I am a pediatric translational researcher and was named the Robert P. Kelch Professor of Pediatrics in 2016. As one of the few individuals across the country who has completed dual training in Pediatric Endocrinology and Pediatric Health Services Research and a Master in Public Health, my research agenda focuses on the overarching themes of obesity and type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because of my specialized training, I have been able to approach these problems from a unique vantage point, using a variety of methodologies including applied clinical research, epidemiologic analyses of nationally representative data, state transition modeling, cost-effectiveness analysis, as well as design and emerging technologies (design ethnography, participatory design, human-centered design, quality improvement science, and digital/social media communications). To date, I have 94 peer-reviewed publications, and I am first or senior author on 54 of those publications. Through my work I have developed a national and international reputation in the field of Pediatric Endocrinology.
At the 2016 Pediatric Academic Societies meeting, I was the first recipient of the Paul Kaplowitz, MD, Endowed Lectureship for my contributions to quality and cost-effective care in Pediatric Endocrinology, an award sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Endocrine Society. My major research contributions have included studies evaluating recommended screening guidelines for type 2 diabetes for overweight and obese children, studies evaluating the link between overweight and obesity and timing of puberty and chronic disease risk factors, studies focused on quality measurement and quality of care for overweight and obese children, and research in health outcomes for type 1 diabetes.
My current work is focused on:
- Biomarker discovery for prediabetes and diabetes in children
- The creation of learning health systems using the methods of clinical informatics, quality improvement, and patient-centered participatory design
- Studies of collaborative innovation networks and the maker movement
- Health applications of emerging technologies (mobile technology and social media)
I also co-lead an interdisciplinary collaborative called HealthDesignBy.Us, which supports the creation of maker movement for healthcare, creating opportunities for patients and caregivers to co-create tools, technologies, and systems for healthcare
