Our Team

Megan Cooper is a pediatric rheumatologist specializing in the care of children with inborn errors of immunity. Her laboratory focuses on basic mechanisms of immune cell activation and regulation. She investigates defects of the immune system that lead to pediatric autoimmunity and immune deficiency, using genetic sequencing to uncover novel molecular mechanisms of pediatric disease. Discoveries from her lab have led to the identification of new diseases and clinical trials to target therapies for patients.

Jeffrey Bednarski is a bone marrow transplant physician specializing in the care of children with inborn errors of immunity. He leads our sites clinical trial studies as part of the Primary Immune Deficiency Treatment Consortium, which is focused on improving therapies for children with inherited disorders of the immune system. He directs a research program focused on understanding how B cells, immune cells that make antibodies, mature and acquire full function. Bednarski is a part of the center’s advisory committee.

David Hunstad is the Arnold W. Strauss, MD, Endowed Professor for Mentoring and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at WUSM. His research focuses on sex differences in pathogenesis and host response in urinary tract infections.

Maleewan Kitcharoensakkul is a pediatric rheumatologist, immunologist, and allergist. She directs the fellowship program in pediatric rheumatology, and educational efforts within our clinical immunology group. Kitcharoensakkul is a part of the center’s advisory committee.

Ron Rubenstein is a pediatric pulmonologist whose research focuses on cystic fibrosis. His present interests include development of novel therapies for CF, basic mechanisms of protein and epithelial ion channel trafficking, mechanisms underlying the development of cystic fibrosis related diabetes and aminoglycoside-related ototoxicity.

Kristen McDaniels is a highly-experienced clinical research coordinator. She works directly with research participants and maintains records for the center. She can assist full members with IRB applications for relevant projects.

Ana Kolicheski has expertise in analysis of exome and genome sequencing and single-cell RNA-seq. She is available for consultation for all center members, and full members can have dedicate time to work with Kolicheski for their center-related projects.

Nermina Saucier has over 12 years of experience in processing and handling human immune cell samples. She maintains our sample bank and is responsible for distribution of samples approved for use by center members.

Rachel works with the Center for Pediatric Immunology assisting with human sample preparation, ensuring that we maintain high-quality preparation of samples from research participants.