Tompkins- Falkow Lectureship
Overview
The Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology proudly introduces the inaugural Tompkins-Falkow Lectureship. This annual event honors the extraordinary contributions of Drs. Lucy Tompkins and Stanley Falkow to the fields of infectious diseases and microbiology research and education.
About the Lectureship
The Tompkins-Falkow Lectureship recognizes and celebrates significant advancements in patient care and infectious diseases research. It aims to inspire and educate future generations of scientists and healthcare professionals. Each year, a distinguished scientist will present their groundbreaking work during our Medicine Grand Rounds, fostering dialogue and collaboration within the physician/scientist community.
About Dr. Tompkins
Professor Emerita
Dr. Lucy Tompkins, former Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases, has been instrumental in enhancing patient care and advancing research in infectious diseases. Her work continues to have a lasting impact on the field, and this lectureship serves to honor her legacy in epidemiology.
About Dr. Falkow
Professor Emeritus
January 1934 - May 2018
Dr. Stanley Falkow was a trailblazer in microbial pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. His pioneering research transformed modern microbiology and significantly advanced our understanding of antibiotic resistance mechanisms. The Tompkins-Falkow Lectureship continues his legacy by promoting innovative research and education.
Annual Lecture
Join us for this distinguished event each year as we feature notable scientists who share their insights and discoveries, contributing to the ongoing conversation in the fields of infectious diseases and microbiology.
Spring 2025 Speaker
Manuel Ricardo Amieva M.D., PhD
Professor and Interim Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology Maternal & Child Health, Member - Research Institute Stanford University School of Medicine
Manuel’s research focus is on understanding how bacterial pathogens colonize epithelial surfaces and how epithelial colonization leads to infection and disease. He grew up in Mexico City and fell in love with the wonders of biology as an undergraduate at Dartmouth College, where he was taught multiple skills in microscopy and studied the development of marine invertebrates. Afterwards, Manuel returned to Mexico and wrote children’s books that were recorded as radioplays and retold his countless adventures in science and biology. He then moved to California to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. at Stanford University. During his Ph.D., Manuel studied how cytoskeletal proteins aid in cell movement in the laboratory of Heinz Furthmayr. Following completion of a residency in Pediatrics at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital, Manuel became a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellow at Stanford and further trained as a postdoctoral scholar in the laboratory of Stanley Falkow. An avid microscopist, Manuel loves to hide in the microscope room where he can spend countless hours on the confocal looking through the porthole at microbes interacting with cells and tissues.
Outside of the lab, Manuel enjoys spending time with his family, drinking tequila, and scuba diving, though not necessarily all at the same time.
For more information please see the Amieva Lab Website.
Timeline of Speakers
Get Involved
For more information about the Tompkins-Falkow Lectureship, including details on upcoming lectures and how to participate, please contact us at pilarpf@stanford.edu