Julie Ledford, PhD

 

Professor, Cellular & Molecular Medicine

Co-Director, Clinical Translational Sciences Graduate Program

Professor, BIO5 Institute

Professor, Asthma & Airways Disease Research Center

University of Arizona Eureka Hub Leader

 

Julie G. Ledford, PhD, is a Professor of Cellular & Molecular Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and a leading researcher in pulmonary biology and translational medicine. Her work focuses on innate immunity, airway epithelial biology, and the development of novel therapeutics for asthma and chronic lung diseases. Dr. Ledford has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications and holds multiple patents for innovative treatments targeting respiratory disorders and is co-founder of two startup companies, RaeSedo Inc and Aspiro Therapeutics. She serves as Associate Director of Translational Research at the Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center and Co-Director of the Clinical Translational Sciences Graduate Program. A recognized leader in her field, Dr. Ledford has received numerous honors, including the Jo Rae Wright Award for Outstanding Science, and is actively involved in mentoring future scientists and advancing translational research through academic and industry partnerships.

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Degrees

• Ph.D. Genetics and Molecular Biology

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• B.S. Genetics

  • University of Georgia, Honor's Graduate, Summa cum laude

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Work Experience

• Professor (2024-present), University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

• Associate Professor (2019-2024), University of AZ, Tucson, AZ

• Assistant Professor (2015-2019), University of AZ, Tucson, AZ

• Assistant Research Professor (2011-2014), Duke University, Durham, NC

 

Awards

• Eureka Certificate in Translational Medicine

  • Eureka Institute for Translational Medicine, Spring 2017

• Jo Rae Wright Award for Outstanding Science

  • American Thoracic Society, Spring 2012