University of Utah | United States
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Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. June Round’s academic journey reflects a foundation of dedication and scholarly excellence. Beginning with a B.S. in Biology (Cum Laude) at California Lutheran University, she distinguished herself early through departmental honors and multiple scholarships. Her passion for molecular biology led to an M.S. from the University of the Pacific, followed by a D.Phil. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA, supported by highly competitive fellowships. Her formative postdoctoral training at the California Institute of Technology under Sarkis K. Mazmanian provided a strong platform to explore the intricate interplay between microbiota and host immunity, setting the stage for her pioneering career.
Professional Endeavors
Currently serving as a Professor at the University of Utah, Dr. Round has held numerous leadership roles including Director of the Mountain West Microbiota Alliance (MoWMA) and Co-Director of the Microbiota and GI Immunology Consortia (MAGIC). She has chaired multiple search committees, overseen postdoctoral studies, and contributed extensively to university-level, college-level, and departmental governance. Her sustained involvement in NIH study sections, national symposia, and scientific advisory boards underscores her standing as a leader in immunology and microbial pathogenesis.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Round’s research focuses on microbiota–immune system interactions, particularly their role in regulating immune tolerance and driving inflammatory diseases. Her laboratory has produced high-impact work elucidating mechanisms by which commensal microbes shape host immunity, contributing to transformative understanding in immunology, microbiology, and gastrointestinal health. Her investigations into toll-like receptors, dysbiosis, and immune regulation have provided new frameworks for therapeutic exploration in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
Impact and Influence
The significance of Dr. Round’s research is reflected in her numerous prestigious awards, including the NIH Innovator Award, Packard Fellowship, Pew Scholar Award, Burroughs Wellcome Investigator in Pathogenesis, and the W.M. Keck Research Award. These honors not only recognize her innovative contributions but also demonstrate her influence in shaping the field. She has trained and mentored a generation of young scientists, many of whom now serve as professors, researchers, and clinicians in leading institutions worldwide—an enduring testament to her academic leadership.
Academic Citations and Recognition
Dr. Round’s scholarship has been widely published in top-tier journals including Cell, Nature Reviews Immunology, Science Immunology, and Annual Review of Microbiology. Her reviews and original research articles are highly cited, frequently shaping discourse in immunology and microbiome research. Her contributions extend beyond publications through book chapters and invited conference proceedings, amplifying her thought leadership in the global scientific community.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Round’s legacy lies in bridging microbiology and immunology, redefining the microbiota’s role in human health and disease. Through her pioneering studies, administrative leadership, and mentorship, she has cultivated a scientific ecosystem that will continue to grow. Moving forward, her leadership in major microbiome initiatives and consortia is poised to advance translational breakthroughs, from novel therapeutics for autoimmune disease to deeper insights into the human–microbe interface.
Conclusion
Dr. June Round’s career reflects the hallmarks of an exceptional researcher: rigorous scholarship, innovative vision, academic leadership, and transformative mentorship. Her pioneering contributions to microbiome and immune system research have reshaped fundamental scientific understanding while fostering future leaders in biomedical science. With her remarkable impact, both in the laboratory and across academic institutions, Dr. Round stands as an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Notable Publications
"Neonatal fungi promote lifelong metabolic health through macrophage-dependent β cell development"
- Author: JH Hill, R Bell, L Barrios, H Baird, K Ost, M Greenewood, JK Monts
- Journal: Science
- Year: 2025
"The gut microbiome is associated with disease‐free survival in stage I–III colorectal cancer patients"
- Author: DA Byrd, V Damerell, MF Gomez Morales, SR Hogue, T Lin, J Ose
- Journal: International Journal of Cancer
- Year: 2025
"A microRNA-regulated transcriptional state defines intratumoral CD8+ T cells that respond to immunotherapy"
- Author: WW Tang, B Battistone, KM Bauer, AM Weis, C Barba, MZH Fadlullah
- Journal: Cell reports
- Year: 2025
"Primary tumor microbiomes predict distant metastasis of colorectal cancer"
- Author: B Parajuli, V Midya, R Kiddle, N De Jager, S Eggers, D Spakowicz
- Journal: Cell reports
- Year: 2025
"Clec12a controls colitis by tempering inflammation and restricting expansion of specific commensals"
- Author: TR Chiaro, M Greenewood, KM Bauer, KS Ost, E Stephen-Victor
- Journal: bioRxiv
- Year: 2025