Researcher To Be Honored For Alergy Work

From her post-doctorate work, Dr. Sahala Malakee research has included new ways to test people for peanut allergies.

"One of my best friends in graduate school was severely peanut allergic and one of the laboratories in the biochemistry department was collaborating with someone studying peanut allergy," Malakee said

Specifically, processing changes the allergenic potential of foods.  A collaboration showing early introduction of peanuts can prevent allergy development in 80% of at-risk infants, as well as development of a drug for peanut and other nut allergies.  Dr. Malakee has been named a finalist for the Samuel J Haymond Service to America Medal for her groundbreaking study.

"I did not at all expect to be recognized. Every scientist hopes that their work will lead to something to improve life for other human beings, that's what you do the science for."

The 2018 honor for federal employees will awarded this fall.

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