Rebecca worked on investigating intestinal permeability as a target for disease prevention and identifying linkages between specific communities of gut microbiota to serve as the foundation for the development GI therapies. By studying racial disparities associated with fecal incontinence (FI) patients, she hopes that it could draw attention to a potentially-underserved patient group and highlight the role of access to healthy foods in diseases such as FI.
“I wish to treat patients and pursue a research career focusing on the intestinal microbiome and its place in digestive diseases associated with aging. As a physician-scientist, I believe that I can derive inspiration from my patients with chronic GI diseases and contribute to improving their quality of life.
I developed a passion for investigating intestinal permeability as a target for disease prevention and identifying linkages between specific communities of gut microbiota to serve as the foundation for the development GI therapies. The research fellowship funding allows me to access different research experiences that will further my understanding of GI diseases,” says Rebecca.
Rebecca’s story, like those of other undergraduate students, shows the importance of growing the investigators pipeline.
With contributions raised through the AGA Giving Day campaign, the AGA Research Foundation will fund projects that provide undergraduate students with exposure to GI research careers and help them in their journey to become physician-scientists in digestive diseases.
Be part of AGA Giving Day (Oct. 26).
