Roberta M. Kato

Roberta M. Kato, MD is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, affiliated with Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Her research focuses on pediatric pulmonology, sickle cell disease pathophysiology, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and respiratory outcomes in critically ill children. She has contributed to studies on vascular responses in sickle cell disease, pulmonary function in congenital heart disease, and sleep disorders in craniofacial anomalies.

Her work bridges clinical care and translational research, with a particular emphasis on understanding mechanisms underlying vasoconstriction, oxidative stress, and autonomic dysregulation in chronic pediatric conditions. Notable areas of investigation include the impact of chronic transfusion therapy on vasculopathy in sickle cell disease and the role of thermal and mental stress in exacerbating vascular dysfunction.

Dr. Kato collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving neuroimaging (functional near-infrared spectroscopy), biomechanical modeling of respiratory mechanics, and novel methodologies for assessing pain-related biophysical responses. Her clinical expertise spans neonatal and pediatric critical care, with published studies on ventilator management strategies and infectious disease management in tracheostomy-dependent patients.