The Richard King Mellon Foundation has awarded a grant of $2.1 million toward UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s fundraising campaign, This Moment. The grant will support three researchers at UPMC Children’s.
Scientists focused on Research Breakthroughs
The Richard King Mellon Foundation is helping to ensure that UPMC Children’s can bring and keep the best and the brightest research talent here in Pittsburgh. The researchers awarded the grant are working toward breakthroughs in infection biology and childhood asthma, work that is especially impactful in the Pittsburgh region.
Tim W. Hand, PhD
Dr. Hand is working to understand how the intestinal microbiome shapes immune responses. Dr. Hand’s work has led to discoveries in how antibodies in breast milk shape immune response in infants.
As Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Director of the Richard King Mellon Institute for Pediatric Research, Dr. Hand is one of the most accomplished scientists at the University of Pittsburgh.
Taylor Eddens, MD, PhD
Dr. Eddens, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, is studying the root causes of asthma to foster new strategies for prevention and treatment. Asthma is the most prevalent chronic condition in children in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Eddens is a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of children with allergies and immune deficiencies. He is supported, in part, by a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) K08 award.
Glenn J. Rapsinski, MD, PhD
Dr. Rapsinski, Instructor of Pediatrics, focuses on the respiratory microbiome in people with chronic lung conditions, like cystic fibrosis, and those requiring mechanical ventilation.
Dr. Rapsinski is a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of children with infectious diseases. He is supported in part by the distinguished CHP Scholar Award.
Richard King Mellon Foundation’s Support of UPMC Children’s
The Richard King Mellon Foundation funds visionaries with bold ideas to advance prosperity in Southwestern Pennsylvania. One of the foundation’s goals is for everyone in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties to have the opportunity to live a healthy life. The foundation has granted more than $18 million to UPMC Children’s since its founding in 1947.
At this moment, the Richard King Mellon Foundation is enabling UPMC Children’s to address prevalent pediatric conditions and ensure that research which changes the world starts here in Pittsburgh.
You Can Support Research at UPMC Children’s
Philanthropy is the most impactful way to support the best and brightest researchers here in Pittsburgh. Together, we can catalyze leading-edge research for a better tomorrow.
If you would like to support research at UPMC Children’s, contact us today or donate now.