Researchers - Kenneth Rainin Foundation

Researchers

Supporting new and seasoned investigators alike and embracing untested ideas gives us the best chance of discovering breakthroughs in IBD research. Get to know our Health Program grantees.

Headshot of Ronen Sumagin

Ronen Sumagin, PhD

Associate Professor, Northwestern University, Former Grantee

The Sumagin lab is exploring the roles of innate immune cells in regulating intestinal homeostasis, wound healing, host pathogen interactions and cancer development. They are using various approaches to study leukocyte trafficking in mucosal tissues.
Headshot of Garth Swanson

Garth Swanson, MD

Professor, Medical University of South Carolina, Current Grantee

Dr. Swanson’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of intestinal barrier homeostasis that drive IBD, and how environmental factors like circadian misalignment and alcohol impact intestinal barrier permeability.
Jhimmy Talbot, PhD, Assistant Professor, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Jhimmy Talbot, PhD

Assistant Professor, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Current Grantee

The Talbot lab investigates how food and microbes are sensed by neurons in the gut and their influence on immunity, nutrition, and metabolism.
Headshot of Christoph Thaiss

Christoph Thaiss, PhD

Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania, Current Grantee

The ThaissLab is interested in understanding the environmental impacts on human physiology. Deciphering the role of environmental and lifestyle elements will transform the ability to decode host-environment circuits that regulate physiology.
Headshot of Mark Travis

Mark Travis, PhD

Professor, University of Manchester, Current Grantee

Dr. Travis aims to identify key cells and molecules that control immune responses in health and disease. He is focused on how myeloid cells control immune reactions in the intestine to understand what goes wrong during IBD and infections of the gut.
Headshot of Thomas Walz

Thomas Walz, PhD

Professor, Rockefeller University, Former Grantee

The Walz laboratory uses molecular electron microscopy to study macromolecular complexes and membrane proteins in a lipid environment. Their research focuses on membrane proteins and biological membrane-related processes, such as vesicular transport.