Pursuing the Common Good

Tuberculosis

In order to develop more effective therapies for tuberculosis, Samantha Bell is studying the bacterium that causes the deadly disease and how the immune system detects this pathogen. Her research seeks to unravel the mysteries of the pathogen/immune system interplay--colloquially referred to as “the arms race”--and how bacterial and human factors dictate disease outcomes. The resources available at Rutgers have proven invaluable; notably collaborations with leading experts in the field, a diverse and enthusiastic community of colleagues from around the world; in addition to cutting-edge lab facilities. Rutgers has also proven uniquely supportive, especially to early career faculty.

Human Microbiome

Martin Blaser chose Rutgers as the ideal destination where he could take his acclaimed research to new heights. His work over the past 30 years has led to a new understanding of the beneficial relationships between humans and their microbiome–the microbes that live on and in our bodies–impacting health and diseases including asthma, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Author of Missing Microbes, a general audience book translated into 20 languages, he’s written over 600 articles and holds 28 U.S. patents. The recipient of the Robert Koch Gold Medal and the Alexander Fleming Award for his accomplishments, Blaser is also advisor to students, post-doctoral fellows, and junior faculty. He currently serves as Chair of the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Nataki Douglas combines patient care with translational research to raise the clinical bar for her patients. Her research is focused on the role of the endometrium (uterine lining) as a determinant of embryo implantation and normal formation of the placenta, both of which are needed for a successful pregnancy. This work addresses important unanswered questions in the field of gynecology and will deepen our understanding of endometrial regeneration. Douglas chose Rutgers for the opportunity to provide clinical care to a diverse population and for the many exciting opportunities for scientific collaboration and professional growth, with leadership committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all faculty, staff, and students.

Cell Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Hou’s research focuses on the oncogene KRAS and the development of cell therapy in pancreatic cancer, addressing low five-year survival rates of patients with advanced stages of the disease. Hou was drawn to Rutgers’ strong biomedical research programs, NIH-designated comprehensive cancer center, and core facilities that can further cancer research, in addition to dedicated programs to help junior faculties with their career development. She welcomes the chance to contribute to what she has found to be an open, equal, inclusive, diverse, and collaborative academic environment.

Translational Science and Medicine

Reynold Panettieri and his team are pioneering new ways to improve the care of asthma and COPD patients, using new drugs to open the narrowed airways of the lung. As a physician scientist, he’s particularly excited to put their new discoveries into practice, and is working toward a future when patients can be cured before they even become ill. He sees Rutgers’ potential to grow meteorically, uniquely empowered to improve health state-wide, employing state-of-the-art scientific approaches and leveraging incomparable expertise across all the biomedical schools.

Genomic Psychiatry

Carlos Pato is studying how genetics affects serious mental illness, working with large, diverse populations to define the genetic profiles that cause risk and those that are protective against these devastating disorders. Access to the latest technologies has greatly advanced Pato’s research and is enabling him to make a real difference in people’s lives, developing appropriate treatments that in turn lead to better health outcomes. Rutgers helps make this possible through continued investment in discovery and education, as well as an unwavering commitment to the care of hundreds of thousands of patients in New Jersey.