Raghu Mirmira, MD, PhD, recently appointed director of the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, has announced his new leadership team.
“I am delighted that these outstanding scientists committed to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of childhood diseases have agreed to join the leadership of the Wells Center,” Dr. Mirmira said. “Their scientific insight, passion for discovery and commitment to the success of our faculty and trainees will ensure that the Wells Center’s vibrant and innovative environment will advance in the years to come.”
Mark Kaplan, PhD, Billie Lou Wood Professor of Pediatrics, will serve as associate director of the center. Since 2005, Dr. Kaplan has led the Asthma, Airways, and Allergic Diseases Program within the Wells Center and his research focuses on the development and function of T cells that regulate allergic and autoimmune inflammation in childhood asthma, atopic dermatitis and colitis. In this new role, Dr. Kaplan will work with the Dr. Mirmira to define and implement the center’s overall research, development, educational and outreach priorities. Mark Kelley, PhD, who previously served as associate director for the last 22 years and oversaw the inception and growth of the Wells Center, will be transitioning to focus on his leadership roles as a Wells Center program leader and as associate director of the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center.
Reuben Kapur, PhD, Frieda and Albrecht Kipp Professor of Pediatrics, will serve as assistant director for faculty and trainee development. Dr. Kapur’s lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms of childhood leukemia’s including acute myeloid leukemias and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemias, as well as other pediatric bone marrow failure syndromes, with the goal of developing novel therapies for these diseases. In his new role, Dr. Kapur will lead initiatives to enhance faculty development and will help to create an environment of learning and discovery for trainees at all levels.
Linda DiMeglio, MD, who is director of career development for the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI), will serve as assistant director of clinical and translational research. Dr. DiMeglio is professor of pediatrics in pediatric endocrinology. Dr. DiMeglio’s passion in caring for children with diabetes and endocrine disorders complements her clinical and translational research related to preventing Type 1 diabetes and improving quality of life for people living with the disease. In her new role, Dr. DiMeglio will enhance interactions between Wells Center faculty and clinical research faculty in IU School of Medicine to facilitate the translation of basic discoveries to human applications.
