Dr. Carolyn M. Teschke is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut, and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry. Dr. Teschke received her BS in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her PhD in Biochemistry is from Washington State University and, following post-doctoral training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she joined the faculty at the University of Connecticut in 1994. She has been a Visiting Professor at the Institute for Structural Biology in Grenoble, France, and at the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology at the University of Leeds, UK, where she conducted research. Dr. Teschke’s research is focused on understanding the folding of viral proteins and how these proteins then assemble with high fidelity into complex structures that form viruses. She also investigates the process by which proteins essential for host cell colonization are secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. In her research, Dr. Teschke uses a broad array of approaches, ranging from genetics to biophysics. Her research program has been funded through the National Institutes of Health, Institute of General Medical Sciences, since 1995 and has resulted in over 45 publications. Dr. Teschke’s undergraduate teaching is concentrated in biochemistry, techniques in biochemistry, and in virology. She trained many undergraduate researchers, including two University Scholars. At the graduate level, she teaches classes emphasizing modern and classic techniques of modern biology and biochemistry, and has mentored many Master’s and PhD students. Dr. Teschke strives to be an excellent role model and mentor for her students, especially in encouraging young women to choose science careers. In light of this, she has served on committees whose mission was to increase diversity at the University and attended the Bryn Mawr HERS Summer Institute for leadership training for academic women.

State Department Profile

Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Office of Japan Affairs 

Carolyn Teschke serves as a senior science advisor in EAP/J. Her work focuses primarily on implementation of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and other global health, science, and technology issues, especially those having impacts in East Asia. As Japan is hosting the Group of Seven (G-7) ministerial meetings and Summit in 2016, she is working with State, interagency, and Japanese counterparts on integration of priority health topics into the agenda for the year. In addition, she is participating in the planning of bilateral science engagement, including serving as an expert advisor to the bureau on emerging issues in international health diplomacy such as anti-microbial resistance and the planning of new cooperative initiatives involving Japan.