Richa Shukla, M.D., serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. Her clinical practice is based at the Baylor College of Medicine Medical Center, McNair Campus (Clinic), specializing in Gastroenterology with a focus on inflammatory bowel disorders and women's health. Her academic credentials include: M.D. from University of Texas Medical Branch (2010) Gastroenterology Residency at Mount Sinai Hospital (2013) Advanced Fellowship in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at Baylor College of Medicine (2016) General Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine (2017) Dr. Shukla's research centers on inflammatory bowel disease pathophysiology and gender-specific manifestations, with particular emphasis on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis management in female patients. Her clinical work bridges gastroenterological care with women's health considerations, addressing unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in this population. Patient consultations can be arranged through her clinic at (713) 798-0950.
Sunil Thomas, PhD , is a Research Professor at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), with a distinguished career in translational science. His work bridges microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, and cell biology to develop diagnostic tools and vaccines for diseases affecting millions globally. He has held academic titles at LIMR since 2012, including Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, and now Research Professor. Current roles: Research Professor (2022–Present), Editor of Vaccine Design: Methods and Protocols (Springer-Nature), and Visiting Professor at Temple University (2017). Education: BSc in Botany (Kerala University), MSc in Biotechnology (Cochin University of Science and Technology), PhD in Environmental Biotechnology (Cochin University), and Postdoctoral Fellowship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Research interests encompass translational studies on immunotherapies for ulcerative colitis and Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on Bin1 monoclonal antibodies. He has pioneered structure-based vaccines for ehrlichiosis, modeled SARS-CoV-2 membrane proteins, and developed diagnostic tools like the ELISA kit for T-cell lipid rafts and Eastern Blotting for post-translational modifications. His lab investigates antibody uptake mechanisms and gut-brain axis interactions using animal models. Recent publications highlight his work on viral protein structure (Camp Hill, Borealpox, Oropouche), microbiome analysis in ICUs, diet-immunotherapy interactions, and advancements in AI-driven vaccine design. He has also contributed to understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, monoclonal antibody therapies, and microbiome-host health connections. Patents include methods for disease treatment, Ehrlichia diagnostics, biosimulator technology, heat shock protein peptides, and vaccines against ehrlichiosis. Commercialized products like the IDO1 monoclonal antibody are now diagnostic probes in cancer research.
Professor Rinse Weersma is a Full Professor and Gastroenterologist at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, and works at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). He leads research in the Groningen Institute for Gastro Intestinal Genetics and Immunology (3GI), focusing on inflammatory bowel diseases and the gut microbiome. Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) Groningen Institute for Gastro Intestinal Genetics and Immunology (3GI) Professor Weersma's research primarily centers on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with a strong emphasis on understanding the role of the gut microbiome, genetic factors, and immune responses. His work bridges gastroenterology, immunology, and microbiology to develop better diagnostic tools and treatment approaches for IBD patients. He has pioneered research on how diet, environmental factors, and host genetics interact to influence disease development and progression. Analysis of Professor Weersma's recent publications (2025) reveals a strong trend toward multi-omics approaches to understanding inflammatory bowel diseases. His research integrates microbiome analysis, genetic studies, and clinical data to identify biomarkers for disease prediction and treatment response. Key themes include the relationship between gut microbiome composition and IBD, gene-environment interactions, and the application of advanced statistical methods to dietary and clinical data. His work has significant implications for personalized medicine approaches in gastroenterology. Rising Star Award (2011) Professor Weersma actively supervises PhD students including Marjolein Klaassen and Laura Bolte, focusing on gut microbiome research in inflammatory bowel diseases. His research is supported by multiple collaborative projects including the 1000IBD project, which has generated extensive multi-omics data from IBD patients. He frequently collaborates with international research teams across Europe and has contributed to major studies on liver transplantation and microbiome interactions. His work has been funded through various national and international grants supporting gastrointestinal research. Professor Weersma leads research within the Groningen Institute for Gastro Intestinal Genetics and Immunology (3GI), which brings together experts in gastroenterology, immunology, genetics, and microbiome research. His team collaborates extensively through the TransplantLines Investigators consortium and participates in large-scale international research initiatives studying inflammatory bowel diseases across diverse populations.
Dominic King is an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the Department of Surgery & Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London. He transitioned from a full-time NIHR Clinical Lecturer role in 2016 to focus on executive leadership in AI healthcare sectors, including roles at Microsoft AI (Health), DeepMind, Google Health, and UnitedHealth Group. His expertise spans behavioral economics, digital health innovation, and clinical informatics. Education & Research: King holds a PhD in Behavioral Economics, co-authoring the influential Mindspace Report on public policy design. His research focuses on Public Health, Clinical Sciences, and Applied Economics, with contributions to the HELIX Centre (a hospital design initiative) and co-founding Hark, a clinical task management platform acquired by Google. Professional Contributions: He pioneered early digital health programs, leading to numerous products and collaborations with Imperial College. His work bridges clinical practice with AI-driven solutions, emphasizing patient safety and healthcare optimization. Notable projects include AI systems for breast cancer screening and frameworks for esports athlete wellness. Key Themes in Publications: Recent articles explore barriers in healthcare access, biologic therapy efficacy in IBD, AI diagnostic tools, and musculoskeletal interventions. His work consistently integrates behavioral insights with technological innovation to address clinical challenges. Advising & Grants: As a startup founder and academic collaborator, King has secured funding for digital health ventures and co-authored studies on health informatics. His affiliations include the Centre for Health Policy and Patient Safety Translational Research Centre , reflecting his commitment to systemic healthcare improvement. Labs & Teams: Key affiliations include the HELIX Centre (Imperial/Royal College of Art collaboration) and the Behavioural Insights Team , leveraging multidisciplinary approaches to healthcare innovation.
Rish K Pai, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, with subspecialty expertise in gastrointestinal and hepatic pathology. He serves as Associate Chair of Research for the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (2020-2023) and was President of the Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society (2020-2021). Dr. Pai's educational background includes an MD/PhD in Immunology from Case Western Reserve University (2005), followed by residency and fellowship training in Anatomic Pathology and Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Pathology at The University of Chicago Medical Center. His clinical expertise focuses on diagnosis of inflammatory disorders and neoplastic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. His research interests span gastrointestinal pathology, liver pathology, colorectal cancer genetics, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver transplant pathology. Dr. Pai lectures nationally and internationally on gastrointestinal and hepatic pathology and has directed multiple continuing medical education courses in these areas. He serves as principal investigator of the Colon Cancer Family Registry at Mayo Clinic. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on colorectal cancer genetics, molecular pathology of gastrointestinal disorders, and translational applications of pathological findings to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. His work frequently employs advanced genomic and epidemiological methods including Mendelian randomization and genome-wide association studies. Jack Yardley Investigator Award, Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society (2019) Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society Resident Award (2009) Hans Popper Hepatopathology Society Resident Award (2007) Martin Wahl Memorial Fund Award (2005) Dr. Pai has held significant leadership roles including Chair of the Education Committee for the Rodger C. Haggitt Gastrointestinal Pathology Society (2017-2018) and Member of the Education Committee for the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (2016-2020). He has also contributed to digital pathology initiatives as a member of the Digital Pathology Practice Subcommittee and the Artificial Intelligence Strategy Working Group at Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Ronghui Xu is a Professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She holds affiliations with the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health and previously with the Department of Mathematics. Her research focuses on biostatistics, clinical and translational research, and reproductive toxicology. Dr. Xu leads the Biostatistics unit at UCSD's Clinical and Translational Research Institute (CTRI) and serves as lead statistician for the OTIS Collaborative Research Center, investigating topics like fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and pregnancy medication safety. Education: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Nankai University, China (1990) Master of Arts in Applied Mathematics, UCSD (1995) Ph.D. in Mathematics, UCSD (1996) Research Interests: Dr. Xu specializes in causal inference, high-dimensional data analysis, and survival analysis. Her work spans drug repurposing for neurodegenerative diseases, radiation therapy optimization for cancer, and maternal-fetal health outcomes. She develops statistical methodologies for competing risks and observational studies. Publications: Her recent work includes studies on ulcerative colitis treatment strategies, Alzheimer's drug candidates, and biomarkers for autism spectrum disorders. Key themes include clinical trial analysis, pharmacotherapy evaluation, and statistical modeling in epidemiology. Awards: David P. Byar Young Investigator Award (1998) Fellow of the American Statistical Association (2013) Grants & Teams: She directs the CTRI Biostatistics Unit, supported by NIH CTSA grants, and collaborates on projects like the Vaccine and Medication in Pregnancy Surveillance System. Her team addresses complex health questions through interdisciplinary approaches, including machine learning and large-scale clinical data analysis.
Courtney Perry, DO is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, with a focus on Digestive Health and Nutrition. She is actively involved in clinical care, research, and academic teaching within the Division of Gastroenterology. Medical School: DO, Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Fellowship: Gastroenterology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Dr. Perry's research interests are centered in gastroenterology, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal cell biology, and public health aspects of digestive diseases. Her work spans clinical research, epidemiology, and translational studies, with a strong emphasis on patient outcomes and health education. She has also contributed to interdisciplinary research in digital health and pediatric nutrition. Her recent publications reflect a diverse yet focused research trajectory. Themes include IBD epidemiology and treatment challenges, molecular mechanisms in intestinal health, digital transformation in pathology, and public health strategies for obesity and nutrition. Her work appears in high-impact journals such as Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Blood Advances , and The Lancet Digital Health , indicating both clinical and translational relevance. Prevalence and characterization of anti-VWF antibodies in type 3 VWD (2024) Digital-physical divide in pathology research (2023) Urban Legend: IBD epidemiology knowledge gaps (2023) Opioid use in IBD – ethical considerations (2021) SIRT2 in intestinal cell regulation (2020) Dr. Perry has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams across institutions and has contributed to review articles and editorials on public health and clinical ethics. While no formal advising or grant information is listed, her active publication record suggests ongoing research engagement and mentorship. She is affiliated with the University of Kentucky's Gill Heart and Vascular Institute and contributes to the academic mission of the Internal Medicine residency and fellowship programs.
Elizabeth Videlock, M.D., Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine , University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) . Her laboratory is housed within the UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and she leads the Videlock Laboratory . She is a physician-scientist with dual training in internal medicine and gastroenterology, and a Ph.D. in translational research focused on the gut-brain axis. Education and Training: B.S., Chemistry – Yale University M.D. – David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Internal Medicine Residency – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Gastroenterology Fellowship – UCLA STAR Program Ph.D. – UCLA, under mentorship of Dr. Charalabos Pothoulakis and Dr. Lin Chang Research Focus: Dr. Videlock’s research centers on the gut-brain axis , with a particular emphasis on Parkinson’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) . Her lab uses clinical samples, animal models, and cell-based systems to investigate how gastrointestinal dysfunction contributes to neurological disease. Key areas include mitochondrial dysfunction in the gut epithelium, alpha-synuclein pathology, and the role of genes like PINK1 and PRKN in intestinal health. Scientific Awards and Honors: NIH-NIDDK K08 Grant Award (2024) UCLA CTSI KL2 Translational Science Award (2023) Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Neurodegeneration Challenge Grant American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) FORWARD Scholar Funding and Grants: NIH-NIDDK K08: “Intestinal Mitochondrial Dysfunction and the Gut-Brain-Immune Axis in Models of Parkinson’s Disease” UCLA CTSI KL2: “Parkinson's Disease May Begin in the Gastrointestinal Tract” Chan Zuckerberg Initiative: “The Role of Pink1/Parkin in the Intestinal Epithelium” CURE Pilot and Feasibility Grant UCLA Claude Pepper Rapid Pilot Award Laboratory and Affiliations: Dr. Videlock leads the Videlock Laboratory within the UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases . She is also affiliated with the UCLA G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience and the UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases .
Professor Yuichi Mori is a leading academic at the University of Oslo , affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Health Management and Health Economics . He serves as a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Oslo University Hospital and a Visiting Lecturer at Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital in Japan. His work focuses on the implementation of artificial intelligence in clinical gastroenterology , particularly in colonoscopy and colorectal cancer detection.
Robert Britton is a Professor at the Baylor College of Medicine in the School of Medicine , affiliated with the Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research and the Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology . His Therapeutic Microbiology Laboratory investigates how microbes impact human health through four pillars: Limosilactobacillus reuteri for therapeutics, intestinal hormone-microbiome interactions , synthetic biology for diagnostics , and microbial ecology in infectious disease . Research Themes : Microbiome-Host Physiology, Synthetic Biosensors, C. difficile Pathogenesis, Diet-Microbiome Co-evolution Grants : $12M NIH award (2018) for microbiome-based infection prevention The lab employs human organoid technology and microbioreactor arrays to model microbial interactions. Recent work explores probiotic-mediated oxytocin release and bioengineered Kv1.3 channel blockers for autoimmune diseases. A 2025 FASEB Journal study demonstrates L. reuteri 's role in gut hormone regulation, while synthetic biology projects target ulcerative colitis and radiation injury via engineered probiotics. Scientific Recognition : 2019 Michael E. DeBakey Excellence in Research Award Lab Members include MD/PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians working on microbiome-brain interactions, metabolic health interventions, and C. difficile epidemiology. Key collaborations span the National School of Tropical Medicine and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences .
David Boone is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Notre Dame and a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Indiana University School of Medicine – South Bend. His research focuses on the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), colon cancer, and obesity, with a strong emphasis on host-microbe interactions, autophagy, and intestinal barrier function. Adjunct Professor of Biology, University of Notre Dame (2021–Present) Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine – South Bend (2021–Present) Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame (2014–2021) Associate Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine – South Bend (2014–2021) Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Chicago (2006–2013) Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of California, San Francisco (2004–2006) Education: Ph.D., University of Ottawa (1997) B.Sc., University of Waterloo (1989) Dr. Boone's research explores the role of key regulatory genes such as ATG16L1 and TNFAIP3 in intestinal inflammation and cancer. His lab uses genetically engineered mouse models to investigate how disruptions in autophagy, NF-kB signaling, and epithelial barrier integrity contribute to disease. A major focus is the protective effect of the ATG16L1 Thr300Ala variant in colorectal cancer through enhanced type I interferon production. His recent publications reveal a consistent trend in understanding immune regulation in the gut, particularly how genetic variants influence microbial interactions, epithelial cell function, and anti-tumor immunity. His work bridges molecular immunology, genetics, and microbiome science, contributing to translational insights in IBD and cancer. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Dr. Boone has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have co-authored his publications. While specific grants are not listed, his sustained research output suggests active funding. His work involves collaboration across institutions, including the University of Chicago, UCSF, and various medical research centers. He leads a research lab focused on intestinal immunology, utilizing transgenic mouse models and human cell lines to dissect pathways involved in inflammation, autophagy, and cancer. The lab investigates microbial infiltration, mucus layer integrity, and immune cell responses in genetically susceptible hosts.
Emanuelle A Bellaguarda, MD is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University . Her clinical and research focus includes Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) , Therapeutic Drug Monitoring , and Clinical Trials . Education: MD from Federal University of Ceara, Brazil (2006); Residency in Internal Medicine at Boston University Medical Center (2011); Fellowships in Gastroenterology/Hepatology at University of Chicago (2014) and Inflammation research at Northwestern University (2015). Her research examines IBD pathophysiology , immune responses to vaccines in IBD patients , and biologic therapies (e.g., tofacitinib, ustekinumab). She has published extensively on COVID-19 vaccination efficacy in IBD populations and male fertility outcomes with immunomodulatory drugs. Her recent work highlights long-term immunity post-vaccination in pediatric and adult IBD cohorts, drug safety profiles (e.g., methotrexate, ustekinumab), and emotional health disparities in IBD. She serves on Scientific and Medical Advisory Boards for companies like Abbvie, Pfizer, and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.
David Fawkner-Corbett is an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Paediatric Surgery at the University of Oxford , affiliated with the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences and Wolfson College . His research bridges clinical practice and advanced multi-omic techniques to study intestinal inflammation and developmental disorders. Education: MBChB, MPhil, MRCS, PgDip, DPhil Research Interests: His work focuses on understanding epithelial barrier breakdown in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) using single-cell RNA-sequencing to identify molecular drivers and novel therapeutic targets. He also investigates postnatal intestinal maturation, aiming to address rare developmental disorders like Necrotising Enterocolitis and Hirschsprung's disease. Publication Trends: Recent articles span developmental biology, immunology, and pediatric surgery, with high-impact studies in Cell , Nature , and Nature Immunology . Key themes include intestinal cell diversity, stromal-epithelial interactions, and translational approaches for IBD and congenital anomalies. Scientific Awards: Oxford NIHR-BRC clinical research fellowship Joint British Association of Paediatric Surgeons-Royal College of Surgeons of England research fellowship Wellcome Doctoral (DPhil) training fellowship NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) in Oxford Collaborations: His work involves international partnerships (Brazil, Australia, USA) and multidisciplinary teams integrating clinical insights with cutting-edge genomic technologies.
Dr. Neda Karimi is a Research Fellow at The Australian National University's School of Literature, Languages & Linguistics. She holds a PhD, MA, and BSc (Econ). Her work focuses on functional linguistics applied to health communication, emphasizing clinician-patient alignment, health literacy, and chronic disease management. Current projects include health literacy in chronic heart failure, developmentally appropriate communication for adolescents with IBD, and global collaboration on 'normal life' perceptions in IBD patients. Past projects include randomized controlled trials for IBD decision aids, breast reconstruction counseling, and palliative oncology communication studies. Key research areas include health communication strategies, clinician-patient dialogue analysis, and improving healthcare outcomes through linguistic ethnography. Collaborations include Amsterdam University Medical Center and multi-country studies on IBD patient experiences. Her work bridges qualitative and quantitative methods to address healthcare communication challenges across diverse populations. Her publications span decision aid development, clinical communication analysis, and healthcare system efficiency. She has contributed to guidelines on pregnancy management in IBD and breast reconstruction counseling for multicultural patient groups. Awards and grants are not explicitly listed in the text.
Jill Deutsch, MD is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Digestive Diseases at Yale School of Medicine. She serves as Director of the Yale Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Program, Associate Director of the Digestive Diseases Fellowship Program, and Medical Director of the GI Motility Laboratory. Dr. Deutsch specializes in functional gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic abdominal pain. She holds a Master of Arts in Community Psychology from the University of New Haven (2022) and integrates complementary therapies such as yoga and hypnotherapy into patient care. Her educational background includes residency and chief residency at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (2016), followed by clinical fellowship at Yale SOM (2020). She has received the Kushlan Award for Excellence in Clinical Care (2020) and led a grant-funded neurogastroenterology curriculum for GI fellows. Dr. Deutsch also contributes to academic publishing in gastrointestinal motility, functional disorders, and patient-provider communication. Her research focuses on improving diagnostic approaches for functional GI disorders and advancing wellness initiatives in medical education. She actively mentors trainees through her roles in fellowship programs and has pioneered resident wellbeing interventions to reduce burnout.
