Big news for Meharry Medical College! Dr. Brock Arivett, a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Medicine’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, has been selected for the prestigious 2025 All of Us Data Fellow Program—a rare honor given to only 15 researchers across the country each year. This marks the first time a Meharry researcher has earned this recognition!
The All of Us Research Program, led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in collaboration with the University of Arizona and Banner Health, provides six months of advanced training, mentored research, and professional development. This program equips top researchers with cutting-edge skills in genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics, and precision medicine—all crucial in the fight against health disparities.
Dr. Arivett’s Research: Tackling Tuberculosis and Sarcoidosis
Dr. Arivett’s research focuses on understanding genetic factors in African-ancestry populations that contribute to diseases like tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. His work specifically examines how the PLA2R1 loss-of-function frameshift variant may influence disease risk, potentially opening doors to new treatments and preventive strategies.
Selected from nearly 200 applicants—including researchers from Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and Vanderbilt—Dr. Arivett’s achievement speaks volumes about his expertise and the growing national impact of Meharry’s research efforts.
Currently in his second year as a postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Arivett earned his Ph.D. from Middle Tennessee State University in 2020. He’s also an ambassador for the NIH Loan Repayment Program, which helps scientists reduce educational debt while pursuing research careers that align with the NIH’s mission.
About Meharry’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology
Meharry’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology is at the forefront of infectious disease and cardiovascular research, particularly focusing on conditions that disproportionately affect African American and underserved communities. Faculty members are leading groundbreaking studies in microbial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, immunity, and cardiovascular health, with research published in top-tier journals like Nature and Science.
The department also plays a key role in training future scientists and healthcare leaders through NIH-supported programs in Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis and Cardiovascular Biology. Graduates go on to impactful careers in academia, the NIH, CDC, and the biopharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Arivett’s selection as a 2025 All of Us Data Fellow is a major win—not just for him, but for Meharry’s mission of advancing health equity through groundbreaking research. Congratulations, Dr. Arivett!
