Center for Pediatric Lung Research
- About Us
- Our Research
- Research Impact
Bench to Bedside Pediatric Lung Research
The Center for Pediatric Lung Research at 91´óÉñ Children’s is transforming how we understand and treat children’s breathing problems. Our work bridges the gap between laboratory discovery and bedside care. We bring innovative solutions directly to babies, children and teens with complex respiratory conditions.Ìý
Partnering with specialists across 91´óÉñ and leading institutions like Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Delaware, our diverse team of scientists and doctors work together to approach the most challenging pediatric lung conditions. We combine leading-edge laboratory research with real-world clinical studies, using everything from advanced cell models to child-sized animal studies to find new treatments.Ìý
We make a real difference in children's care. For example, we developed a quick, gentle breathing monitoring technology that takes just 5-10 minutes and requires no difficult tests. When used with premature infants on oxygen therapy, 62% showed improved breathing patterns, allowing doctors to adjust oxygen support in real time for better outcomes.
Our team is dedicated to solving today’s challenges in children’s breathing care, while also conducting forward-looking research to unlock future discoveries. Whether we’re developing new imaging methods, helping doctors adjust oxygen therapy for premature babies, or studying new treatments for rare lung diseases, we’re helping kids breathe easier and live healthier lives.
Advancing Pediatric Breathing Care: By the Numbers
The Center for Pediatric Lung Research combines advanced science with compassionate care. With robust funding from prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) and philanthropic partners, we provide high-impact investigations that make a difference.Ìý
$4.1+ M
Annual grant funding and awards (2024-2025)
4
Patents filed by our team since 2006
6
Active, federally funded studies
8
Investigators conducting research
9
Number of scientific presentations each year
Our teamÌýpioneers new monitoring systems, imaging techniques and treatment approaches. We present our findings at major medical conferences worldwide.Ìý
WeÌýcombine advanced cell studies, animal models and clinical trialsÌýto develop new treatments for rare and common breathing disorders.
OurÌýresearch focuses on improving real-world outcomes for kidsÌý—Ìýfrom optimizing oxygen therapy for premature babies to developing better breathing supports for kids with neuromuscular disorders.Ìý
Our teamÌýfosters robust cross-disciplinary collaboration across our health system, including neonatology, anesthesiology, critical care and others.
Our Leadership
Thomas H. Shaffer, MSE, PhD
Professor of Pediatrics
Director, Center for Lung Research
Research Team
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Innovative Research That Helps Kids Breathe Easier
Our center combines clinical innovation, targeted investigations and laboratory breakthroughs to improve respiratory care for children. We translate scientific discovery into better treatments.
Focus Areas
Through advanced technology and specialized resources, our team pioneers new ways to assess and understand children's breathing challenges. Our focus areas include:
- Basic lung development:ÌýInvestigating cellular mechanisms and development processes to prevent respiratory disorders children, with emphasis on premature infant care.
- Treatment innovation:ÌýAdvancing respiratory support technologies and medications through integrated clinical research and real-time assessment methodologies.
- Special population care:ÌýDeveloping targeted interventions for children with rare diseases, neuromuscular conditions and complex respiratory needs.Ìý
- Assessment technology:ÌýCreating and validating non-invasive monitoring tools and improving respiratory care delivery for kids of all ages.
Research Themes
Our research priorities target two critical areas: Understanding pediatric respiratory system development and creating more effective treatments. We operate generally under these research themes:
- Bench to bedside translation:ÌýAccelerating laboratory discoveries into patient care through integrated clinical and research programs.Ìý
- Non-invasive innovation:ÌýCreating gentle, effective methods to monitor and treat breathing problems in children.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration:ÌýCombining expertise across medical specialties and research institutions to solve complex respiratory challenges.
- Real-time assessment:ÌýDeveloping new technologies that allow for immediate evaluation and adjustment for better care.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies at 91´óÉñ
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Our researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in this area. Find a clinical trial or study now.
ResearchÌýPartnershipsÌý
We expand our knowledge and leverage diverse perspectives with partnerships and collaborations within and outside our field of study.Ìý
InternalÌýPartnersÌý
Within the 91´óÉñ system we’ve established robust cross-disciplinary research partnerships with specialists in:
- Anesthesiology:ÌýMary Theroux, MDÌý
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Critical Care
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Emergency Medicine
- Rare Diseases
External Partners
Moving beyond our walls, we collaborate with scientific leaders from other institutions. This expands our reach and advances innovation for the collective good of children everywhere. We currently work with:
- , Philadelphia, Pa.Ìý
- , Newark, Del.
- ,ÌýWilmington, Del.Ìý
- , Philadelphia, Pa.Ìý
- , Bethesda, Md.Ìý
Related Research & Clinical Focus
Centers at 91´óÉñ often align with research areas, affiliated labs, and clinical programs to support discovery and care systemwide.
Neonatal Intensive Care
CLINICAL CARE
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Orthopedic Center, Delaware Valley
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric orthopedic care including neuromuscular, spine, and limb conditions at 91´óÉñ Children’s Hospital, Delaware and throughout Greater Philadelphia.
Orthopedics Research
RESEARCH AREA
Our teams study bone, joint, and muscle development to improve care for children with orthopedic conditions through innovation and collaboration.
Pediatric Intensive Care
CLINICAL CARE
Critical care for children with serious illness or injury in specialized units at our Delaware and Florida children's hospitals.
Pulmonology
CLINICAL CARE
Comprehensive care for children with lung, airway, and breathing disorders provided by 91´óÉñ pediatric pulmonologists.
Pulmonology Research
RESEARCH AREA
Our teams explore lung development and respiratory disease to improve care for children through imaging, monitoring tools, and treatment innovation.
Radiology Research
RESEARCH AREA
Our researchers advance pediatric imaging by developing safer, clearer techniques that improve diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of childhood conditions.
Notable Impacts in Children’s Lung Health
Through robust research projects, patented technologies and clinical innovations, our center drives pediatric respiratory medicine forward. Our impact spans diagnostic tools to novel therapeutic approaches, with several patents granted and numerous federally funded studies.Ìý
We actively share our knowledge through international presentations and publications, which translate scientific discoveries into improved care for children with respiratory conditions. Some of our more notable impacts include:
- Pioneered novel PET imaging techniques for neurofibromatosis type 1, improving diagnostic accuracy.
- Developed new methods to assess respiratory function in children with cerebral palsy.
- Created breakthrough approach for visualizing SARS-CoV-2 receptor distribution via PET imaging.
- Established optimized protocols for high-flow nasal cannula therapy in clinical settings.
- Advanced respiratory support technologies for premature infants through innovative device development.
- Designed and patented novel treatments for respiratory depression.
- Developed real-time respiratory monitoring system that improved breathing outcomes in 62% of premature infants receiving oxygen therapy.
- Developed extrathoracic augmentation techniques for respiratory support.
- Created non-invasive cerebral cooling methods for therapeutic applications.
- Established biofeedback protocols for youth with chronic respiratory conditions.
- Advanced understanding of pulmonary dysfunction in Morquio A syndrome.
- Pioneered new approaches to alveolar epithelial cell research.
Grants & Awards
Our research is recognized and validated through generous grants. This support moves us forward and allows us to meaningfully contribute to scientific discovery. Our team has recently been awarded:Ìý
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
KO8 Award |ÌýRole of alveolar epithelial cell-derived CCN2 in lung development (2020-2025) | Alapati, D. (PI)
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)Ìý
R21 Grant |ÌýNon-Invasive Pulmonary Assessment in Cerebral Palsy (2023-2025) | Rahman, T. (PI)Ìý
R01 Grant |ÌýFunctional Assessment of Morquio A Syndrome (2021-2026) | Tomatsu, S. (PI)Ìý
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)Ìý
R21 Grant |ÌýPET Imaging of COVID-19 Entry Receptors (2021-2025) | Yue, X. (PI)
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)Ìý
P20 Grant |ÌýPET Imaging Probes for Lymphatic System (2024-2025) | Duncan, M. (PI)
Industry Sponsored ResearchÌý
Vapotherm, Inc.
High-Flow Nasal Cannula Impact on Cardiac Output (2023-2025) | Levenbrown, Y. (PI)Ìý
Enalare Therapeutics, Inc
ENA-001 Safety Margins in Respiratory Depression (2023-2024) | Shaffer, T. (PI)Ìý
Publications
91´óÉñ researchers constantly contribute to advancing scientific understanding. We share our knowledge, insights and discoveries to encourage collaboration and inspire further research.