Dr. Kim Lewis stands as a preeminent leader in the field of antimicrobial research and drug discovery, currently holding the distinguished position of University Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University and serving as Director of the Antimicrobial Discovery Center. His academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Moscow University in 1980, establishing the foundation for his groundbreaking contributions to microbiology and antimicrobial science. Prior to his tenure at Northeastern, Dr. Lewis built an impressive academic career at esteemed institutions including MIT, University of Maryland, and Tufts University, where he honed his expertise in bacterial physiology and drug resistance mechanisms. His appointment at Northeastern in 2001 marked the beginning of a transformative period in antimicrobial research, culminating in his recognition as a Distinguished Professor in 2011 and solidifying his position as one of the nation's foremost authorities on persistent bacterial infections.
Dr. Lewis's seminal research has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of antimicrobial tolerance through his groundbreaking discovery of persister cells in bacterial biofilms, which are dormant variants that survive conventional antibiotic treatments and contribute significantly to chronic infections. His pioneering work published in 2015 confirmed the formation of these persister cells in Lyme disease bacteria, providing crucial insights into treatment-resistant cases and opening new avenues for therapeutic development. Beyond his foundational discoveries, Dr. Lewis developed revolutionary methods to cultivate previously uncultured bacteria that constitute over 99% of microbial biodiversity, leading to the identification of novel antibiotics including teixobactin and darobactin that target drug-resistant pathogens through innovative mechanisms. His current research on hygromycin A as a potential treatment for Lyme disease represents a promising advance toward addressing the growing challenge of persistent infections, with human safety trials scheduled to commence following successful preclinical validation.
As a translational scientist of exceptional impact, Dr. Lewis has founded multiple biotechnology companies including NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals, Arietis Pharma, Holobiome, and Flightpath Biosciences, demonstrating his commitment to bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. His expertise is highly sought after by national and international bodies, having served as a panelist for the National Academies Institute of Medicine, the Pew Charitable Trust, and the European Academies of Science on critical issues of antimicrobial resistance. Recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher and Expertscape World Expert in Microbial Drug Resistance, Dr. Lewis continues to shape the field through his leadership of the Antimicrobial Discovery Center, where he mentors the next generation of scientists while advancing cutting-edge approaches to combat the global antibiotic resistance crisis. His ongoing research in microbiome therapeutics and novel antibiotic discovery remains at the forefront of efforts to address one of modern medicine's most pressing challenges, ensuring his enduring influence on the future of infectious disease treatment.
