Jessica Edwards, NP

My current research emphasizes mechanisms by which resident bacterial subsets stimulate protective vs inflammatory mucosal immune responses. I use established and novel gnotobiotic murine models to identify protective vs aggressive resident bacterial subsets and to determine their mechanisms of action. We explore functional consequences of microbial communities in selectively colonized gnotobiotic mice and following fecal transplants using murine or human donors. Major initiatives explore therapeutic potential of existing and novel bacterial consortia in preclinical models, including humanized mice colonized by pooled IBD fecal transplants. The effect of diet on bacterial metabolic function/bacterial interaction are recent areas of interest. Parallel translational studies in IBD patients explore microbial biomarkers that identify risk of recurrence after Crohn’s disease surgery and onset of pouchitis after colectomy for ulcerative colitis. Mentoring and, career development are very meaningful activities for me. Fellowship training one-on-one in my laboratory and by directing a Basic Science T32 program and mentoring junior faculty are priorities.

Bradley V. Vaughn, MD is a renowned neurologist affiliated with UNC Health Care in Chapel Hill, NC. Specializing in neurology, Dr. Vaughn provides expert care and treatment for patients in the Chapel Hill area. Generated from their website's infomation

I chose to become a physician (and, specifically, a vascular surgeon) in order to help individuals maintain functional lifestyles with the desire to participate in their care longitudinally. As a vascular surgeon, given the nature of our profession, I was/am continually excited become part of a broader, collaborative community of physicians and providers helping to educate and to improve patients’ lives. My philosophy involves shared decision making with an emphasis on patient education to make as informed a decision as possible. When I am not at work, I enjoy road and mountain biking, Formula 1, soccer, and rugby.