The Lung Biology Program stands at the forefront of pioneering research and thrives through a dynamic network of collaboration with the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, the Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory (TMPL), and the Lung Health Center.
Under the leadership of Professor Amit Gaggar, M.D., Ph.D., and Program Manager Miki Jinno, this distinguished program's mission is driven by a diverse, multidisciplinary team of investigators from across the UAB campus. These dedicated scientists are committed to advancing our understanding of lung biology and advancing pulmonary science in the areas of cystic fibrosis, COVID-19, asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, and critical care medicine. Serving as a pivotal center for biomedical research, the program significantly contributes to UAB and extends its impact worldwide by addressing critical lung diseases.
Dr. Amit Gaggar is the William C. Bailey Endowed Chair of Pulmonary Medicine. He serves as the Scientific Director of the UAB Lung Health Center and the Director of the Program in Lung Biology. Dr. Gaggar completed his undergraduate and medical training at the University of Michigan before joining UAB for his internal medicine residency and pulmonary/critical care fellowship.
As a physician-scientist, Dr. Gaggar has a longstanding interest in protease biology and innate immune signaling in chronic lung diseases such as COPD and cystic fibrosis. His research, published in high-impact journals like Science, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and Cell, integrates basic cell and animal models with clinical specimens from well-phenotyped patient cohorts to understanding fundamental processes in human disease. Additionally, he is an active clinical trialist, conducting both large multicenter studies and single-center, investigator-initiated studies in lung disease.
Miki Jinno recently took on the role of Program Manager for the Lung Biology Program, bringing over two decades of rich experience in basic, translational, and clinical research, particularly in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine. Throughout her career, Miki has excelled not only as a researcher but also as a manager and administrator, making significant contributions to the advancement of medical science. Her dedication and expertise position her to drive impactful progress in lung biology research and innovation.
Our Advisory Board
![Stephen Barnes, PhD](/medicine/pulmonary/images/Research/stephen-barnes_300x300.jpg)
Stephen Barnes, PhD
Distinguished Professor, Pharmacology & Toxicology Chair's Office
Our Members
Member Name | Title and Department |
---|---|
Ambal Ambalavanan, MD | Professor, Pediatric - Neonatology |
Stephen Barnes, PhD | Prof. Pharmacology/Toxicology Chair's Office |
Jarrod Barnes, PhD | Associate Professor - Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
Camilla Margaroli Bell, PhD | Assistant Professor, Cellular & Molecular Pathology |
Susan Birket, PhD | Associate Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
Edwin Blalock, PhD | Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine |
Jennifer Casey, MD | Assistant Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
Terje Dokland, PhD | Professor, Microbiology |
Mark Dransfield, MD | Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
Steve Duncan, MD | Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine |
Nathan Erdmann, MD, PhD | Associate Professor, Medicine - Infectious Diseases |
Kristopher Genschmer, PhD | Assistant Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
Todd Green, PhD | Associate Professor, Microbiology |
Kevin Harrod, PhD | Professor, Anesthesiology Chair's Office |
Viral G. Jain, MD | Assistant Professor, Pediatrics - Neonato |
Jegen Kandasamy, MD | Assistant Professor, Pediatrics - Neonato |
Young-il Kim, PhD | Professor, Medicine - Preventive Medicine |
Stefanie Krick, MD | Associate Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
C. Vivek Lal, MD | Associate Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
Matthew C. Madison, PhD | Assistant Professor, Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences |
Sadis Matalon, PhD | Professor, Anesthesiology and Peri-operative Medicine |
Matthew Might, PhD | Associate Professor - Pediatric - Critical Care |
James Micheal Wells, MD | Associate Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
Gabriela Oates, PhD | Assistant Professor, Pediatrics - Neonato |
Carlos Orihuela, PhD | Professor, Microbiology |
Rakesh Patel, PhD | Professor, Molecular & Cellular Pathology |
Gregory Payne, MD | Associate Professor, Medicine - Cardiovascular Disease |
Chad Petit, PhD | Associate Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics |
Robert Richter, MD | Associate Professor, Pediatric - Critical Care |
Jillian Richter, PhD | Associate Professor - Surgery - General Surgery Trauma Section |
Miranda Curtiss, MD PhD | Assistant Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine |
Sarah Robison, MD | Assistant Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
Derek Russell, MD | Associate Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
S. Vamsee Raju, PhD | Assistant Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
George Solomon, MD | Associate Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine |
W. Ed Swords, PhD | Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
Xin Xu, PhD | Assistant Professor, Medicine - Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine |
Any questions? Reach out and let's talk.
We'd be delighted to talk with you about the Lung Biology Program. Contact us for more details.
Miki Jinno, Lung Biology Program Manager, Clinical Research Admin. III
UAB Lung Health Center
930 20th Street South, CH20 | Birmingham, AL 35233
Office: (205) 996-1548 | Fax: (205) 975-5666
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Beth Thompson, Research Financial Administrator
Basic Science Lab
845 19th Street South, BBRB830 | Birmingham, AL 35205
Office: (205) 934-4304
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