Welch Foundation Funds UTA’s Research on on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Strains

Johnson-Winters, PhD

The Welch Foundation has awarded a $300,000 grant to support University of Texas at Arlington research aimed at understanding why certain strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), are resistant to treatments. Established in 1954, the Welch Foundation, headquartered in Houston, has been instrumental in advancing the field of chemistry by funding research grants, departmental programs, endowed chairs, and other initiatives across Texas.

Expressing gratitude for the support, Johnson-Winters stated, "I'm honored that the Welch Foundation recognizes the importance of our research. TB remains a global pandemic, claiming the lives of approximately 1.5 million people annually." She continued, "An estimated 1.8 billion individuals, roughly a quarter of the world's population, are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Among those carrying the bacterium, approximately 10% will develop active TB, contributing to further transmission.”