Syed, Sana
Primary Appointment
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatrics
Education
- MD, Medicine, Aga Khan University
- MS, Clinical Research, Emory University
Contact Information
Email: ss8xj@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
Research Disciplines
Computational Biology, Data Science in Medicine, Experimental Pathology, Global Health, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Research Interests
Understanding why a subset of children living in in low- and middle-income countries around the world develop growth and vaccine failure. Investigating the causes and progression of inflammatory enteropathies of the gastrointestinal lumen. Integrating data science-driven approaches with medicine to drive precision medicine.
Research Description
Sana Syed’s NIH-funded research uses state-of-the-art molecular and data science techniques to characterize the metabolic shifts, genetic signatures, and tissue features associated with pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases. Using cutting-edge molecular and computational image analysis techniques, the Syed Lab studies intestinal structure and function in patients with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Syed’s global health research is primarily centered on identifying early signatures of environmental enteric dysfunction, considered the primary driver for stunting in many low- and middle-income countries, while her research in the U.S. centers on leading collaborations to better diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases and predict patient-specific future outcomes of disease. Together, Dr. Syed’s research aims to improve diagnostics, outcome predictions, and personalized medical care for children all around the world. Dr. Syed is also a champion for improving diversity and professional development, serving as Director of the Inspiring Diverse Researchers in Virginia (iDRIV) program and Director of the Early Career Research Mentorship program in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Syed has spearheaded several diversity-focused career development and mentorship programs for women and underrepresented minorities in science and medicine. Through these efforts, Dr. Syed strives to enhance representation in medical training to support a diverse research workforce that provides patient-centered healthcare for all patients.