Effective September 1, 2025, Christina Gurnett, MD, PhD, will begin her tenure as Head of the Division of Pediatric Neurology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Gurnett, the A. Ernest & Jane G. Stein Professor of Neurology, began her journey at Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital in 2000 as a resident. She joined the faculty in 2004 and rose swiftly through the academic ranks, attaining the position of full professor in 2017, the same year she took on the role as ICTS Associate Director.
“It has been a great experience working with Chris, leading the ICTS together,” says William Powderly, MD, ICTS Director. “I think we complemented each other greatly. Her own career, blending basic science, with translation into patients and community engagement, greatly mirrors what we hope to accomplish with the ICTS, and I am sure she will continue to make an outstanding contribution to translational science in her new role in Philadelphia.”
Gurnett’s Insights about Working at the ICTS
Q: What has working at the ICTS meant to you?
A: The ICTS has given me the extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with staff and faculty across the region- not only on the WashU medical campus, but also with investigators on the Danforth campus and at MU and SLU. In this role, I have been able to create innovative infrastructure and connect individuals with the resources they need to achieve advances in cancer, genetics, infectious diseases, community health, etc. The breadth of what we do is immense, and that in itself is fascinating and intellectually stimulating.
Q: What are a few of your favorite memories or notable contributions from your time at the ICTS?
A: I had the privilege of working with William Powderly, MD, throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, which meant that we had a few months’ warning about the likely events ahead. Our entire ICTS team pivoted to support our community and researchers throughout this dire period. The relationships we built at the ICTS served us well in rapidly approving clinical trials, creating a fully functioning biorepository from many key constituents, and delivering pilot funding to researchers who delivered high-impact translational advances. As every other lab closed down, I was busier than ever with my role at the ICTS. Being around committed colleagues and friends, even on Zoom, helped me to get through this challenging time.
Q: Why are entities like the ICTS and other CTSAs so important for the scientific community?
A: Team science is the foundation of CTSAs. Our data shows that the most successful researchers on our campuses rely on the cores, pilot funding, training, and fundamental infrastructure that are only possible because of the ICTS. I take much pride in being involved in the success of others around me, particularly as I know their results will directly impact the health of my family and community.
“Dr. Gurnett is a warm, accomplished, and strategic leader in translational science,” says Nancy Sweitzer, MD, ICTS Associate Director. “Her work at WashU to bridge research groups, departments, patients, and scientists will have a lasting impact. UPenn is wise to have recognized her abilities with this important new role, and she will be missed!”
Some Highlights from Gurnett’s ICTS/WashU Career
- Gurnett Receives Highest WashU Medicine Faculty Honor
- ICTS Precision Health Team Develops Genomic Return of Results Service
- ICTS Precision Health supports research on new genetic cause of neurodevelopmental disorders’
- ABC Science Collaborative, RADx-UP publish lessons learned about keeping children safe in school during pandemic
- Gurnett Presents in NextGen Precision Health Discovery Series – The WashU Precision Health Experience
