Genetic Ancestry Differences in Pediatric Asthma Readmission are Mediated
by Socioenvironmental Factors: Tesfaye Mersha, PhD
Mersha published “Genetic Ancestry Differences in Pediatric Asthma Readmission are Mediated by Socioenvironmental Factors” in the J
ournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Previous studies predominately focused on direct association of self-reported race with asthma or the direct biologic effects of genetic ancestry on asthma. The focus of the study looked at determining whether asthma-related readmissions differed by degree of African ancestry and the extent to which such an association to socioenvironmental risk factors explain this. This paper provides evidence that the relationship between genetic ancestry and pediatric asthma readmission is complex and largely mediated by social and environmental factors.
Phillip E. Korenblat, MD FAAAAI, Lectureship Award: Gurjit Khurana Hershey, MD, PhD
Khurana Hershey, the director of the
Division of Asthma Research, received the prestigious Phillip E. Korenblat, MD FAAAAI Lectureship: Investing Together in Our Future award at the 2022 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Annual Meeting.
Albert J. Ryan Fellowship Award: Stanley B. DeVore, MS
DeVore, a graduate student, and Medical Scientist Training Program (combined MD / PhD) student in the
Khurana Hershey Lab received the very prestigious Albert J. Ryan Fellowship, which recognizes excellence in research and doctoral training. The awarding of an Albert J. Ryan Fellowship is the highest honor the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine can bestow on graduate students while they are in their PhD program. The College of Medicine selects only six fellows each year.
Promoting COVID Vaccination Melinda Butsch Kovacic, PhD
Butsch Kovacic published “COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Critical Time Period Analysis” in the Internal Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. This work received funding from a CCTST COVID-19 Critical Community Challenge Grant (C5G) Program entitled, “A Community Based Approach to Understanding and Improving Adherence to CDC COVID-19 Guidelines” with lead Co-PIs Butsch Kovacic and John Kues, PhD, in the College of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati. The team leveraged the work to get an AAMC Building Trust and Confidence Through Partnerships grant to support the training of community volunteers and community health workers in becoming Health Champions who hold COVID-19 Literacy Outreach discussions with their family, friends, neighbors and clients. The work is building on work by the Cincinnati Health Department and Butsch Kovacic’s NIGMS funded science education program called We Engage for Health (WE4H). WE4H’s Take Your Best Shot graphic style story as well as nine graphical FAQs are the foundation for the program.
2022 Outstanding Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Abstract Award: Michael G. Sherenian, MD
Sherenian is a recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Abstract Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Allergy and Immunology for his work on clotting and atopic dermatitis. The presentation of this award occurred at the 2022 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ.
Cincinnati Children's Hidden Gem Award: Jocelyn M Biagini, PhD
Biagini is a recipient of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Hidden Gem Award. This recognitions by her colleagues and peers is for her tremendous multidisciplinary research collaborations and teamwork.
