Nancy Monson, Ph.D., selected for National Multiple Sclerosis Society Hall of Fame
By Julie Kirchem, Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has selected Nancy Monson, Ph.D., for its 2015 Volunteer Hall of Fame for Researchers.
Dr. Monson, Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics and Immunology, leads a translational research lab at UT Southwestern where she and her team have investigated the impact of B cells on multiple sclerosis and the mouse model of MS (Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.)
"People connected to the work of the Society know her, admire her, and recognize her as a thought leader within MS research,” said Shannon Nelson, National MS Society Regional Director for Individual Giving. Nelson nominated Dr. Monson for the Hall of Fame.
“I see this honor primarily as a shout-out to UT Southwestern’s focus on patient care, both at the bedside and the bench,” said Dr. Monson. “ Our job is to take what we discover at the bench and no matter how challenging, apply that knowledge to patient care."
Dr. Monson was honored for her service and dedication at the Society Leadership Conference held in Fort Worth, Texas this month.
Since 1999, Dr. Monson has been recognized as a pioneer in the pursuit of innovative ways to diagnose and treat multiple sclerosis.
“When Elliot Frohman and Mike Racke first recruited me, we would get samples in the lab of MS patients who were mostly women and in my age bracket. It was profoundly moving to me that these patients were in battle every day with MS,” said Dr. Monson. “Knowing that solidified my resolve to join with patients in their battle.”
Dr. Monson and her team developed a DNA “signature” for MS based on patterns of variations in certain immune B cell genes that might be used to identify people with relapsing-remitting MS early in their disease course. Dr. Monson’s research led to MSPrecise, a next-generation sequencing assay that can identify MS at first clinical presentation and reduce misdiagnosis rates.
“Along with being an incredible researcher, her commitment to making connections and creating MS awareness set her apart,” said Nelson. “She is able to share the landscape of the research community in a digestible way and moves people to do more and give more.”
Dr. Monson participates often as a volunteer for the society. Some of her volunteer activities include multiple speaking engagements and participation in many fundraising efforts.
And she and her team will continue to look for answers in the lab.
"So during those late nights when my team and I are burning the midnight oil and wondering if the next breakthrough will ever come, I remember the patients I have met and talked to over the years, and it energizes me knowing we are all fighting this disease in every way we know how," said Dr. Monson. "I am a part of that community and I will not give up because these patients, their families, their health care team don't give up. We are in this together to stop MS and we are going to do it."