Erika Claud

Dr. Erika Claud is a Professor at the University of Chicago with joint appointments in the Department of Pediatrics (Section of Neonatology) and Department of Medicine (Section of Gastroenterology). She directs the MIND (Microbiome in Neonatal Development) cohort and leads NIH-funded research on preterm infant microbiome development, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Her laboratory employs gnotobiotic models, metagenomics, and molecular techniques to investigate host-microbe interactions.

Education:

• BS/MD: Northwestern University Honors Program in Medical Education (1988-1990)
• Pediatrics Residency: Children's Memorial Hospital (1993)
• Neonatology Fellowship: Children's Memorial Hospital (2000)
• Research Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital (2003)

Research Focus: Dr. Claud's work centers on microbiome-mediated mechanisms in preterm infant development. Key areas include: 1) Gut-brain axis signaling in neurodevelopment, 2) Microbial determinants of NEC pathogenesis, 3) Probiotic interventions for intestinal barrier function, and 4) Socioeconomic disparities in microbiome establishment. Her research integrates clinical cohorts with experimental models to identify therapeutic targets.

Publication Trends: Recent work (2021-2024) demonstrates a strong focus on microbiome-neurodevelopment interactions, health equity implications, and advanced computational modeling. Longitudinal studies dominate her publication record, with increasing emphasis on translational applications of microbiome science.

Awards & Honors:

• Elected to American Pediatric Society (2014)
• Peter Huttenlocher Award for Scholarly Excellence (2018)
• March of Dimes Basil O'Connor Scholar (2009-2011)
• Society for Pediatric Research election (2005)
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society (1989)

Leadership & Funding: As Director of Neonatology Research and co-director of Pritzker SOM's Basic Science Track, she oversees trainee programs and NIH grants including R01HD105234 ($2.5M, 2021-2026) and UG3OD023281. Her lab collaborates with the Duchossois Family Institute for microbiome science.