Associate Professor
University of Alabama at Birmingham
As a clinical and translational scientist, I bring an endocrine perspective to studies of cystic fibrosis (CF). I currently lead a research and clinical care effort at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focusing on the endocrine disorders of CF. In particular, my laboratory focuses on two aims: 1) the pathogenesis of CF-related bone disease and contributions of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) during growth and bone metabolism and 2) the influence of CFTR on glucose regulation and beta cell function. In addition to my translational research, I have experience in multiple clinical studies in CF. My major clinical research focus centers on linear growth in children with CF and the influence of therapeutic CFTR correction on growth and endocrine growth factors. I currently am the Co-PI for the Endocrine Sub-study of PROMISE, of which we will examine the impact on CFTR correction on glucose tolerance, bone density, body composition and growth/growth factors. Additionally, I along with Sonya Heltshe, Bonnie Ramsey, and Lucas Hoffman, am the PI for BEGIN, to study the natural history of CF-related pathologies in the young child and the impact of CFTR correction.