Our congratulations go out to Johns Hopkins HIV expert Deborah Persaud, who’s been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. Persaud made the news earlier this year when her team announced the first functional cure of an infant born with HIV.
“We scientists are trained to be careful about generalizing about one case,” writes Mark Dybul. “Yet this result gives us more ammunition in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It adds substance to our conviction — not yet proven but heading in the right direction — that we can prevent this disease from infecting newborn babies.”
Persaud is joined on the list by Jay-Z, Joe Biden, Sheryl Sandberg, and Daniel Day-Lewis, among many others. We hope there’s a rad party with plenty of champagne, and that Persaud gets to stay up all night partying with Jay, Joe, Sheryl, and Danny.
Wow. This really warms my heart. Science matters and one fine scientist has been recognized along-side rockers and celebrities. What a whimsical and yet powerful moment. Congratulation Dr. Persaud!