Kenneth M. Murphy, MD, PhD

2024 Dean’s Impact Award Recipient

Kenneth M. Murphy, MD, PhD, is committed to training and mentoring the next generation of scientists. What is striking and obvious when one attends immunology conferences is that not only has Murphy’s work and leadership led to PhDs and postdoctoral training in his lab, but his groundbreaking work has also led to numerous additional PhDs and postdoctoral careers throughout the world, with hundreds of resulting publications (i.e., a “multiplier effect” beyond WashU Medicine). He has trained at least 20 different PhDs in his lab, many of whom had high-impact publications in Science and Nature and who continue to be engaged in research. Some of his former lab trainees are current faculty at leading institutions nationally and worldwide. He is known as a great mentor for colleagues, and his ability to go straight to the heart of a scientific problem and give honest opinions to improve the work have helped many. He consistently gets high praise from students for challenging and enriching their environment. His nomination letter notes: “In sum, Murphy has made an indelible impact on the training of his department’s students, fellows and colleagues over the past three decades, both institutionally and worldwide.”