The Incubator At The Bench

In this episode of At the Bench, Misty Good and David McCulley interview Dr. Christopher Thom, a neonatologist and leader blood lineage development. Dr. Thom discusses his training in hematology research and what inspired him to build an outstanding research program studying platelet biology and how his research is being translated to change transfusion care for patients. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration in neonatology physician-scientist driven research.

What is actually happening inside the uterus during a threatened pregnancy — and does the timing of infection change everything? In this episode of At the Bench, hosts Ben Fensterheim and Betsy Crouch sit down with Dr. Kristen Noble, assistant professor at Indiana University, to explore her work building a transcriptomic and proteomic atlas of intrauterine immune responses across gestation. Dr. Noble shares how clinical uncertainty at the bedside — that impossible question of deliver now or wait — drove her into the lab. She also opens up about navigating doubt early in training, finding the right mentors, and what it looks like to rebuild a research program from scratch at a new institution.

In this episode of At the Bench, hosts Misty Good and Betsy Crouch welcome Dr. Bunmi Olaloye, a neonatologist and physician scientist at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Olaloye shares her path from an early interest in engineering to focusing on necrotizing enterocolitis and spontaneous intestinal perforation in preterm infants. She discusses her research into early life immune development using mass cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing, revealing distinct immune signatures that could shape future treatments. The conversation also explores the challenges of building an independent research career, the importance of mentorship and team science, and the limitations of current animal models. Dr. Olaloye highlights the potential of organoid systems for studying human-specific questions and the protective role of breast milk in modulating immune responses in NEC. Her story offers both scientific insight and genuine inspiration for anyone navigating the path from clinical training to independent research.

In this episode of the Incubator podcast, hosts David McCulley and Betsy Crouch engage with Dr. Tippi MacKenzie, a leading figure in fetal surgery and stem cell research. The conversation explores Dr. MacKenzie's journey from clinician to scientist, the challenges and innovations in fetal surgery, and the future of prenatal therapies. They discuss the importance of collaboration in research, the role of clinical trials, and the impact of genetic therapies on treating fetal conditions. The episode highlights the intersection of clinical practice and research, emphasizing the need for responsible advancements in medical science.

In this episode of At the Bench, Misty Good and David McCulley interview Dr. Bernard Thébaud, a neonatologist and leader in lung and pulmonary vascular developmental biology and regenerative medicine. The conversation explores Dr. Thebaud’s journey into research, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of translating research into clinical practice. They discuss the significance of recognizing opportunities, navigating critical feedback, and the promising mechanisms in regenerative medicine that could enhance lung repair in preterm infants. Dr. Thébaud discusses the innovative use of mesenchymal stromal cells in lung therapy for neonatal patients. He shares insights on the unexpected findings from his research, the potential of umbilical cord-derived cells, and the future of neonatal lung regenerative medicine. The conversation also touches on the importance of mentorship, resilience in research, and fostering a positive lab environment.

In this episode of At the Bench, Betsy Crouch and David McCulley engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Eleanor Molloy, a neonatologist and physician scientist. They explore Eleanor's journey in neonatology, the importance of inflammation in neonatal health, and the challenges and rewards of conducting research in this field. The discussion also highlights the significance of collaboration, both within research teams and with parents, to enhance clinical practice and improve outcomes for neonates. Eleanor shares insights on the role of biomarkers, the impact of sex differences in research, and the necessity of international collaboration in pediatric research. The episode concludes with reflections on the balance between clinical work and research, the importance of community in academia, and the need for a rallying call to inspire the next generation of clinician scientists.

In this episode of At the Bench, hosts Dr. Misty Good and Dr. Betsy Crouch sit down with Dr. AnneMarie Stroustrup, Chair of Pediatrics at Zucker School of Medicine, Physician-in-Chief at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, and senior vice president of the pediatric service line at Northwell Health.Dr. Stroustrup reflects on her path from early work in biotechnology to training as a neonatologist and physician scientist. She shares how volunteer experiences in an under-resourced emergency department shaped her decision to pursue medicine, and how her MPH in epidemiology provided the tools to investigate critical questions about fetal and neonatal exposures.The conversation highlights her research on environmental chemicals—particularly phthalates—and their links to outcomes such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, work within the NIH ECHO program, and the importance of large-scale, collaborative science. Dr. Stroustrup also discusses the persistence required in research, navigating funding rejections, and translating epidemiologic findings back to bench models.The discussion concludes with her insights on leadership in neonatology, from directing divisions and fellowships to now serving as chair, balancing research, clinical duties, and family life while advocating for sustainable staffing models in pediatrics.

In this episode of At-the-Bench, hosts David McCulley and Misty Good interview Dr. Jennifer Wambach, a neonatologist and researcher specializing in rare neonatal lung diseases. Dr. Wambach shares her journey into neonatology, her research on genetic lung diseases, and the importance of mentorship in developing future physician-scientists. The conversation also covers the Undiagnosed Diseases Network, current research on genetic lung diseases including ABCA3 deficiency, and the challenges faced in rare disease research. Dr. Wambach emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in scientific careers, offering valuable advice for early-career investigators.

In this episode, David McCulley and Betsy Crouch interview Dr. Benjamin Fensterheim, a neonatology physician scientist, who shares his journey through medical training, the inspiration behind his immunology research, and the importance of bridging the gap between basic science and clinical neonatology. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by physician scientists, the evolving landscape of neonatal care, and the need for innovative therapies in the NICU. Dr. Fensterheim emphasizes the significance of community and mentorship in supporting early-career researchers and advocates for the value of science in improving healthcare outcomes for infants.

In this episode of At the Bench, Drs. Misty Good and Betsy Crouch welcome Dr. Amélie Collins, an R01-funded neonatologist and associate professor at Cincinnati Children’s. A classically trained immunologist turned hematopoietic stem cell biologist, Dr. Collins shares her journey from philosophy major at the University of Chicago to leading a research program focused on fetal myelopoiesis in the context of maternal inflammation.She discusses her training path through MD/PhD at NYU, her formative time in the labs of Dan Littman and Emmanuelle Passegué, and the critical mentorship moments that shaped her career. Dr. Collins offers an honest look at the challenges and joys of long training, pivoting research directions, and starting an independent lab. She reflects on the intersection of science and clinical care, grant writing as a creative exercise, and the importance of celebrating effort and submission, not just success.We also dive into her Cell paper on the extrinsic regulation of emergency myelopoiesis in the fetus, the role of maternal IL-10, and how her lab is exploring how hematopoietic stem cells mature and retain memory of early-life exposures.Dr. Collins leaves listeners with powerful advice: “Do it because you love it. This career demands a lot, including your time, energy, and weekends. But if you love it, it’s worth it.”

In this episode of At The Bench, Drs. Misty Good and Betsy Crouch speak with Dr. Stephanie Gaw, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at UCSF, about her path to becoming a physician-scientist and her translational research on placental infections. Dr. Gaw shares how early lab experiences, time in the Peace Corps, and a pivot from infectious disease to OB-GYN shaped her focus on maternal immunity and global health.The conversation covers Dr. Gaw’s work on sepsis in pregnancy, COVID-19 and RSV vaccine responses, and congenital infections like syphilis. She also discusses her approach to building and managing a large placental biorepository, and the importance of thoughtful sample collection for reliable research outcomes. The episode includes practical insights on balancing clinical duties with research, the benefits of peer mentorship, and how clinical observations can drive lab-based investigation.This discussion offers a clear look into the realities and rewards of bridging bedside observations with bench research in maternal-fetal medicine. It’s a valuable listen for early-career physician-scientists and anyone interested in the complexities of immunology, placental biology, and perinatal infection.

In this episode of the Incubator, David McCulley and Misty Good talk with Dr. Satyan Lakshminrusimha, a leading figure in neonatology and physician-scientist who discusses his journey from clinician to researcher, the significance of large animal studies in neonatal care, and the impact of research on clinical guidelines. They explore the importance of mentorship, the challenges of conducting neonatology physician-scientist research, and the leadership roles in the field of neonatology. Dr. Lakshminrusimha discusses his journey in neonatology, emphasizing the importance of the mentorship he received, the inspiration he finds in mentoring others, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the evolving role of AI in healthcare. He reflects on the significance of nurturing future leaders in medicine and the need for fairness and transparency in departments of pediatrics. The discussion also touches on the intersection of art and science, showcasing how creativity can enhance medical education and communication.

In this episode of the Incubator, Dr. Paul Rozance discusses his research on fetal metabolism and growth regulation, emphasizing the role of insulin, glucagon, and placental function in development. He shares insights on how metabolic signals influence fetal growth and how complications like placental insufficiency impact long-term health. The conversation also highlights the challenges of translating research from animal models to clinical applications and the importance of collaboration in advancing neonatal science. Get your popcorn! There are some suspenseful stories #getyourpopcorn. #barker hypothesis #neuroendocrinology

Welcome to part one of a special two-part conversation featuring distinguished neonatologist and physician-scientist, Dr. Phyllis A. Dennery. In this “At the Bench” episode, hosts Drs. David McCulley and Misty Good, along with guest co-host Ben Courchia, delve into Dr. Dennery’s remarkable journey—spanning from her early fascination with molecular biology to her influential roles as Chair of Pediatrics at Brown University and Pediatrician-in-Chief at Rhode Island Hospital. Throughout the discussion, she reflects on the challenges of investigating bilirubin as a possible antioxidant, pioneering new insights into newborn lung injury, and unraveling the complexities of oxidative stress.Dr. Dennery also opens up about building vibrant research programs at leading institutions, underscoring the value of mentorship, collaboration, and taking bold risks in pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries. She offers candid perspectives on balancing clinical demands with scientific innovation, and how she has navigated multiple leadership positions to foster deeper community engagement in pediatric health. This episode highlights not only her scientific achievements, but her passion for cultivating new talent and forging interdisciplinary partnerships. Don’t miss this engaging opening segment of our two-part series. Be sure to tune into The Incubator’s Sunday Interview for part two, where Dr. Dennery’s inspiring story continues!

In this episode of the Incubator, Betsy Crouch and David McCulley interview Dr. Wendy Chung, a leader in clinical genetics and child health research. They discuss her journey into genomics, the challenges faced in her career as a physician scientist, the importance of early mentorship, and her research interests, particularly in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Dr. Chung shares insights on the complexities of genetic disorders and the need for innovative approaches in treatment and diagnosis. She discusses her experiences with newborn screening and the evolution of genetic screening for rare diseases, emphasizing the importance of advocacy for children's health research. The conversation highlights the impact of patient stories in research and concludes with personal insights into family activities and the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life.

In this episode of the Incubator, hosts Betsy Crouch and David McCulley welcome Dr. Judy Aschner, a prominent neonatologist and physician scientist. Dr. Aschner shares her journey building a research career and emphasizes the importance of mentorship, determination, and collaboration across disciplines. She discusses her personal experiences that shaped her research focus, particularly in pulmonary hypertension and environmental health in neonatology. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of a career in medical research, underscoring the significance of intellectual curiosity and the impact of personal experiences on professional paths. Dr. Judy Aschner discusses her groundbreaking research on manganese levels in parenteral nutrition and its uptake into the brain of infants with prolonged exposure to TPN. She highlights the importance of understanding metal environmental exposures in the NICU and the collaborative efforts that led to successful grant writing for research projects. Dr. Aschner emphasizes the need for inclusivity in research, particularly for children with disabilities, and the significance of longitudinal studies in assessing long-term health outcomes. Additionally, she shares her passion for rock climbing as a means of maintaining mental and physical health amidst her demanding career.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Emin Maltepe shares his journey as a neonatologist and physician scientist, discussing the serendipitous events that shaped his research interests, particularly in hypoxia and drug development for neonatology. He reflects on the importance of mentorship, the challenges of drug development in pediatrics, and the MD-PhD pathway, providing insights into the complexities of balancing clinical practice with research. In this conversation, Emin Maltepe discusses his journey through the MD-PhD program and how it shaped his career in pediatric drug development. He highlights the significant challenges faced in developing therapeutics for pediatric populations, particularly preterm infants, and the lack of attention and funding in this area. Emin shares insights into his innovative approaches to drug and device development, including collaborations with global organizations and the importance of using appropriate animal models. He emphasizes the need for policy advocacy and business knowledge in the field of pediatric therapeutics, while also reflecting on the personal challenges and rewards of balancing family life with a demanding career.

In this episode of the Incubator "At the Bench," we speak with Dr. Eric Benner, a neonatologist and physician-scientist at Duke University. Dr. Benner shares his path from an MD-PhD student with a background in Parkinson’s research to a passionate neonatologist driven by personal experiences in the NICU after his twin sons were born prematurely. He describes how these experiences inspired him to dedicate his career to studying neurologic outcomes in preterm infants, focusing on neural stem cells and ways to improve outcomes for children like his son who has faced neurologic challenges. Dr. Benner discusses his pioneering research on oxysterols in breast milk, which activate neural pathways, particularly the sonic hedgehog pathway, to promote brain development in preterm infants. His journey includes navigating the patent process, founding a biotech company, and persisting despite initial skepticism from the pharmaceutical industry. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration, sharing practical advice for budding physician-scientists. Dr. Benner also highlights the need for palliative care in neonatology, inspired by his wife's work in palliative medicine, as an integral component of compassionate care in the NICU.

In this episode of the Incubator: At the bench, we talk with, Dr. Augusto Zani, a pediatric surgeon scientist who discusses his work on fetal lung regeneration and the use of stem cell derivatives and extracellular vesicles for diagnostics and therapy. He shares his journey from surgical training to becoming a surgeon scientist and the challenges he faced along the way. Dr. Zani also explains his transition from studying necrotizing enterocolitis to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and the unanswered questions in lung hypoplasia related to CDH. He highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind these conditions and the potential of extracellular vesicles in promoting lung growth and regeneration. Dr. Augusto Zani discusses his research on congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and the potential use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a therapy. He also discusses the role of inflammation in CDH and how EVs have both regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Zani also mentions the potential use of EVs in other pediatric surgical conditions, such as gastroschisis and spina bifida. He concludes by sharing his excitement about moving his lab to St. Louis Children's Hospital in the U.S.

Dr. Steve McElroy, a neonatologist and physician scientist, discusses his research on injury and repair mechanisms in the immature intestine, specifically focusing on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and spontaneous intestinal perforation in premature infants. He shares his journey from initially not wanting to pursue science to becoming a physician scientist, and how mentorship played a crucial role in his career. Dr. McElroy also talks about his pioneering work on Paneth cells and the Paneth cell ablation NEC model. He highlights the importance of listening, asking questions, and being open to new research directions. Finally, he discusses the impact of his leadership role as a division chief on his research and mentorship activities. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, celebrating small victories, and persisting through challenges. Dr. McElroy also shares insights into his current research on chorioamnionitis and its impact on neonatal health. He highlights the need for creative think time and the value of understanding mechanisms in basic science. The conversation concludes with a discussion on building a supportive and fun lab environment.

In this episode of the Incubator "At the Bench," we talk with Dr. Jill Maron, a neonatologist and physician-scientist at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island and Brown University. Join us as we hear Dr. Maron share her journey from medical school to becoming a leading researcher in neonatology. She discusses how her early drive to provide the best patient care evolved into a commitment to advancing bedside care through research. Inspired by Dr. Diana Bianchi, Dr. Maron pursued a career in salivary diagnostics, focusing on non-invasive prenatal testing and feeding tolerance in premature infants. She highlights the challenges and successes in her research journey, emphasizing the importance of finding the right mentorship and building a research career that addresses significant clinical questions that provide answers to patient care conundrums in the neonatal intensive care unit. Dr. Maron also talks about her experiences with giving a TED talk and the impact it had on her career. We are also fortunate to learn about how Dr. Maron decided to take on her current leadership role, when to say “yes,” and step out of your comfort zone in your personal and professional life. We are excited to have you join us for an insightful look into the life and career journey of an inspiring neonatologist-scientist!

In this episode of the Incubator, At the bench, we talk with Dr. Krithika Lingappan who is a neonatologist and physician-scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. Join us as we hear what inspired Dr. Lingappan to build her cutting-edge research program investigating sex-specific differences in preterm lung disease. She explains that every cell in the lung shows sex bias, including epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. She explores the role of the X and Y chromosomes in determining susceptibility to lung diseases and the ongoing research to understand the dosage of the X chromosome and genes on the Y chromosome. Dr. Lingappan also discusses the use of multi-omics approaches, such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, to study lung development and disease. We are fortunate to learn from her experiences including finding mentorship, building a research career that addresses a common clinical question, and establishing and then moving a research group. Dr. Lingappan also discusses her work promoting neonatology physician-scientist career development. We are thrilled to bring you this inside look into what it takes to become a neonatology physician-scientist!

In this episode of “At the Bench” in the Incubator podcast family, Dr. Donna Ferrero discusses her work on therapeutic hypothermia and neonatal brain injuries. She explains the development and implementation of therapeutic hypothermia as a treatment for brain injuries in newborns. Dr. Ferrero also explores the signaling pathways and early markers that can help identify patients who will respond well to hypothermia. She discusses the use of erythropoietin (EPO) and the results of the HEAL trial. Additionally, Dr. Ferrero highlights the importance of genetic variants and sex-specific differences in understanding and treating brain injuries. She also emphasizes the need for a multi-omics approach to better comprehend the complexity of brain injuries and develop personalized interventions. We also delve into the future of care for hypoxia ischemia and the importance of collaboration and career development for physician scientists. The value of collaboration with international researchers and the benefits of visiting other institutions and labs are highlighted. Tips for effective collaboration and overcoming challenges in career development are provided, along with insights into the role of leadership in advancing the field.

In this episode of “At the Bench”, we are interviewing one of our show’s co-hosts, Dr. David McCulley. David is a neonatologist and developmental biologist at the University of California, San Diego and in this show he talks about what motivated him to build a research program investigating the genetic and developmental mechanisms responsible for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). David directs an NIH-supported study to determine the genetic mechanisms responsible for abnormal lung and pulmonary vascular development in patients with CDH. He describes the mentorship and collaborative research experiences that have shaped his career path. David also talks about the work that he is doing along with the Society for Pediatric Research and the co-hosts of this program, Dr. Misty Good and Dr. Betsy Crouch, to encourage and promote pediatric physician-scientist career development.

In this episode of “At the Bench”, we have the privilege of interviewing one of our hosts, Dr. Misty Good. Dr. Good discusses her amazing career journey from learning to pipette water at the beginning of her neonatology fellowship to becoming a multiple R01-funded investigator. She shares how she is inspired every day to improve the care of preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis through her research and how she decided to pursue a career as a physician-scientist due to the desire to improve the lives of all babies. Dr. Good’s story serves as an inspiration to early career faculty and those navigating the challenging but incredibly rewarding career path of a neonatologist-scientist.

This week, we start by interviewing Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Crouch, a neonatologist, neuroscientist, and vascular biologist at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Crouch’s lab takes a “Vascular-centric” perspective to neurodevelopment and studies how the blood vessels in the developing brain and spinal cord impact the growing neural cells, and vice versa. In part, this approach is inspired by germinal matrix hemorrhage, a devastating condition unfortunately common in the NICU that can cause cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, and death. Early in Dr. Crouch’s training, a family she cared for in the NICU questioned the status quo in germinal matrix hemorrhage management. They asked why, in this era of modern medicine, their baby had no treatment options for this devastating and common condition. This anecdote highlights what has become a theme in her research: basic and translational science inspired by parents and patients. Her lab now focuses on defining the stages of vascular stem cells in the developing brain and understanding the mechanisms that regulate their functions, applying this knowledge to produce novel technologies and therapeutic strategies for different brain hemorrhages in neonatal and pediatric patients. This episode discusses the challenges and victories in Dr. Crouch’s journey, her mentors and their wisdom, and how we might create a future without germinal matrix hemorrhage for our premies and their families.