About

Dr. Damania’s research focuses on oncogenic human viruses and host-pathogen interactions. She uses a multi-faceted approach towards understanding host-pathogen interactions, viral oncogenesis, and host innate immune responses. She has published over 160 scientific papers, serves on multiple national and international scientific advisory boards, and is an editor on several scientific journals. Damania is a Kavli Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, as well as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Academy of Microbiology. She has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors. As UNC-Chapel Hill’s Vice Dean for Research in the School of Medicine, Dr. Damania oversees the research enterprise, including the biomedical and biological sciences graduate program, core facilities, the school’s centers and programs, and multiple research initiatives. 

Awards and Honors 

• Hyman L. Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award, 2021
• Award for Excellence in Basic Science Mentoring, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2020
• Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2020
• Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2018
• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2017
• Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professorship, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2015
• Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology, USA, 2013
• Kavli Scholar, National Academy of Sciences, USA, 2011
• Dolph O. Adams Award, Society for Leukocyte Biology, 2011
• Phillip and Ruth Hettleman Prize for Scholarly and Artistic Achievement, 2008
• Burroughs Wellcome Fund Investigator in Infectious Disease, 2006-2011
• American Heart Association Established Investigator Award, 2006-2011
• Jefferson Pilot Award in Faculty Medicine, 2005
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar, 2005-2010
• AACR-Gertrude Elion Scholar Award, 2004
• American Herpes Foundation Research Scholar Award, 2003
• V Foundation Scholar Award, 2001