07/09/2026
👏 What an honor it has been for our very own President, Professor & CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., MBA, to be chosen by San Diego History Center to be featured in the “San Diego STEM Women: Creativity and Curiosity” exhibit.
Her placard reads, “A native of Texas, Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., MBA, moved to San Diego to pursue her doctorate in molecular biology at Scripps Research. She currently serves as the President and CEO of La Jolla Institute for Immunology and is also one of the leading research faculty there. On the global stage, Dr. Saphire is one of the world’s experts in pandemic and emerging viruses and has revealed the molecular structures of the key surface proteins of major viral threats as well as the first-ever structure of the entire human antibody.
Dr. Saphire’s contributions extend beyond her own laboratory. She galvanized several truly global, multidisciplinary consortia that united over 50 former competitors each to work together to fill the need for effective vaccines and antiviral therapeutics against COVID-19, Lassa, and Ebola. She has recently turned her attention to defense against childhood infections like cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr that can lead to cancer and autoimmunity in adulthood.
Dr. Saphire has also launched an institute-wide initiative to uncover sex-based differences in the immune system and how these foundational differences can be applied to improve the lives of both women and men. The author of nearly 200 publications, her dedication and innovation have earned her numerous prestigious awards from the White House, the Girl Scouts, and international scientific societies alike.”
After a year of sparking inspiration, the exhibit will close soon on Sunday, July 19. Catch it while it’s still on display!
Thank you again to the San Diego History Center for including Dr. Saphire in this incredible exhibit.
