in lab

Department of Medicine Research Mentors

MUSC trainees (students, residents, fellows, and others) work hand-in-hand with world-class researchers to receive outstanding guidance and mentorship during their training. As our trainees encounter health care’s greatest challenges, they bring their ideas to the table, work closely with research mentors, and develop high-impact solutions for the world. Below, you will find faculty members who have a demonstrated track record of successful mentoring. We have included faculty members who do clinical, translational, and/or basic research – by subspecialty.

Current Faculty Research Mentors

The MUSC Gazes Cardiac Research Institute brings together a diverse group of ten investigators interested in fundamental cardiovascular research and the translation of basic scientific discoveries to clinical practice. Areas of Research include the evaluation of new treatment modalities in patients with heart failure; understanding the subtle mechanisms that cause the cells to become abnormal; the identification of gene regulatory networks, key pathways, and molecular factors which contribute to heart disease; and discovery of new prognostic indicators which will allow for the early detection and treatment of heart disease.

 

Amy Bradshaw, Ph.D.

Amy Bradshaw, Ph.D.

Professor
Division of Cardiology

Research Type: Basic

Research Interests: Extracellular matrix biology, cardiac hypertrophy, periodontal ligament biology. The Bradshaw laboratory is focused on cellular mechanisms controlling procollagen processing and collagen deposition in cardiac fibrosis and in periodontal ligament repair.

Bradshaw Research Lab

 

Richard Bayer, M.D.Richard Robert Bayer M.D.

Associate Professor 
Division of Cardiology 

Research Type: Clinical 

Research Interests: Dr. Bayer's research primarily focuses on the use of CT for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Much of the current research uses non0invasive means to calculate fractional flow reserve utilizing CT data-sets to determine if coronary lesions are functionally significant. This encompasses more standard computational fluid dynamic models as well as machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. Also currently some preliminary discussion about the use of AI for use in clinical decision making pathways related to heart disease.

Bayer Research


Federica del Monte, M.D.

Federica del Monte, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor
Division of Cardiology

Research Types: Basic/ Translational

Research Interests: Heart failure, neurodegenerative diseases, calcium. Dr. del Monte’s lab focuses on basic cardiac muscle pathophysiology and translational research to understand the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathies and heart failure (HF) as an Alzheimer’s disease and for the discovery of novel therapies.

del Monte Research Lab

 

Michael R. Gold, M.D., Ph.D.

Michael Gold, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor
Endowed Chair, Michael E. Assey of Cardiology
Division of Cardiology

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Cardiac Arrhythmias, Optimizing Patient Selection and function of pacemakers and defibrillators, Clinical Trials in Electrophysiology

Gold Research

 

Valerian L.C. Fernandes, M.D.Valerian Fernandes M.D.

Professor 
Division of Cardiology 

Research Type: Clinical 

Research Interest: Dr. Fernandes’ clinical and research interests include complex coronary interventions, rotational atherectomy, vulnerable plaque evaluation and treatment, acute coronary syndromes, alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, peripheral arterial intervention and Doppler and transesophageal echocardiography. He is the only certified percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty practitioner in the state of South Carolina.

Dr. Fernandes has been a principal investigator in several trials and has also co-authored many publications.

Fernandes Research

Brian Houston, M.D.

Brian Houston, M.D.

Associate Professor
Division of Cardiology

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Specializes in the management of advanced heart failure, including the care of patients before and after heart transplantation or left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Cardiac sarcoidosis and in the effects of LVAD support on the gastrointestinal tract, blood, and the right side of the heart.

Houston Research


Sheldon Litwin, M.D.Sheldon Litwin, M.D.

Professor
Endowed Chair, Countess Alicia Spaulding-Palozzi SmartState Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Imaging
Division of Cardiology 

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Dr. Litwin is involved in clinical trials using new therapies for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Litwin Research


Donald R. Menick, Ph.D.

Donald R. Menick, Ph.D.

Professor
Research Faculty
Director, Gazes Cardiac Research Institute
Division of Cardiology

Research Type: Basic

Research Interests: Epigenetic regulation in the normal and hypertrophic heart. The Menick laboratory is focused on the analysis of signaling and gene regulatory pathways, which play a role in cardiac failure.

Menick Research Lab


Ryan J. Tedford, M.D., FACC, FAHA

Ryan Tedford, M.D.

Associate Professor
Division of Cardiology

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interest: Right ventricular function and failure; Right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling, Pulmonary hypertension; Unexplained dyspnea; Exercise physiology, Mechanical Circulatory Support

Tedford Research


Michael R. Zile, M.D.

Michael Zile, M.D.

Professor and Charles Ezra Daniel Endowed Chair
Division of Cardiology

Research Types: Basic/ Clinical/ Translation

Research Interests: The Zile laboratory is focused on defining the ventricular, myocardial, cellular, and molecular mechanisms that cause the development and the progression of CHF and using these identified mechanisms as targets to improve diagnostic techniques, prognostic prediction, and therapeutic management of patients with CHF. In particular, Dr. Zile has focused his efforts on the clinical syndrome of heart failure (HF) with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Zile Research Lab

 

Research areas of greatest interest in the Division of Endocrinology are diabetes and its vascular complications, diabetic pregnancy, and lipidology. We conduct clinical and basic science research with strong emphasis on collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists on linking different disciplines that are relevant to diabetes. A wide variety of hormone immunoassays, molecular biology, genetic and biochemical procedures are performed in our laboratories.


Jeremy Yongxin Yu, M.D., Ph.D.

Jeremy Yu, M.D., Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases

Research Types: Basic/Translational

Research Interests: The overall goal of the research in the Yu lab is to facilitate the translation of important sciences into the clinic. This includes identifying biomarkers, disease mechanisms and drug targets, and developing new treatments employing creative strategies such as drug repurposing. One current focus is preeclampsia and related vascular disorders of diabetes.

Yu Research Lab

 

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology is committed to supporting research projects by all types of students, residents, fellows, post-docs, and others. Studies range from basic bench and animal studies, to drug and device trials, to observational and epidemiologic research in a variety of areas. TheDivision has national and internationally recognized experts in several programs including in pancreaticobiliary disorders, esophageal disease, gastrointestinal cancer, and liver disorders. Please see below for details about specific faculty members.


Gregory A. Cote, M.D., MSGregory Cote, M.D.

Professor
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Dr. Gregory Cote’s clinical research program focuses on outcomes research in pancreatobiliary diseases, including acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and its precursors, bile duct strictures, and gallstone-related diseases. A principal focus of these studies includes outcomes research in pancreatobiliary endoscopy, including endoscopic ultrasound and
endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP).

Cote Research



B. Joseph Elmunzer, M.D., MSc

B. Joseph Elmunzer, M.D., MSc

Professor
Endowed Chair, Peter B. Cotton, MD for Endoscopic Innovation
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interest: Dr. Joseph Elmunzer’s research is focused on the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy by conducting high-impact clinical trials in established need areas and developing novel endoscopic technologies to facilitate safer and more effective treatment of GI disease.

Elmunzer Research Group


Brenda Hoffman, M.D.

Brenda Hoffman, M.D. 

Professor 
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests:  Therapeutic Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal Malignancy, Wireless Capsule Endoscopy 

Hoffman Research



Don C. Rockey, M.D.

Don C. Rockey, M.D.

Professor, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Research Types: Basic/Clinical/ Translational

Research Interests: Cell injury, inflammation, fibrosis, end organ disease. The Rockey basic research laboratory is focused on discovering new pathways important in patients with liver disease, particularly focused on translating findings from the bench to the clinic.

Dr. Rockey’s ongoing clinical investigation program is focused on establishing management strategies for common gastrointestinal and liver diseases. There are two major areas of focus. The first is in the luminal gastrointestinal tract, and focuses on the appropriate management of gastrointestinal bleeding - particularly on the usage of endoscopy. The second major area of clinical research is in the liver, with a major focus on chronic liver disease and complications of cirrhosis, particularly those due to portal hypertension.

Rockey Basic Research Lab

Rockey Clinical Research


Wing Kin Syn, MBBS, Ph.D.

Wing-Kin Syn, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Research Types: Basic/Clinical/ Translational

Research Interests: The Syn basic research lab is focused on the mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis, Liver Regeneration, and Liver Cancer.

Dr. Syn’s clinical research program is focused on improving the treatment and outcomes of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Translational studies, including options for participation in clinical trials for liver fibrosis and NAFLD. Health Service Research.

Syn Basic Research Lab

General Internal Medicine Division research, conducted at the highest scientific standards, targets research areas such as health care disparities, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, access to care of underserved populations, aging and geriatric care, professional education, and medical informatics. Clinical and health services research is conducted in collaboration with faculty of the Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, SC College of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center.


R. Neal Axon, M.D.

Robert Neal Axon M.D., M.S.C.R.

Associate Professor
Division of General Internal Medicine

Research Type: Clinical



Axon Research


Marc Heincelman, M.D.

Marc Edward Heincelman M.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of General Internal Medicine
Clerkship Director

 

Heincelman Research



Patrick D. Mauldin, Ph.D.

Patrick Mauldin, Ph.D

Professor
Division of General Internal Medicine

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interest: Dr. Mauldin is Director of the Section of Health Systems Research and Policy within the Division of General Internal Medicine MUSC. He is health economist/applied econometrician with over 25 years of expertise with predictive modeling using large clinical enterprise, epidemiologic, population-based and multi-center clinical trial databases. His methodological interests involve the multivariate/multivariable modeling of patient-centered information to optimize population health and well-being.


Mauldin Research

 

William P. Moran, M.D., MS

William P. Moran M.D., M.S.

Professor
Director, Division of General Internal Medicine

Research Type: Clinical 

Research Interests: Dr. Moran’s clinical and research focus is geriatrics, preventive care in aging and chronic illness management.

Moran Research

 

Andrew Schreiner, M.D.

Andrew Schreiner, M.D., M.S.C.R.

Associate Professor
Division of General Internal Medicine

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interest: Dr. Schreiner is a health services researcher with the focus of improving the diagnostic process through the development and assessment of predictive models in the primary care setting. Dr. Schreiner is a recent NIDDK-funded K-awardee focused on improving the diagnosis of liver disease in patients with abnormal liver tests using predictive modeling.

Schreiner Research 

 

 

Division faculty are involved in bench to bedside research, from basic laboratory experiments to conducting experimental clinical treatments, with the goal of providing better treatment options for patients with cancer and hematologic disorders. As an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Hollings Cancer Center (HCC) offers clinical trials and therapies not available elsewhere in South Carolina. Clinical and translational research at HCC and MUSC benefits from a centralized HCC Clinical Trials Office, an NIH-funded Clinical and Translational Science Award, and an NCI-funded Paul Calabresi K12 Program. The Division’s benign hematologists conduct translational research regarding new diagnostic tests for the management of bleeding and thrombotic disorders along with basic research related to hemostasis, thrombosis, and wound healing. Clinical research on the use of new approaches to manage bleeding and thrombosis continue as part of national and international groups targeting life-threatening blood disorders.


Charles S. Greenberg, M.D.

Charles Greenberg, M.D.

Professor
Division of Hematology & Oncology

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Benign Hematology and Coagulation Problems. Dr. Greenberg conducts translational research regarding new diagnostic tests for management of bleeding and thrombotic disorders. Dr. Greenberg’s basic research is in the area of transglutaminase structure and function and he has published in the area of Factor XIII and tissue transglutaminase biology related to hemostasis, thrombosis, would healing, angiogenesis, and tumor growth.

Greenberg Research



Michael B. Lilly, M.D.

Michael B. Lilly, M.D.

Professor 
Division of Hematology & Oncology

Research Interests: Basic/Translational

Research Types: Genitourinary malignancies and acute leukemia. Dr. Lilly's research efforts are focused on ways to improve the care of patients with advanced prostate cancer. His current laboratory is looking at the biochemical events that are regulated by PIM1 kinase, using both experimental and bioinformatics approaches. His laboratory is also studying mutations in the PIM1 kinase that occur in cancer patients. He also conducts clinical trials in patients with prostate cancer.

Lilly Research Lab



John M. Wrangle, M.D.

John Wrangle, M.D., MPH

Assistant Professor
Division of Hematology & Oncology

Research Interest: Translational

Research Types: Dr. Wrangle’s research interests focus on the development of novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Dr. Wrangle’s research team hypothesizes that NSCLC may be classified by immune-phenotypes based on expression patterns of immune-related genes and pathways known to be important mechanisms of immune escape.

Wrangle Research Lab

 

The research programs in the Division of Infectious Diseases continue to build on the long-standing strengths in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, geriatric and nosocomial infectious diseases. Ongoing laboratory research, clinical trials, epidemiology and outcomes studies, and quality assurance projects are funded through competitive grants and contracts with NIH, DHHS/HRSA, CDC, state and local health departments, pharmaceutical corporations and biotechnology companies. Close scientific collaborative relationships exist with the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Public Health, Pediatrics, Oncology, Orthopedics and other groups. Most recently, the Division has been energized with recruitments designed to expand the Infectious Diseases Global Health program, where valuable mentoring of trainees and junior faculty is conducted.


Scott Curry, M.D.

Scott R. Curry, M.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of Infectious Disease

Research Type: Translational

Research Interests: Clostridium difficile, hospital epidemiology fecal microbiota transplantation. The MUSC Infection Prevention Laboratory (MUSCIPL) is centered on evaluating the hypothesis that healthcare facilities are the primary incubators of human C. difficile infections, even for infections that occur in the community without apparent connections to hospital care. Dr. Curry’s current K23 award involves a comprehensive study of C. difficile epidemiology in a cohort of solid organ and bone marrow transplant patients, a group in whom asymptomatic carriage is presumed to be exceptionally prevalent.

Curry Research Lab



Susan Dorman, M.D.

Susan Dorman, M.D.

Professor
Division of Infectious Disease

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Dr. Dorman leads a research team that focuses on development of new tuberculosis tests and treatments and is funded by the NIH and CDC. 

Dorman Research



Eric Meissner, M.D., Ph.D.

Eric G. Meissner, M.D., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of Infectious Disease 

Research Type: Translational, Basic

Research Interests:The laboratory of Dr. Meissner studies the interactions between viral pathogens and host innate immunity, with an emphasis on HBV and HCV. In addition to work with clinical samples, the laboratory uses a variety of in vitro platforms, including use of stem-cell derived hepatocytes, to conduct investigations.

Meissner Research Lab

 

Division faculty are leaders in their respective areas of research which span such varied interests as renal anemia, chronic kidney disease, glomerular diseases, apheresis, global health, prevention of kidney stones and renal vasculitis, complex hypertension, lipopheresis, peritoneal dialysis, and polycystic kidney disease. Active collaborations between clinicians and basic scientists are ongoing, and collaborations with faculty from other divisions and departments are common. Division faculty have expertise in clinical trials, whole animal models of renal disease, human and animal genetics, signal transduction, confocal microscopy, renal physiology, proteomics, biomarkers of renal diseases, glomerular disease, renal cystic disease, and the role of the renin-angiotensin system in renal disease.


Milos Budisavljevic, M.D.

Milos Budisavljevic, M.D.

Professor
Division of Nephrology

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Pathogenesis and treatment of glomerulonephritis, Calciphylaxis, Hemodialysis

Budisavljevic Research


Daria Ilatovskaya, Ph.D.

Daria Ilatovskaya, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Division of Nephrology

Research Type: Basic

Research Interests: Water and electrolyte homeostasis, regulation of ion channel function and their role in the development of cardiorenal diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes. Dr. Ilatovskaya’s laboratory is investigating the regulation of ion channels and transporters in the hormonal aspect of salt-sensitive hypertension and polycystic kidney disease.

Ilatovskaya Research Lab



Joshua H. Lipschutz, M.D.

Joshua Lipschutz, M.D.

Professor
Director, Division of Nephrology

Research Types: Basic/Translational

Research Interests: Polycystic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, ciliogenesis. The Lipschutz lab is focused on identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating renal cystogenesis and tubulogenesis.

Lipschutz Research Lab


Deepak Nihalani, Ph.D.

Deepak Nihalani, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Endowed Chair in Renal Disease Biomarkers
Division of Nephrology

Research Types: Basic/Translational

Research Interests: Dr. Nihalani’s research aim is to understand the regulation and function of the proteins that are the critical components of this slit diaphragm and how they assemble to form a functional glomerular filtration barrier.

Nihalani Research Lab


The investigative programs of the MUSC Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine seek to increase our understanding of lung biology and disease, and utilize state of the art approaches ranging from molecular biology to clinical trials. We constantly strive to translate discoveries made at the bench into practices that will benefit patients. Major research interests include lung injury and repair, fibrotic lung disorders, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis and health services research. Our clinical research programs participate in a number of national and international research networks including the NIH-funded "Genomic Research in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and Sarcoidosis (GRADS) Study", and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Therapeutics Development Network.


Patrick A. Flume, M.D., FCCP

Patrick A. Flume, M.D.

Professor and Powers-Huggins Endowed Chair for Cystic Fibrosis
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Cystic Fibrosis; Bronchiectasis; Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria

Flume Research


Dee W. Ford, M.D., MSCR

Dee Ford, M.D., MSCR

Professor 
Interim Director, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Dr. Ford’s research focuses on a variety of issues in critical care and applies methodologies from several scientific disciplines including behavioral science, large archival data analyses, dissemination/implementation science, and health disparities research.

Ford Research


Andrew Goodwin, M.D., MSCR

Andrew Goodwin, M.D., MSCR

Associate Professor 
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Dr. Goodwin's research is focused on understanding both the biology of sepsis and ARDS as well as the processes required to optimally care for them. In this pursuit, he has utilized a multi-disciplinary approach including translational investigation, health services quantitative research and clinical trials.

Goodwin Research



Gerard A. Silvestri, M.D., MS

Gerard Silvestri, M.D., MS

Professor and George C. and Margaret M. Hillenbrand Endowed Chair
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Dr. Silvestri is actively involved in patient-oriented clinical research directed towards nearly every aspect of lung cancer. The focus of his funded research is in evaluation and management of screen-detected abnormalities, the ability to predict malignancy from a radiographically detected nodule and the health policy implications of a mass lung cancer screening program.

Thoracic Oncology Research Group

Silvestri Research



Charlton B. Strange, M.D.

Charlie Strange, M.D.

Professor
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine

Research Types: Clinical/Translational

Research Interests: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Rare Lung Disease and COPD Research Group run a combination of weight loss in COPD, HIV in COPD, and Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction studies (BLVR).

Rare Lung Disease and COPD Research Group

Strange Research Lab



Nichole Tanner, M.D., MSCR

Nichole Tanner, M.D., MSCR

Associate Professor 
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Dr. Tanner’s specialized interest is in the evaluation of diagnostic testing for lung cancer and pulmonary nodules. Her dedicated career in lung cancer research will help better inform how to include shared decision making in lung cancer screening and will also help patients make informed decisions about the process.

Tanner Research

 

Timothy P. M. Whelan, M.D.

Timothy Whelan, M.D.

Professor 
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Lung Transplantation

Whelan Research

 

The Division of Rheumatology and Immunology has an internationally recognized multidisciplinary research program encompassing clinical, translational, and basic research focused on systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus. We have a strong focus on mentoring trainees and faculty.For instance, the division is funded under an NIH-funded P30 Center supplement to provide additional mentoring programs for junior faculty. Two of our faculty, Drs. Kamen and Feghali-Bostwick, have protected time under K24 mentoring grants to focus on mentoring. Our T32 training grant is focused on health disparities, the interrelationship between inflammation and fibrosis, and the impact of these biologic processes on, for example, renal disease in lupus and lung disease in scleroderma. Our clinical research program includes disease registries, novel, investigator-initiated clinical trials, and large-scale clinical trials supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or industry. Our basic and translational research seeks to discover mechanisms thatdrive inflammation and fibrosis in lupus and scleroderma and turn those scientific observations into new and better treatments for patients.


Melissa Cunningham, M.D., Ph.D.Melissa Cunningham, M.D.

Associate Professor
Division of Rheumatology & Immunology

Research Types: Basic/Translational

Research Interests: Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus), Lupus nephritis, Neuropsychiatric lupus. The Cunningham lab investigates the role of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in modulating the inflammatory response, and has focused its research effort on ERα variants.

Cunningham Research Lab

Lupus Research Group


Gary S. Gilkeson, M.D.

Gary Gilkeson, M.D.

Distinguished University Professor
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development
Division of Rheumatology & Immunology

Research Type: Translational

Research Interests: Dr. Gilkeson’s research focuses on the pathogenesis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Gilkeson Research Lab

Lupus Research Group


Diane L. Kamen, M.D., MSCR

Diane Kamen, M.D., M.S.C.R.

Associate Professor
Division of Rheumatology & Immunology

Research Type: Clinical

Research Interests: Dr. Kamen has had a longstanding interest in clinical treatment of and research in understanding the natural history of autoimmune disorders. Her clinical and research interest remain focused on systemic lupus erythematosus and she is an active member of the M.U.S.C.L.E. Research Group.

Kamen Research

Lupus Research Group



Carol Feghali-Bostwick, Ph.D.

Carol Feghali-Bostwick, Ph.D.

SmartState and Kitty Trask Holt Endowed Chair for Scleroderma Research
Professor
Division of Rheumatology & Immunology

Research Type: Basic 

Research Interests:  Dr. Feghali-Bostwick leads a team of clinical and basic scientists focusing on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying fibrosis whose goal is to identify novel targets for therapy and develop new anti-fibrotic strategies for scleroderma/systemic sclerosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and other fibrosing conditions. 

Feghali-Bostwick Basic Research Lab


Tamara Nowling, Ph.D.

Tamara M. Nowling, Ph.D.

Associate Professor 
Division of Rheumatology & Immunology

Research Types: Basic/Translational

Research Interests: Identification of biomarkers and targets of disease in lupus nephritis, the role of glycosphingolipid metabolism in renal cell function in lupus nephritis, mechanisms of renal cell and T cell dysfunction in lupus. The major focus of the Nowling lab is elucidating the role of the glycosphingolipid (GSL) catabolic pathway in the progression of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or lupus).

Nowling Research Lab

Lupus Research Group



James C. Oates, M.D.

Jim Oates, M.D.

Professor and Director,
Division of Rheumatology & Immunology
Vice Chair for Research

Research Types: Basic/Translational

Research Interests: The Oates’ laboratory is focused on organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Oates Research Lab

Lupus Research Group



Paula Ramos, Ph.D.

Paula S. Ramos, Ph.D.

Associate Professor 
Division of Rheumatology & Immunology

Research Types: Basic/Translational

Research Interests: The goal of Dr. Ramos’ research is to identify the elements of the human genome that confer increased risk of autoimmune disease, including those that might explain their ethnic disparities. This knowledge can inform the design of therapeutic and preventative strategies for improved disease management.

Ramos Research Lab



Richard M. Silver, M.D.

Richard Silver, M.D.

Distinguished University Professor
Division of Rheumatology & Immunology

Research Types: Clinical/Translational

Research Interests:  Dr. Silver’s research interest center on scleroderma and, in particular, scleroderma lung disease, now a major cause of death among patients with scleroderma.

Silver Research Lab



Betty Tsao, Ph.D.

Betty Tsao Ph.D.

Professor and Richard M. Silver Endowed Chair for Inflammation Research
Division of Rheumatology & Immunology

Research Types: Basic/Translational

Research Interests: Dr. Betty Tsao’s laboratory is working on in the identification of genetic risk factors for disease manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), with special emphasis on molecular and cellular mechanisms that connect risk genotypes to disease symptoms.

Tsao Basic Research Lab