My work focuses on systems genetics and systems biology, seeking to discover disease-modifying genes and pathways. With genetically diverse mouse models, zebrafish, or drosophilia flies, it's possible to look at the complex interactions of genes and screen for differences of disease susceptibility or outcomes. Then you link the differences in the phenotypes to the differences in the genotypes. That's how you get to discover the disease-modifying pathways and translate your research from bench to bedside.

I have been the Chairperson of our department since May 1, 2008. Previously, I was the A.C. Mullins Professor of Translational Research at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis where I established and directed the immunogenetics, translational and biodefense research programs. I directed the Mid-South Center for Biodefense and Security, a multidisciplinary research and education center dedicated to improving preparedness in natural or deliberate biological crises and pandemics by applying advanced biotechnologies to generate effective diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics. Additionally, I was a senior research career scientist and chief of the Lymphocyte Research Program at the VA Medical Center in Memphis.

A native of Cairo, Egypt, I received my doctorate in immunology and biochemistry from UTHSC and St. Jude Children’s research hospital, and completed postgraduate work at the Howard Hughes Laboratories at Duke University Medical Center.

I currently run a systems biology, translational research program and have expertise in immunology, immunogenetics, microbial pathogenesis, molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, protein chemistry, biochemistry and enzymology. I have and enjoy collaborating with many physicians, nationally and internationally, on clinically applied research, particularly in the areas of infectious diseases and solid organ and cellular transplantation. Additionally, I have assumed many national and international leadership roles, and participated and chaired numerous grant review panels and NIH study sections.

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A 1997 Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Kotb is the author of more than 150 scientific articles, has been an invited speaker throughout the world, and has participated and chaired numerous grant review panels and National Institutes of Health study sections.