Monson selected for National Multiple Sclerosis Society Hall of Fame

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has selected Dr. Nancy Monson for its 2015 Volunteer Hall of Fame for Researchers.

Dr. Monson, Associate Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics and Immunology, leads a translational research laboratory at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she and her team have investigated the impact of B cells on multiple sclerosis and the mouse model of MS (Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.)

Nancy Monson and MS Award
Eli Rubenstein, Chairman of the National MS Society, congratulates Dr. Nancy Monson on being named to the society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame for Researchers, with Cynthia Zagieboylo, President and CEO of the society.

“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. Ms. 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."

Since 1999, Dr. Monson has been recognized as a pioneer in the pursuit of innovative ways to diagnose and treat multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disorder that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease, which means that the illness is caused by the body’s immune system. In the case of MS, antibodies and immune cells damage nerve cells by causing deterioration of the protective covering around those cells, a tissue called myelin. Scar tissue, or “sclerosis,” builds up on the myelin, disrupting nerve function.

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 Ms. 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. Since its founding by Sylvia Lawry in March 1946, the Society has expended nearly $868 million to advance MS research.