Her current work investigates how innate immune cells can dampen inflammation in children who carry the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria but do not become sick. Akin to asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 who spread infection in the community, these children can still transmit the parasites to mosquitos. The insights of Lamb’s research could uncover new strategies for preventing and treating malaria.

As an adjunct scientist in the Malaria Unit at the Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, she and members of her team travel there regularly to work with Dr. Ayong’s team and train the next generation of Cameroonian immunologists in cellular immunology techniques. She expects the fellowship will strengthen her ability to collaborate with international agencies, such as Cameroon’s Ministries of Health and Education and the President’s Malaria Initiative, and to train U students and faculty in these practices.

“The State Department promotes global health by collaborating with other governments and implementing policies abroad,” Lamb says. “This promotes a healthier world and protects the health of the American population. I’m honored to play a small part in this effort.”

After receiving her PhD from the University of Edinburgh, Lamb was a fellow at the National Institute for Medical Research in London. From there, she served as faculty at Emory University and joined the Department of Pathology at the U in 2017. 

Lamb is one of nine 2024-25 Fellows who were selected based on their progress and reputation in their fields of study. Fellows were also chosen based on their mastery of skills critical for international diplomacy: an ability to integrate scientific expertise with policy and communicate complex information to non-specialists.