PAY IT FORWARD
Innovation in Action Endowed chair position supports microbiome research at Rady Children’s
THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF FORWARD-THINKING DONORS, Rady Children’s is taking innovation to a new level. The Hospital has brought on Rob Knight, PhD, as its Wolfe Endowed Chair in Microbiome Science. Dr. Knight is an award-
into a wide range of processes in human health and disease,” says Dr. Knight. “As this field continues to grow, we expect to execute biomarker discovery and diagnostic projects, and eventually devise new microbiome-based therapies. I am particularly interested in investigating the connection
‘‘ Though microbiome research is still in its infancy, our findings are already providing FUNDAMENTAL INSIGHT into a wide range of processes in human health
winning researcher, author, professor of pediatrics, bioengineering, and computer science and engineering at UC San Diego and is the man behind many pioneering software tools and laboratory techniques that make microbiome science possible. Dr. Knight has previously investigated the role of the microbiome in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic airway disease and has linked microbes to various health conditions, including obesity and inflammatory bowel disease. He plans to continue his extensive research efforts and will focus on developing microbiome-based and companion diagnostics, which could speed up the diagnosis and treatment process for certain ailments and provide patients with early warnings of disease flares.
between the microbiome and lupus, as this underexplored realm of study may bring findings that result in clinically translatable approaches.” Innovation is vital to providing unparalleled pediatric healthcare and Dr. Knight’s appointment will bring new, high-impact microbiome research to Rady Children’s, says Patrick Frias, MD, chief executive officer at Rady Children’s. “The microbiome is frequently overlooked in the field of medicine. As a world-renowned scientist, Dr. Knight does the necessary, underlying work that allows physicians to deeply understand what their patients are dealing with and
and disease. –ROB KNIGHT, PHD
how to properly treat them,” he says. “We look forward to seeing his findings improve care and outcomes for our patients, particularly those with hard-to-treat diseases.”
“Though microbiome research is still in its infancy, our findings are already providing fundamental insight
32 HEALTHY KIDS MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023
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