In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to support junior faculty, Julia and , have created a new Endowed Assistant Professorship in Infectious Diseases. The Dere family recognizes the importance of the discipline of Infectious Disease and how valuable the physician scientists are during these unprecedented times. They created this prestigious endowment to help junior faculty grow their research careers. “Infectious Disease doctors fight invisble battles against multiple pathogens every day. This pandemic has highlighted the impact of infectious disease on every person in our society, and society overall,” says Julie Dere. “In watching our health care providers and the planning involved in effectively addressing the issues arising from the pandemic, I believe more than ever that committed professionals, especially young faculty, are critical for the University of Utah. To honor our parents who revered education and our physician daughters, my husband and I feel fortunate that we can contribute in this manner.”