James G. Taylor VI

James G. Taylor VI, M.D., is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Department of Internal Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine, where he serves as Director of the Center for Sickle Cell Disease. He holds leadership roles in both clinical care and research, overseeing a multidisciplinary team serving over 350 adult sickle cell patients and advancing translational research in hematology and genomics.

• Professor, Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine
• Professor, Internal Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine
• Director, Center for Sickle Cell Disease
• Co-Investigator, Center for Hemoglobin Research in Minorities (CHaRM)
• Principal Investigator, NIH and Pfizer-funded clinical trials

Dr. Taylor earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1995 and completed his residency in Pediatrics at Washington University in St. Louis in 1998. He pursued advanced fellowships in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Genetics Research at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), followed by postdoctoral training in Human Genetics Research at the National Cancer Institute in 2004.

His research focuses on the genetic and physiological mechanisms of pain in sickle cell disease, particularly in African American populations. His work spans pain phenotyping, genetic admixture, central sensitization, chronic kidney disease biomarkers, HIV-1 interactions, and gut microbiome dysregulation. He aims to reduce health disparities through precision medicine and translational science.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in identifying novel biomarkers and molecular pathways in sickle cell complications, especially in renal disease, immune response, and microbiome interactions. His research bridges clinical observation with genomic and molecular analysis, emphasizing early detection and personalized treatment strategies.

• John Benjamin Nichols Award (2023)
• NIH Top Science Advance Award (2009)
• Citation of Achievement, City Council, New York (2014)
• Citation, Office of the President, Brooklyn (2014)

Dr. Taylor has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator on multiple grants, including a Howard University Faculty Start-Up Award (2017–2019) for translational pain research, the Pfizer RESET clinical trial, and a role as Co-Investigator on the NHLBI/NIH P50 grant for the Center for Hemoglobin Research in Minorities (CHaRM). He has served on editorial boards, grant review panels, and national advisory committees, shaping policy and research direction in hemoglobinopathies.

He leads the Center for Sickle Cell Disease at Howard University, a multidisciplinary hub integrating clinical care, research, patient advocacy, and education. The center collaborates internationally, including with the Republic of Congo, and participates in global efforts to combat sickle cell disease through screening, treatment innovation, and workforce development.