2025 Maimonides Evening
of Research

The Austin A. Schlecker Academic Achievement Award honors individuals who exemplify the highest standards of research. This year, it is awarded to Dr. Theresa Jacob for her outstanding contributions to this institution and the broader scientific community.

Dr Theresa Jacob, is a distinguished scientist and biomedical researcher, currently serving as the Director of Research for the Department of Psychiatry and the Division of Vascular Surgery and as the Director of the Clinical & Translational Research Labs at Maimonides Medical Center.

Born in India, Dr. Jacob earned her PhD from the University of Mumbai at the age of 24 while concurrently serving as a professor in the same university. She subsequently completed a fellowship in genetic engineering at the prestigious School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamraj University, India. Dr. Jacob completed an MPH in Health Policy and Health Care Management from the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University. Her early interests in molecular diagnostics led her to develop DNA/RNA diagnostic protocols in her home country before transitioning to gene therapy research. Her efforts have since expanded into precision medicine, patient-oriented research, and clinical trials. She has introduced groundbreaking research initiatives at Maimonides Medical Center, including bone marrow stem cell therapy, targeted-gene therapy using nanotechnology with integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

With 44 years of experience in research and education, Dr. Jacob plays a key role in the hospital’s academic enterprise fostering research engagement among patients, investigators, and trainees across multiple clinical disciplines. As a funded investigator on several studies, her research spans molecular markers for disease states, innovative treatments in cardiovascular surgery, mental health, and healthcare quality improvement. Her work has been widely recognized, with presentations at national and international conferences and 118 peer-reviewed publications, including at least 82 from Maimonides Medical Center.

Dr. Jacob is highly regarded for her ability to inspire investigators to conceptualize and develop feasible research projects, guiding them in study design, grant writing, and project execution of investigator-initiated studies. She plays an essential role in the realm of industry-sponsored clinical trials at Maimonides, overseeing protocol reviews, feasibility assessments, financial analyses, budget negotiations, and study operations to facilitate site participation.

A former Young Scientist awardee, Dr Jacob is devoted to mentoring the next generation of STEM and medical research leaders. She has guided numerous students, residents, fellows, and laboratory staff, earning recognition as one of the best mentors in NYC by the New York Academy of Science’s Science and Research Training Program in 2005.

Dr. Jacob is an active member of the IRB, a grant reviewer (both intra- and extramural), and a member of the Environment of Care committee. Her expertise extends to bioethics and patient safety, further solidifying her comprehensive role in medical research.