Researcher | Research Overview
Dr. O'Connell is interested in the molecular regulation of intestinal and immune development in the premature infant and neonate. She has research training in innate immunity, T cell genetics, intestinal stem cell biology, and orphan disease. The therapeutic targets of work in her lab are necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and neonatal infection, however this work may have much broader implications for other disease states. The current focuses of work in the lab include:
Role of Wnt2b in the intestine
- Role of Wnt2b in the intestine
- Regulation of early intestinal development
- Orphan disease characterization
- Modeling tissue specific immune development
Researcher | Research Background
Dr. O'Connell is a traditional MD/PhD physician scientist committed to excellence in both clinical care and scientific investigation. She has distinguished clinical expertise in neonatal immunity, with board certifications in both neonatology and allergy/immunology, as well as a doctorate in immunology.