Ryan C. Henrici

Ryan C. Henrici, MD, PhD, is a Lecturer and Associate Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, affiliated with the Perelman School of Medicine. His work spans infectious disease, global health, and hematology, with a focus on malaria and sickle cell disease (SCD), particularly in tropical and resource-limited settings including Uganda and the United Kingdom.

His research integrates clinical medicine, molecular biology, and drug development to understand the pathophysiological links between malaria and SCD. Key areas include mapping mechanisms of artemisinin resistance, studying host-parasite interactions in children with SCD, and developing equitable therapeutics through partnerships with biopharmaceutical firms and institutions like Makerere University and Indiana University.

His recent work leverages CRISPR-Cas9 to identify genetic drivers of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum and investigates why artemisinin may be less effective in SCD patients due to altered hemoglobin dynamics. His publications in high-impact journals such as JAMA and Blood Advances reflect a strong trend in translational parasitology and pediatric global health.

Scientific Contributions & Collaborations:

• Lead investigator in the first controlled study of antimalarial efficacy in children with SCD in Uganda.
• Collaborates across Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia to build local research capacity.
• Active in global health mentorship and training programs for students and scholars.

Grants and Funding: Engaged in research supported by global health funding mechanisms, particularly through the Center for Global Health at Penn, though specific grants are not listed. His projects involve international research support and biopharmaceutical partnerships.

Labs and Teams: Works within interdisciplinary teams combining parasitology, hematology, and clinical research. His lab utilizes advanced molecular tools including gene editing and in vitro parasite culture, and he maintains strong ties with field sites in Uganda for clinical studies.