At Texas Children’s, our researchers are turning scientific discoveries into new approaches for diagnosing, treating and understanding complex pediatric conditions. Their work across specialties reflects our commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
We are proud to recognize team members whose innovative research has earned national awards and support across Allergy and Immunology, Neurology, and Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. View the award recipients below.
Dr. Rui Yang, Allergy and Immunology — The Burroughs Wellcome Fund awarded Dr. Yang a Career Award for Medical Scientists (CAMS) to study the genetic drivers of immune disorders. His research examines how inherited immune pathway variations contribute to severe infections and autoimmune disease, with the goal of uncovering new disease mechanisms and treatment targets.
Dr. Alexander Sandweiss, Neurology — Dr. Sandweiss received the inaugural ARISEN (Autoimmunity, Rasmussen’s, Inflammation & Status Epilepticus Research Network) Early-Stage Investigator Award for his study on early biomarkers of NMDAR (anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) encephalitis following HSV encephalitis. Supported through the NIH Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network, his research will expand preliminary findings through collaboration with children’s hospitals nationwide to improve understanding of this rare autoimmune brain disorder.
Dr. Douglas Burrin, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition — The National Institutes of Health National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases renewed support for Dr. Burrin’s T32 Research Training in Pediatric Gastroenterology program. As principal investigator and director, Dr. Burrin leads the 36-year-old program training future investigators in pediatric gastroenterology, nutrition and metabolic health.