From Soldier to Scientist: Christopher Klimko named Employee of the Quarter

When Christopher Klimko enlisted in the Army in 2012, he admits that he had "no interest in the medical mission, and particularly the medical research mission." Today, that early indifference has given way to medical research and career distinction: Klimko, now a laboratory technician in the Bacteriology Division at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, has been named the Defense Health Agency Research and Development-Medical Research and Development Command Employee of the Quarter for the second quarter.

Klimko was recognized for a standout quarter of scientific achievement, including a first-author manuscript accepted for publication in Emerging Infectious Diseases, co-authorship on three publications related to medical countermeasures, eight scientific presentations, and recognition as an inventor on a newly processed patent. He played a pivotal role in pioneering research that validated novel alternative biological models. This groundbreaking work is anticipated to conserve valuable research resources and generate significant future cost efficiencies.

In nominating Klimko for the award, supervisors cited his execution, analysis and presentation of data from several highly complex animal studies, as well as his ability to identify key trends that accelerated project timelines. They wrote that he "consistently performed at a level equivalent to a post-doctoral fellow this quarter, demonstrating a commitment to excellence that far exceeds standard expectations" for his position.

Klimko credited his mentor and supervisor, Dr. Chris Cote, with helping set that transformation in motion. "He was willing to give a soldier with no real experience a chance," Klimko said. "Over time, he began to trust me with more responsibility and tasks. He also showed me that we can work extremely hard and still have fun."

Klimko said the recognition reflects the strength of the team around him. "It is a great honor to be recognized for the work I do, but these accomplishments for this quarter would not have been possible without the incredible team that I am a part of," he said. "Our laboratory is one cohesive unit, and the Bacteriology Division in general is the epitome of what a 'TEAM' should look like."

In his role as a BSL-3 high-containment suite supervisor, Klimko helps develop and evaluate vaccines, antibiotics and other medical countermeasures against bacterial threats such as anthrax and plague. The work supports biodefense preparedness and helps protect warfighters against both current and emerging biological threats. He said USAMRIID's extensive aerobiology expertise is essential to understanding aerosol infection routes in biodefense scenarios.

"It's amazing knowing we are developing countermeasures that could potentially save many lives in the future," Klimko said. "Having a cohesive group that is so dedicated to the mission really keeps me motivated and willing to work harder and achieve more."