2025 ARCS Scientist of the Year

ROB KNIGHT, PHD
Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego School of Medicine
Professor, Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering and Department of Computer Science & Engineering,
UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
Founding Director, UC San Diego Center for Microbiome Innovation
Wolfe Family Endowed Chair in Microbiome Research, Rady Children’s Hospital

The members of ARCS Foundation are proud to present the San Diego Chapter’s 38th Scientist of the Year, Dr. Rob Knight, an international leader in the scientific study of microbes. Knight is a professor in the Departments of Pediatrics, Bioengineering, and Computer Science and Engineering at University of California San Diego as well as the Wolfe Family Endowed Chair in Microbiome Research at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. He is also a founding faculty member and professor in the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute.

Known as a pioneer in the study of the roles that microbes play in human health and disease and the functioning of ecosystems, his work has linked microbes to a range of health conditions including obesity and inflammatory bowel disease, has enhanced our understanding of microbes in environments ranging from the oceans to the tundra, and made high-throughput sequencing techniques accessible to thousands of researchers around the world. ARCS San Diego Chapter president, Leslie Bruce stated “Not only has Dr. Knight contributed more than 900 scientific articles in the field, his lab has produced many vital software tools and laboratory techniques that enable the work of other researchers as well. Growing evidence suggests gut microbes also influence the brain, potentially affecting mood, behavior and psychiatric illnesses. By better understanding the microbial world Dr. Knight’s work helps improve both human physical and mental health.”

Scholar Alumna Speaker

KATHRYN PATRAS, PHD
Assistant Professor of Molecular Virology and Microbiology
Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research
Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, Texas
(ARCS Scholar Award 2015-2016, San Diego State University)

Dr. Patras’ lab focuses on biological interactions between bacterial pathogens, mucosal immunity, and the microbiota of the female urogenital tract. Her research group seeks to develop new therapeutic applications to prevent bacterial infection as well as to increase our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms dictating overall women’s health.

Venue

   The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
   7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
  (858) 459-3728

Complimentary Valet Parking

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