UNIONDALE, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 9, 2025 / Marquis Who's Who honors Jody Berry, PhD, for achievements in infectious disease research. Dr. Berry's 30-year career includes involvement in the SARS-1 outbreak, Sept. 11 biothreat assessments and the COVID-19 pandemic. As the chief science officer at NOW Diagnostics, he continues to work within the areas of infectious disease diagnostics and medical microbiology. Dr. Berry's impact on science is marked by innovation, leadership and a legacy of saving lives.
Contributions to Global Health Events
Dr. Berry has been integral to public health responses. In the aftermath of Sept. 11, he was part of Canada's biodefense team. The work involved assessing potential threats in dust samples from the World Trade Center twin towers. "We were pulled in to help the U.S. analyze the powder from the towers," he says, as the U.S. government was worried about the possibility of an additional substance, mainly anthrax, that could have been added to the hijacked airliners.
Additionally, Dr. Berry's expertise landed him on the front lines again during the SARS-1 outbreak in Toronto. In this role, he led efforts to identify and neutralize the coronavirus. This work set the groundwork for COVID-19 research that would follow years later.
Thousands of citations on SARS-CoV-2 publications trace back to Dr. Berry's discoveries. Specifically, he has been cited for characterizing a single neutralizing epitope on the virus's spike protein. This insight became critical in vaccine development and diagnostic testing during the pandemic.
At OraSure Technologies, he helped launch InteliSwab. U.S. schools adopted this COVID-19 rapid test as part of their safety protocols. Additionally, the device attracted government funding. Dr. Berry's signature innovation integrated the swab into the test itself. This feature made it more accessible to millions of people.
A New Era in Diagnostics
Dr. Berry now leads research and development at Now Diagnostics. The company specializes in over-the-counter and point-of-care diagnostic tests. His current work focuses on making treatment-eligible tests available to consumers. "We're developing tests that can be used at home," he says. "We are working with the FDA to make something that you can start using to get treated rather than waiting for a doctor and crowding urgent care."
Collaboration is a key component of Dr. Berry's work. For example, he partners with leadership and academic institutions, such as the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to drive strategic direction and scientific execution. The way he bridges laboratory science with real-world application has helped elevate NOW Diagnostics as a trusted leader in rapid testing.
Early Lessons in Clinical Medicine
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dr. Berry never intended to be a scientist. However, a hospital job as an orderly exposed him to the realities of clinical medicine. During that time, he redirected his ambitions toward research. At the University of Manitoba, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in medical microbiology with a focus on HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia research.
One study in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on HIV-resistant sex workers, sparked his career-long interest in immune response and antibody development. This journey led to a postdoctoral fellowship at the Scripps Research Institute. As part of his responsibilities, he cloned monoclonal antibodies capable of neutralizing the HIV virus.
Leadership Across Biotech and Diagnostics
Dr. Berry's résumé includes leadership positions at Grifols, Aspira Women's Health, Pharmingen and Cangene Corp. Dr. Berry's work encompasses therapeutic antibodies for biothreats, such as Ebola, and diagnostic tools for ovarian cancer and endometriosis.
Beyond the lab, Dr. Berry seizes upon opportunities to serve as a mentor. Through a partnership with the University of Arkansas and the National Science Foundation, he helps young scientists find their footing. Additionally, he volunteers in youth hockey.
A Respected Figure in Science
Dr. Berry's accolades include the Spirit of Innovation Award for InteliSwab and a commendation from the Government of Canada for service following Sept. 11. Dr. Berry continues to file patents, publish research and advocate for advances in diabetes. For these reasons, he joins a lineage of change-makers who have influenced the course of science, medicine and global health.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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SOURCE: Marquis Who's Who
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