About Me
I joined the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in 2018 as an assistant professor of pediatrics. I have dedicated my career to unraveling the complex molecular mechanisms between surfactant protein-A (SP-A) genetic variants and their impact on developing neonatal and pediatric respiratory failure, and specifically how SP-A variants confer susceptibility or protection against these diseases. I have established a neonatal transgenic mouse model of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection carrying SP-A genetic variants to study the biological impact of these variants on RSV disease pathogenesis.
I collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate genetic and molecular approaches into clinical practice and translate research findings into tangible patient benefits. My research is funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH KO8 grant) and multiple local and national foundations. I am also involved in clinical research, acting as the site principal investigator for the NIH-funded clinical trial, NICU Antibiotics and Outcomes (NANO).
Locations
Accepted Insurances
We accept a variety of health insurance plans and will submit claims on your behalf. Certain coverage restrictions may apply based on your individual benefit package.
Professional Education
- Education
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Medical School, The Maharaja Sayajirao Univ. of Baroda - 2008
- Fellowship
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Fellowship, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Michigan State University (East Lansing) - 2018
- Residency
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Residency, Pediatrics St Peters Medical Center (New Jersey) - 2015
Research Interests
- Genetic variants of surfactant protein and effect on neonatal respiratory outcomes
- Neonatal lung injury
Academic Interests
- Genetic susceptibility for pulmonary disorders
- Neonatal respiratory physiology
Awards
- Young Investigator Travel Award - 2017, 2018