I am excited to share that Sanja Sever, PhD, has joined UTMB as Vice President, Drug Discovery and Director of the Sealy Institute for Drug Discovery (SIDD), effective March. 1. This Institute has been funded by a generous gift from the Sealy & Smith Foundation.  Dr. Sever is a prominent figure in the field of nephrology, most recently affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Sever brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished career in academia, particularly her groundbreaking research on GTPase dynamin and its implications for cell biology, kidney, and neurological diseases. Her work encompasses both basic and translational research, aiming to bridge the gap between basic science discoveries and clinical applications. Dr. Sever's expertise lies in unraveling the underlying mechanisms of disease, identifying potential therapeutic targets, and developing novel treatment strategies. Indeed, Dr. Sever is deeply committed to improving patient care through innovative research and drug discovery, all with a proven track record.

Under Dr. Sever's leadership, the SIDD is poised to translate cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible therapeutic solutions. By fostering collaboration between scientists, clinicians, and industry partners, Dr. Sever and her team will drive forward innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in the realm of diverse diseases.

By taking over directorship of SIDD, Dr. Sever is underscoring her commitment to advancing the frontiers of biotechnology within an academic setting with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. Through her leadership and vision, we are confident that SIDD will stand at the forefront of the quest to unlock new treatments and cures for our patients. 

Many thanks,

Charles P. Mouton, MD, MS, MBA
Executive Vice President, Provost, and Dean, John Sealy School of Medicine
Thomas N. and Gleaves P. James Distinguished Chair