CJ Graduate Enlisted in Fight Against Zika
After enlisting in the U.S. Army following graduation, Alumnus Christopher Springer's first job in the military was to help develop a vaccine against Zika, a mosquito-borne virus linked to microcephaly and other brain malformation in fetuses and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults.
Sgt. Springer was among 10 civilian and military personnel who were part of a team at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) to develop the new vaccine in just 200 days. Springer and his colleagues routinely handled the lab work, including conducting tests, generating reports, and keeping the facility stocked with the necessary supplies and equipment. Human trials of the vaccine began in the fall and, if successful, the vaccine may be available on the commercial market within two years.
"I am proud to be a part of the team," said Sgt. Springer. "I never imagined that I could go on and be a part of something so great and unique!"
Vol 19 No 34