Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program (GEDP) - Research
The Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program (GEDP) research team performs novel research focusing on eosinophils’ impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Studies center on the mechanisms that eosinophils relate to resident cells of the intestinal tract and how these relationships contribute to host health and disease.
The Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program (GEDP) research team is a part of the Mucosal Inflammation Program (MIP) in the Gastroenterology Division at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CU SOM) that is directed by Dr. Sean Colgan. The MIP carries an overall theme of determining mechanisms of inflammation at a variety of mucosal surfaces including the GI tract and the lung. Taken together, the Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program and Mucosal Inflammation Program unite a unique blend of basic and clinical investigators. This integration of basic and clinical sciences and multidisciplinary approach fosters collaboration between key personnel from different divisions of CU SOM to provide outstanding patient care and novel research outcomes.
Related Websites and Additional Information
Visit the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Web site, for links to many online presentations, and slideshows.
Visit the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR) website for information about ongoing research studies and to join the Contact Registry for patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases.
Visit the CURED Foundation. CURED is a not for profit foundation dedicated to those suffering from Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGID), including eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), eosinophilic gastritis (EG), eosinophilic colitis (EC) and other eosinophilic disorders.
Visit the American Partnership For Eosinophilic Disorders for information and support to patients with EGIDs.
Dan Atkins, MD, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Section Head of the Allergy Program at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Atkins has a long-standing interest in allergic reactions to foods and more than 25 years of experience with food allergic children and their families.
Glenn T. Furuta, MD, Director of the Program,
is a pediatric gastroenterologist whose work focuses on identifying clinical features of EGIDs and developing methods for patient assessment and treatment.
Joanne Masterson, PhD, is an Assistant Adjoint Professor of Pediatrics with a research focus on eosinophils and intestinal remodeling. The goal of her studies is to identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies to prevent, treat, and cure intestinal diseases.
Pooja Mehta, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics whose work focuses on identifying barriers to adherence and using mobile health technology to improve care.
Calies Menard-Katcher, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics who research focuses on the natural history of Eosinophilic Esophagitis, particularly with attention to development of abnormal esophageal function and structure.
Nathalie Nguyen, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics who has an interest in the role of epithelial barrier in the pathophysiology of eosinophilic esophagitis.
Lisa Spencer, PhD, is an Associate Professor of
Pediatrics with a research focus on basic immunology of human eosinophils and the interplay between eosinophils and their mucosal microenvironment.
Research Staff
Rachel Andrews is a Clinical Research Coordinator with the GEDP program who has a medical assistant background. Rachel assists with screening, consenting, data collection and entry, and sample processing for our clinical research studies.
Faria N. Ahmed is a Clinical Research Coordinator within the GEDP program who facilitates the recruitment of pediatric patients into novel clinical studies.
Taylor M. Benson is a Professional Research Assistant and Lab Manager for the GEDP who conducts translational laboratory research to gain more insight into Eosinophilic Esophagitis.
Cassandra Burger is a Clinical Research Coordinator with the GEDP program with over 4 years of research experience. Cassandra supports the research studies throughout all phases, including screening/recruitment, consenting, and patient management.
Kendra Kocher is a Research Project Manager with the GEDP program and has been with Children’s Hospital Colorado for over 8 years. Kendra provides support and guidance to the investigators and coordinators and oversees the research studies from start-up to closeout to ensure a smooth process.
Luke Simerly is a Professional Research Assistant.
Sarah M. Williams, BS, CVT, is a Professional Research Assistant and Certified Veterinary Technician for the GEDP research team. She has over 16 years of research veterinary medicine experience and colony management.