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Biologics Regulation and ResearchThe People and Work of Buildings 29 & 29A

Lewellys F. Barker, M.D. (1933-still living)

Dr. Lewellys F. Barker was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1933. His grandfather, also named Lewellys F. Barker (1867–1943), was an esteemed physician and professor at Johns Hopkins University. The younger Barker attended Princeton University for his undergraduate studies and then Johns Hopkins University for medical school, graduating in 1959. He completed his internal medicine residency at Bellevue Hospital in New York City.

Barker first came to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1962 through the Public Health Service. He was assigned to the Laboratory of Virology and Rickettsiology in the Division of Biologics Standards (DBS). He worked first with Dr. Joseph Smadel on rickettsial vaccines, and then with Dr. Harry M. Meyer Jr., in the DBS Laboratory of Viral Immunology. 

Professional photo of Lewellys Barker in suit and tie

Lewellys F. Barker
After the administrative transfer of the DBS from the NIH to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1972, Barker moved to the Division of Blood and Blood Products where he worked from 1973 to 1978. Barker researched the hepatitis B virus and its test and vaccine. He then worked at the American Red Cross from 1978 to 1991.

Barker returned to the NIH in 1991, working at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the Division of AIDS. After retiring from NIH in 1997, he worked at a pharmaceutical company and served as a medical consultant to several organizations. 

His research interests include infectious diseases, epidemiology, diagnosis, and passive and active immunization against viral and rickettsial diseases, with an emphasis on retroviruses, viral hepatitis, vaccinia, and epidemic typhus.

Barker has received numerous awards throughout his career including: the Public Health Service’s Meritorious Service Award, the President’s Award from the American Association of Blood Banks, and the Nevanlinna Medal from the Finnish Red Cross Society.

Dr. Barker worked in Building 29, 3rd floor.

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