Katherine Hummels, an assistant microbiology professor in the University of Georgia's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, has been named a 2026 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences, one of 21 early-career researchers nationwide selected by The Pew Charitable Trusts for their innovative approaches to advancing human health and medicine. 

The prestigious award provides four years of funding to support groundbreaking biomedical research and recognizes promising early-career faculty members whose work has the potential to make significant contributions to science and human health. 

Hummels studies the fundamental processes that allow bacteria to build and maintain their protective outer structures. As a Pew Scholar, she will investigate the molecular mechanisms that govern the assembly of the bacterial cell envelope—a critical structure that protects bacterial cells and enables their survival. 

The bacterial cell envelope serves as a protective barrier between a cell and its environment. Understanding how this complex structure is assembled could provide new insights into bacterial biology and identify potential vulnerabilities that may be targeted in future antimicrobial strategies. 

“I am absolutely thrilled by the honor of being selected as a Pew Biomedical Scholar and am excited to expand on my lab’s work investigating how bacterial pathogens build their outermost layers,” said Hummels. “Bacteria are fascinating organisms and, despite their seeming simplicity, we still have much to learn. I am eager to continue uncovering new facets of bacterial biology that will not only shed light into the unseen lives of microbes but also reveal previously untapped weaknesses that we can leverage for future therapeutic strategies.” 

"Katherine Hummels' selection as a Pew Scholar is a tremendous honor and reflects the creativity, rigor, and impact of her research," said Anna Stenport, dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. "The Pew Scholars Program recognizes some of the nation's most promising early-career scientists, and Katherine's groundbreaking work highlights the innovative research taking place at Franklin. We are proud to see her join this distinguished community of scholars and look forward to the discoveries that will emerge from her work." 

Hummels joins a distinguished cohort of scientists selected from 211 applicants nominated by leading academic institutions and researchers across the United States. The 2026 class includes researchers exploring topics ranging from cancer vaccines and immune system function to brain health and artificial intelligence applications in biomedical science. 

"For more than 40 years, Pew has proudly supported researchers pioneering approaches to help advance human health and medicine," said Donna Frisby-Greenwood, senior vice president for Philadelphia and scientific advancement at The Pew Charitable Trusts. "This incoming class of biomedical scholars bridges new technologies with creative approaches to biomedical research, and we're thrilled to support their innovative work." 

Since its founding in 1985, the Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences has supported more than 1,000 researchers. Scholars receive funding as well as opportunities to collaborate with fellow Pew-funded scientists through annual meetings and professional networking. 

Hummels' selection highlights UGA’s growing strength in biomedical and life sciences research and underscores the impact of discovery-driven research taking place within Franklin.