Ajay Gulati

Ajay Gulati, MD is a Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, holding appointments in both the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. His research focuses on gut microbiota-host epithelium interactions in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), particularly examining how microbiota regulates Paneth cell and intestinal stem cell function during inflammation. Dr. Gulati has received multiple honors including the NASPGHAN Mid-Level Faculty Investigator Award (2018) and CCFA Young Investigator Award (2010).

Research Themes:

• Microbiota regulation of intestinal epithelial biology
• Role of Paneth and stem cells in IBD
• Microbial modulation of immune responses
• Age-dependent gut-microbiota interactions

Publication Trends show expertise in microbiome analysis (2013–2023), inflammatory bowel diseases, fecal microbiota transplantation, and intestinal epithelial repair. His 2024 studies explore genetic determinants of anti-TNF response and microbial metabolome changes.

Scientific Awards:

• Society of Pediatric Research Membership (2020)
• NASPGHAN Mid-Level Faculty Investigator Award (2018)
• KL2, K08, and R03 NIH grants
• CDHNF/CCFA Young Investigator Award (2010)

Education: MD from Baylor College of Medicine (2000), followed by residency/chief residency (2000–2004) and fellowship (2004–2007) at the same institution. Board-certified in Pediatrics (2003) and Pediatric Gastroenterology (2010).