Mary K. Howett, Ph.D., Wins 2000 Athena Award

June 7, 2000

HERSHEY, PA--Mary K. Howett, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology at Penn State's College of Medicine, has been awarded the 2000 Athena Award. The Athena Award is presented each year by the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce to a woman who has contributed the most to her business or profession, or to a man who has helped women achieve their goals. Criteria for selection include supporting the goals of professional women, excellence in the candidate's profession, valuable service to the profession and community, and creativity in improving the community.

Howett was selected in part because of her research at the College of Medicine. She led a team of researchers who developed a compound (sodium dodecyl sulfate or SDS) that kills the herpes simplex virus type 2 (responsible for genital herpes), human papillomaviruses (genital warts), and the human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS). The human papillomaviruses are also causative agents for cancer of the uterine cervix. Howett and her team are working to incorporate SDS into a topical microbicide that can be used to prevent infection by these viruses and possibly prevent infected individuals from transmitting the virus to their partners. Such a product could have a tremendous impact on the global epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases.

In addition to her research and teaching, Howett has been involved with numerous committees at the College of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. She is a member of the Board of Directors of St. Stephen's Episcopal School and obtained grant support for math and science programs at the school. She was also a member of the Pennsylvania Futures Commission on Justice in the 21st Century and has served on committees for the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Medical Society.

Howett's research team is supported by funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Jake Gittlen Cancer Research Institute.

The Athena Award was presented to Howett on June 7 at a reception given by the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce.

*ATHENA AWARD*