My lab is interested in finding ways of controlling immune responses, particularly preventing organ transplant rejection without lifelong dependence on medication. We are primarily interested in the factors that initiate an immune response such as trauma and cellular stress, the cellular signals that amplify and sustain these responses, and ways of inhibiting these signals with fine precision. We endeavor to influence immune responses in a specific way such that detrimental immune responses, e.g., those directed against life-saving organ transplant, can be controlled without inhibiting protective responses against pathogens.

My vision is to develop therapies that prevent detrimental immune responses such as organ rejection without side effects or toxicities, to deliver them to patients in a superb clinical care environment, and to foster the development of the next generation of clinical scientists: excellent science and excellent patient care in an excellent educational environment.

We are developing a translational research initiative to specifically facilitate the application of new scientific principles in human medicine. The Emory Transplant Center is developing a seamless interface between the clinic and the lab, and through this we are now advancing several new therapies into the clinic to prevent transplant rejection.

Emory University is a vibrant academic environment with GRA 2008 > Programs/Initiatives > Eminent Scholarsa collaborative culture that satisfies my vision of great science in a great educational setting. The Emory Transplant Center is the most comprehensive, collegial, and forward thinking transplant program in the country. Both Emory Healthcare and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta are growing and committed to the support of novel clinical trials and the development of tomorrow's medical therapies. Georgia is a great place to live and work.