Dr. Amy Hinkelman

Biography

Dr. Hinkelman is an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Baylor University and completed her doctoral degree in microbiology at the University of Kansas in Dr. Stephen H. Benedict’s laboratory investigating the factors guiding differentiation of human naïve CD4 T cells.

After her graduate work, she expanded her immunology research training by studying host immune responses to influenza virus infection as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas J. Braciale.

As an immunologist trained in using cell culture, animal models, and human samples, Dr. Hinkelman has a broad training applicable to many fields of research incuding examining the factors that contribute to and/or are associated with rural populations accepting or rejecting immunizations. To better understand the spread of COVID-19 and the behaviors and factors that protect against severe disease, Dr. Hinkelman collaborated as part of the multi-institutional COVID-19 Community Research Partnership Study funded by the CARES Act Grant. She has also contributed to multiple projects involved in investigating the pathogenic or protective role of the immune response in various disease states.

In collaboration with Dr. David Tillman of Public Health and Dr. Adam English of Christian Studies as well as various tribal, community, and academic partners, she has and continues to be involved in interprofessional community initiatives to support community health and wellness efforts, much of this work supported by Interfaith America. Given the inherent value in equipping future healthcare professionals to holistically serve all patients and communities with cultural humility, she makes it a priority to involve students in these efforts.