Meet the 2026 Awardee: Allison D. Fryer, PhD
Allison Fryer, PhD is a Professor of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)and is also Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the School of Medicine.In her role as Associate Dean, she is responsible for 800 graduate students in certificate, master’s and PhD programs in the School of Medicine.
Dr. Fryer earned her PhD from the University of London for the discovery and characterization of neuronal M2 muscarinic receptors that inhibit acetylcholine release from parasympathetic nerves supplying the lungs. Following postdoctoral fellowships at UCSF and University of Maryland, she joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins University where she rose to tenured professor before moving to Oregon. Dr Fryer was an editor for the British Journal of Pharmacology and American Journal Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. She is an elected Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society, a member of the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials Expert Panel, and chair of the steering committee for the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr Fryer’s foundational research focuses on interactions between inflammatory cells and airway nerves in the lung. She has identified multiple mechanisms that increase neurotransmitter release from parasympathetic nerves and could contribute to airway hyperreactivity and. These include exposure to antigen, ozone, organophosphate pesticides, obesity, or infection with viruses, each of which inhibits neuronal receptor function via different mechanisms, thereby increasing acetylcholine release in the lungs. Mechanisms for this receptor dysfunction include active recruitment of eosinophils to airway nerves after exposure to antigen, where they release eosinophil major basic protein which is an endogenous antagonist for muscarinic receptors. Viral infection and pesticide exposure cause receptor dysfunction on nerves by activating macrophages, while obesity causes hyperinsulinemia which down regulates neuronal receptor expression.
Dr. Fryer has published her original research in 135 peer reviewed papers, in addition to many reviews, book chapters, and a book. Dr Fryer considers herself to be lucky to have so worked with wonderful collaborators, but she is most proud of having mentored 25 PhD students and 14 postdoctoral fellows, many of whom are now leaders in academia and industry. She is especially honored to receive an award in Sol’s name, as he was a faculty member with her at Johns Hopkins and a mentor in her early career. She married with 3 grown children, 2 grandchildren, and 2 border collies.
Award Description
This award honors Solbert Permutt, an intellectual giant who made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of pulmonary physiology and respiratory medicine and served as an inspirational mentor for countless trainees and colleagues. The award is intended for an established investigator who has performed pioneering research in the area of respiratory structure and function and has guided and inspired others in the field. Innovative basic or translational scientists, clinical investigators and clinician-educators who have been outstanding mentors or teachers are eligible. Nomination of diverse candidates is encouraged.
The award consists of a plaque and an honorarium, which will be presented at the ATS International Conference. RSF gratefully acknowledges Medical Graphics Corporation (MGC Diagnostics) for their support.
Criteria
- Associate professor, professor or equivalent with distinguished achievement as a basic or translational scientist, clinical investigator or clinician-educator
- Pioneering work that has significantly advanced the understanding of respiratory physiology or medicine
- Record of having inspired trainees through mentorship or teaching
- Normally RSF Assembly membership, but suitable candidates from other ATS Assemblies will be considered
- Nominee’s current curriculum vitae including a list of nominee’s publications and a list of trainees mentored
- Nominator’s letter of recommendation
- Support letters, particularly from nominee’s mentees, which are optional but recommended
Nomination/support letters should describe nominees:
- Research contributions in the area of respiratory structure and function
- Influence as a mentor or teacher
- Involvement in ATS, including any involvement in RSF Assembly
- Service to the broader scientific or medical community