The American Gastroenterological Association recognized New York City-based New York University's Lea Ann Chen, MD, as a rising microbe investigator.
Here are four things to know about her:
1. Dr. Chen received the AGA Research Foundation's 2016 Research Scholar Award.
2. Her work is focused on gut microbiome and inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Dr. Chen said she hopes her work will provide insight into how gut microbes affect disease pathogenesis, and that the information will be used to develop new treatments.
4. She lauded AGA's support of her in the mentorship and training arenas. She said, "[AGA] has further helped me discover a diverse community of clinicians and scientists who are amazing role models, resources and colleagues. I really had no inkling what was in store when I first joined AGA as a trainee, but I feel very lucky that I did and am grateful for how AGA membership has really enriched my life as a gastroenterologist."