Jane Carlton elected to the American Academy of Microbiology
Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Malaria Genomics and Global Public Health Jane Carlton is one of newest Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology, the honorific leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology.
Fellows are elected annually through a highly selective, peer-review process based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology. The academy received 146 nominations this year, electing 65 into the 2025 Fellowship Class.
A world-leading geneticist and parasitologist, Carlton holds primary appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology in the Bloomberg School of Public Health.
In her research, Carlton uses tools of comparative genomics to study the biology and evolution of different species of parasites that cause global health diseases.
She has led projects to decode the genomes of several different malaria parasite species, including the human malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax—the most frequent and widely distributed cause of recurring malaria in humans—and Plasmodium falciparum—the deadliest species of Plasmodium that causes malaria in humans. By comparing the genomes of malaria parasites, Carlton’s research group is uncovering important new insights that will improve methods for malaria surveillance, treatment, and control.
Carlton joined Johns Hopkins University last summer to lead the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute. Before coming to Hopkins, she was a faculty member at New York University and Program Director of an NIH-funded International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research in India.
Born and educated in Scotland, Carlton earned a PhD in Genetics from Edinburgh University in 1995. Her previous professional recognitions include the Stoll-Stunkard Memorial Award from the American Society for Parasitologists in 2010; election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2012; and an Honorary Fellowship from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 2024, the highest award conferred by the institute in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of malaria research.
“Fellows are pioneers in their field, driving discovery and innovation that push the boundaries of science and benefit society at large,” said Vanessa Sperandio, chair of the Academy Governors. “Being named an Academy Fellow is a prestigious honor, and I am thrilled to extend my congratulations and warm welcome to Dr. Carlton as a member of the 2025 Cohort.”
The 2025 Fellowship Class brings a wealth of knowledge of the microbial sciences with representation across the globe. Fellows hail from 9 countries, including Australia, Denmark, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The American Society for Microbiology is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of over 37,000 scientists and health practitioners.