Distinguished Professor of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, University of Southern California

Paula Cannon is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine where she leads a research team that studies viruses, stem cells, and gene therapy. Her work has led to the development of a gene editing approach to treating HIV, which is currently in clinical trials. Her recent contributions are focused on using CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer hematopoietic stem cells and B cells, with a view to long-term control of viral infections. She also studies the entry process of highly pathogenic viruses, including Ebola and Lassa fever, and is developing inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Cannon is an active member of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy, currently serving as Vice President. Dr. Cannon earned her Ph.D. in genetics from the University of Liverpool.