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Expand the Research of Human Appearance

The Science of Human Appearance Career Development Award (CDA) provides annual salary support for the career development of individuals who wish to understand the cell and molecular mechanisms of altered human appearance or of therapeutic interventions. This CDA recognizes the specialty’s sizeable increase in focus on human appearance and the paucity of high-quality research in the area. This award is intended to support research addressing human appearance issues caused by aging and/or environmental factors. 

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Featured Award Recipient

Skin Microbiome–Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Crosstalk at Skin Interface Regulates Barrier Function

A compromised skin barrier results in increased susceptibility to pathogens and chronic conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis [AD]) that severely impact human appearance. The skin microbiome is a critical regulator of skin physiology. However, the chemical diversity of signals from skin microbes, and how keratinocytes decipher them, remain unexplored. Our goal is to understand how host–microbiota interactions regulate skin barrier integrity.

SHA-CDA-Aayushi-Uberoi

Aayushi Uberoi, PhD

University of Pennsylvania

Science of Human Appearance Career Development Award

Award Recipients | Science of Human Appearance Career Development Award

Mio Nakamura, MD, MS
University of Michigan
Phototherapy in Psoriasis Patients of Skin of Color

Eun Kyung Ko, PhD - Year 2
University of Pennsylvania
Defining the Role of Human Epigenome in Sebaceous Gland Development and Disease

Nicholas Theodosakis, MD, PhD - Year 3
Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital
Exploring Neurological Disease as a Model for Melanocyte Dysfunction

Amy R. Vandiver, MD, PhD - Year 3
University of California, Los Angeles
Understanding the Role of Mitochondrial Genomic Deletions in Photoaging