IDCRC Mentee Profile: Nina Prasanphanich, MD, PhD

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Nina Salinger Prasanphanich, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Her research focuses on the functions of maternal and neonatal innate immune cells to prevent infections in pregnancy and neonates.

Dr. Salinger Prasanphanich is a member of the IDCRC's Mentorship Program cohort. This is designed to offer mentoring and development of early career investigators and fellows in clinical and translational infectious diseases research. Learn more about the program here.

Tell us more about your background and what led you to a career in infectious disease research.

I've been fascinated by the biology of infections since childhood. When I learned of the AIDS epidemic and the miracles brought about by antiretroviral therapy in elementary school, I decided I wanted to cure infectious diseases. After some twists and turns through E coli pathogenesis and Schistosomiasis research, I've chosen to focus on the immunobiology of pregnancy and neonatal infections, under the mentorship of Dr. Tamara Tilburgs, PhD.

Can you share more about your research and the goals of your work?

I find congenital and neonatal infections extremely compelling, based on my experience as a clinician and as a parent. In this sensitive developmental window, when signs of infection are subtle, better diagnostics and interventions could change a family's whole life. My research is focused on how innate cells at the maternal-fetal interface, such as natural killer cells, use specially adapted antimicrobial mechanisms to fight bacteria. Ultimately, I hope to translate this work into therapies that bolster immunity to pregnancy and neonatal pathogens.

What are you looking forward to most in the IDCRC Mentorship Program?

I am looking forward to networking with other Infectious Disease basic and translational scientists who have similar interests, and to hearing advice from those who have successfully navigated the hurdles of early career investigation.

What is a strength of the importance of the IDCRC?

This year especially, as investigators face more uncertainty than even before, being a part of this passionate and highly motivated group of individuals has helped keep me grounded in our shared academic mission.

What do you like to do outside of ID research?

I enjoy singing, cooking and bird watching in my spare time!