Growing up with a strong family history of asthma, I experienced the challenges of dealing with a lung disease and became interested in learning about lung pathologies. I found my passion for lung physiology, specifically in newborn babies, during my residency, and decided to pursue a career in pediatric pulmonology.

In the early years of my research, my team and I looked for biomarkers in babies who developed PH. Discovering those markers could allow doctors to identify much earlier babies at high risk for developing PH.

In 2015, we started looking for biomarkers that differentiated preterm infants with PH from those with other lung diseases. After four years, we marked a panel of micro-RNAs that control gene expression and indicate the presence of PH. With further studies, we recognized that the biomarkers could be used for early identification and screening.

In those studies, we used tracheal aspirate, secretions from breathing tubes, to look for the biomarkers. We then looked for a less invasive way to collect samples. We collected saliva and tracheal aspirate samples from babies to see if the PH biomarkers were present in both, and they were. We were excited because saliva can be collected easily from larger patient populations, in the privacy and comfort of their homes.

In 2022, we identified a key marker called micro-RNA-29a, which plays a crucial role in the inflammatory process and regulating development of new blood vessels. Then we started studying micro-RNA’s impact on endothelial cells. Those cells line blood vessels and control blood flow. Dysfunctional endothelial cells can lead to high blood pressure and cardiac stress, which can cause PH.

I applied for the Early Career Mentored Scientist Award in 2023 to bridge the monetary gap while I resubmitted my research to the National Institute of Health’s Early Career Development grant (K grant). I received approval for a K grant soon after and fortunately could use both funds to expand my research.

PHA’s grant helps cover supplies for the cell culture models — saliva from samples in the population for micro-RNA research. The grant also pays the salaries of our research assistants. We hope to publish our findings by fall 2024.

Since starting my career as a clinician in 2012, I have gradually transitioned from a clinician to a researcher at Penn State Health. The Early Career Mentored Scientist Award allowed me to develop my skills to make my mark as a researcher and bridge the gap during my transition. My research is my passion, so I’m grateful to PHA for helping make this a reality.

The Early Career Mentored Scientist Award provides $65,000 for one year as bridge funding to support a favorable resubmission to another early career mechanism such as an NIH Early Career Award. Apply by Wednesday, Nov. 6, 11:59 p.m. EST.