معرفی
Steven D. Hicks, MD, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine, where he serves as Clinical Director of the Pediatric Clinical Research Office and is affiliated with the Penn State Neuroscience Institute. As a clinician-scientist, he maintains an active clinical practice in general pediatrics while leading multiple NIH-funded research initiatives focused on molecular biomarkers for child health outcomes.
Dr. Hicks received his MD and PhD from SUNY Upstate Medical University, completed his pediatric residency at Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse, NY, and earned his BS from Marist College. His educational background in neuroscience and pediatrics forms the foundation for his translational research program.
His primary research interests center on identifying molecular biomarkers that inform child growth, neurodevelopment, and disease. Key research areas include saliva biomarkers for early autism detection, breastmilk micro-transcriptomics and infant health outcomes, and microRNA expression in concussion. His work has resulted in a CLIA-certified diagnostic aid for autism spectrum disorder and has been featured in high-impact journals including JAMA Pediatrics, where his concussion research was named one of the '10 Most Talked About Articles of 2018.'
Dr. Hicks has secured substantial research funding including NIH R01 grants, Gerber Foundation awards, and multiple institutional research support mechanisms. His work on the impact of influenza vaccine recommendations was the first to show that elimination of Flumist did not reduce childhood vaccination rates, a finding featured in the AAP's national newsletter.
- 2018-2021 Gerber Foundation National Research Grant
- 2018-2019 NIH/Penn State CTSI KL2 Scholar Award
- 2013-2014 American Academy of Pediatrics Resident Research Grant
- 2009-2012 NIH F30 Fellowship
As an educator, Dr. Hicks mentors over 25 students annually, delivering Evidence-Based Medicine lectures to pediatric residents and contributing to translational research education across Penn State. His trainees have received independent research grants, published in high-impact journals, and presented at national conferences. He has been recognized with multiple teaching awards including the 2016 Top Educator Award from the Department of Pediatrics.
Dr. Hicks directs the Pediatric Clinical Research Office and serves as diagnostic thrust leader for Penn State's Center for Biodevices, overseeing research involving patients at the outpatient pediatrics clinic while ensuring rigorous study designs and ethical research standards.
