Dean of Research, Professor of Immunology, NCNM
Director, Helfgott Research Institute
Bio
Dr. Heather Zwickey serves as Dean of Research at NCNM and Director of the Helfgott Research Institute. Her initial training at the world renowned National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver focused on immunological challenges to vaccine development for tuberculosis. After completing her PhD at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, she began a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University where she worked with Drs. Ira Mellman and Ralph Steinman. Dr. Zwickey's research examined the potential for autoimmune sequelae from dendritic cell cancer vaccines. At NCNM, Dr. Zwickey identify mechanisms by which natural therapies stimulate immune responses. Her research experience examining the effects of botanicals, probiotics, diet, and hydrotherapy on immunological parameters in humans is pivotal to achieving this task. Dr. Zwickey also expores the mechanisms involved in infectious disease, cancer, autoimmune disease, psychoneuroimmunology, and immunological tolerance.
Dr. Zwickey has previously taught Immunology (ND), Integrative Immunology (CCM), Vaccine Elective and Gut Immunology Elective. Current courses include:
• BAS437 Immunology
• CLS620E Gut Immunology
Getting to know Dr. Zwickey Birthplace: Lake Crystal, MN High School: Lake Crystal High School Activities: Skiing, hiking, music, traveling Favorite Quote: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure." - Helen Keller Music: Van Morrison, Sonia Dada, Lyle Lovett, Johnny Cleg & Savuka, O.A.R., Snow Patrol, Little Big Town, Virginia Coalition, Chris Brown, Paula Cole Movies: Dave, Strictly Ballroom, Leaving Normal, X-Men, Love Actually, It's a Wonderful Life, Beyond Rangoon, The Mission, North by Northwest, So I Married an Axe Murderer, Batman Begins, Die Hard, Speed, etc. Sitcom: I prefer football and basketball to comedy TV Historical Figure: MLK Personal Style: Helper Hobbies: Paint, sculpt, play music (piano, flute, piccolo,oboe and a little guitar). Also, I love traveling to countries with cultures very different than the U.S. (like Brazil and Tanzania, most recently.) Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii, Colorado Favorite Restaurant: del Inti What I like best about Portland: Portland is a laid-back city. It has all the benefits of some of the larger cities (concerts, plays, professional basketball, museums, etc.) without the pomp and circumstance of the larger cities. It's only an hour to the coast, but it's also only an hour to the mountains. What could be better?
