Celia Maxwell

Last updated
Celia Maxwell
Alma mater Hunter College
Columbia University
Scientific career
FieldsInfectious diseases
Institutions Howard University

Celia Judith Maxwell is an American infectious disease physician and academic administrator. She serves as the co-director of clinical trials and the clinical trials unit at the Howard University College of Medicine. [1]

Contents

Life

Maxwell earned a B.S.N. from Hunter College. [2] She graduated with a M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. [2] She completed an internal medicine residency at Howard University Hospital and a fellowship in parasitology at in the laboratory of parasitic diseases at National Institutes of Health. [2]

Maxwell researches the immune response of humans in Hookworm infections. [2] She co-chaired the transitional task force on AIDS services formed by Washington, D.C. mayor Sharon Pratt. [3] From 1994 to 1997, Maxwell was a special assistant to David A. Kessler, the commissioner of food and drugs. [3] She was a health legislative assistant for U.S. senator Tom Harkin. [3] She was inducted to the Washington D.C. hall of fame. [3] Maxwell is a professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at the Howard University College of Medicine. [2] She formerly served as the associate dean for research and currently serves as co-director of clinical trials and clinical trials unit. [2] In August 2018, she was inducted as a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. [4] She is a fellow of the American College of Physicians. [2] Maxwell is a member of the scientific advisory board of President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. [3]

Research

Maxwell’s clinical and research work has centered on infectious diseases disproportionately affecting minority populations, including HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, as well as community-based approaches to public health. [5]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maxwell worked in Howard University Hospital’s participation in the Novavax vaccine trial, marking the hospital’s first involvement in a major vaccine study. [6]

Beyond her work on COVID-19, Maxwell has been a leading figure in HIV research and education in minority populations. Her work at Howard has contributed to developing infrastructure for future clinical trials addressing health disparities in infectious diseases. [7]

References

  1. "Celia Maxwell Co-Director of Clinical Trials and Clinical Trials Unit". Howard University. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Celia Maxwell | Howard Profiles". profiles.howard.edu. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "PEPFAR Scientific Advisory Board Members". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
  4. "IDSA Honors 105 Distinguished Physicians, Scientists with FIDSA". my.idsociety.org. August 29, 2018. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
  5. Bodner, Derek (2019-04-01). "Poison Pill: The Story of mefloquine From The Laboratory To The Courtroom". The Advocate-Equalizer. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  6. "Using Trial to Overcome Tribulation | Howard Magazine". magazine.howard.edu. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
  7. "HIV/AIDS and African Americans: A State of Emergency". PRB. Retrieved 2025-10-08.