Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Shanta Corbett is an accomplished American viral immunologist, currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Shutzer Assistant Professor at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute since June 2021. Corbett’s academic journey began with a B.S. in biological sciences and sociology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, followed by a PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014. Her early research focused on human antibody responses to dengue virus, laying a strong foundation for her future work in viral immunology.

In 2014, Corbett joined the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, where she became a pivotal member of the COVID-19 vaccine development team. Her innovative research led to the identification of stabilizing mutations in the spike protein of coronaviruses, significantly enhancing the immunogenicity of vaccine candidates. Corbett’s expertise was instrumental in the rapid development of the Moderna mRNA vaccine, which entered clinical trials just 66 days after the virus sequence was released, marking a historic achievement in vaccine development.

Corbett’s contributions to science have not gone unnoticed; she was featured in Time’s “Time100 Next” list in 2021, recognized for her groundbreaking work in vaccine development. Her leadership and dedication have made her a prominent figure in the fight against COVID-19, earning her accolades from peers and public figures alike, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, who praised her central role in the vaccine’s development.

Beyond her research, Corbett is committed to community engagement and education, particularly in rebuilding trust within vaccine-hesitant populations. She actively participates in outreach programs, sharing her knowledge and experiences to inspire the next generation of scientists. Kizzmekia Corbett’s remarkable journey exemplifies the impact of dedicated scientific inquiry and the importance of diversity in the field of immunology.