People

My Research Interests are divided into 3 areas of focus:

1. Supportive Care (especially Invasive Fungal Infections) following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
2. Transplantation for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
3. Transplantation for Rare Leukemias (JMML and APL)

Our group works in three areas. In the first, we are studying the mechanisms used by the trophoblast cells of the human placenta to invade the uterus during normal pregnancy. Human fetal development depends on the embryo's ability to rapidly gain access to the maternal circulation. The cytotrophoblasts that form the fetal portion of the human placenta have solved this problem by transiently exhibiting certain invasive, tumor-like properties.

Dr. Flora (Fatemeh) Momen-Heravi is an internationally recognized clinician-scientist and periodontist whose work bridges mucosal immunology, periodontology, cancer biology, and precision medicine. As the R. Earl Robinson Distinguished Professor of Periodontology and Division Chief of Periodontology at Department of Orofacial Sciences, she leads pioneering research into the immune system’s interactions with the tumor microenvironment and inflammatory diseases, including oral and periodontal disease.

My work focuses on uncovering and addressing environmental determinants of disease and health inequities. My research covers how harmful chemicals and pollutants impact health, pregnancy, and child development. I also lead efforts to translate scientific information into actionable change in the clinic and through public policy. Previously I served as a senior scientist and policy advisor for the U.S. EPA’s Office of Policy.

My research explores the intricate transcriptional regulatory forces that guide dental epithelial cells to commit to the ameloblast lineage—master architects of the hardest tissue in the human body. Once their enamel-secreting mission is complete, these cells undergo a remarkable transformation into junctional epithelial cells, forming a critical barrier that safeguards the health of the gingival sulcus. I also aim to clarify the roles of the junctional epithelium in innate immunity to effectively combat periodontal pathogens.