La Roche-Posay Names Grant Winners

Committed to working alongside dermatologists, La Roche-Posay's North American Foundation encourages residents, fellows and practitioners with at least two years beyond training to develop innovative programs. The brand and a board of certified dermatologists awards two to three winners with grants for ground-breaking projects in dermatology.
 
The winners include: Cory Simpson, MD, PhD, resident physician, department of dermatology of University of Pennsylvania; Karen Yan Kuo, MD, resident in dermatology, Stanford School of Medicine; and Michele Zerah, MD, internal medicine/dermatology resident, PGY2, Medstar Washington Hospital Center.  
 
Dr. Simpson was granted $10,000 for his project aimed at keratinocytes and understanding mechanisms regulating this process and how it may be altered in aging, skin cancer, and disorders.
 
“I'll translate my findings to a 3D skin model that replicates the normal histology of the epidermis within two weeks. With this unique platform I can assess effects of drug treatments or genetic manipulation,” shares Simpson.
 
Dr. Yan Kuo received $5,000 for her study on genome-wide meta-analysis to provide new genetic markers for patients based on skin cancer risk and prevention.
 
“We believe the knowledge of an individual's susceptibility of skin cancer will change health behaviors. Our dream is to use personal genotype information in clinic to alter behaviors and lower risk,” said Dr. Kuo.
 
Dr. Zerah was granted 5,000 for his study that will directly measure Vitamin D levels to compare different regimens of supplementation. The results may change primary care practices on prescriptions and facilitate avenues of further research.”