About the Division
Established in 2023, the Division of Genetic, Environmental and Inhalational Disease is a non-clinical division in the Department of Internal Medicine.
KU Medical Center researchers have a long history of contributing to the study of cystic fibrosis and other genetic, environmental and inhalational diseases. Our new division focuses on basic science and translational research excellence, as well as providing new training opportunities for undergraduates through post-doctoral scholars.
We are currently building the division and our goals are to:
- Conduct basic research into fundamental pathophysiology of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, and environmental exposures such as combustible tobacco and e-cigarette exposures
- Support the development of new therapies for cystic fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome and other inhalational diseases
- Perform translational studies relevant to genetic, environmental and inhalational disease
Education
The Division of Genetic, Environmental and Inhalational Disease is committed to providing research training for undergraduate students, graduate and medical students, residents, fellows and post-doctoral scholars. Every effort will be made to match potential applicants with a suitable mentor. Doctoral rotation students are welcomed, and our faculty have co-appointments in basic science departments.
Research
We are initially developing research programs in the following areas:
- acute respiratory distress syndrome
- combustible tobacco/COPD
- cystic fibrosis
- e-cigarettes/vaping
- pollution and wood smoke
Our studies are funded by NIAID, NHLBI and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Hiring
We have open positions for junior and/or mid-level faculty with a track record of publishing and grant funding. Hires will be made based on our current research priorities and applicants who embrace team science will be preferred. Please contact the division for more details (rtarran@kumc.edu).
We are currently hiring post-doctoral fellows to conduct research in a variety of disciplines. Please contact the division for more details (rtarran@kumc.edu).
Robert Tarran, Ph.D.
Professor and Chief
Division of Genetic, Environmental and Inhalational Disease
rtarran@kumc.edu