive $875,000 over five years to pursue their research interests.

Pernas' research seeks to understand how pathogens manipulate organellar metabolism to cause disease, with a focus on rewiring metabolic pathways that counteract disease-causing organisms. Her lab's work aims to shed light on the complex relationship between infection and disease outcomes.

"I'm honored to receive this recognition from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation," Pernas said in a statement. "This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my lab members, without whom this would not have been possible. I'm excited about the research opportunities this support will provide."

The Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering offers flexible funding that allows Fellows to use unrestricted funds as they see fit, enabling them to address unexpected challenges and pursue innovative lines of inquiry. Since its inception, the Packard Foundation has awarded nearly $500 million in support of 715 scientists and engineers from 55 universities across the country.