AGA Research Foundation researcher of the month: David L. Boone, PhD

Pilot award provides a stepping stone

Dr. Boone’s AGA Research Foundation pilot grant has paved the way for future success. Using the data from his AGA-funded project, as well as the constructive feedback he received from the AGA awards panel, Dr. Boone went on to successfully obtain new funding in the form of a Pfizer ASPIRE research grant. This work is building the foundation for Dr. Boone’s next big grant venture: an NIH R01 grant.

Two postdocs, a graduate student, a technician, and a dog named Boone

Dr. Boone shared with us that the best outcome from his AGA grant was that the additional funding made it possible to grow his lab by a postdoctoral researcher and lab technician. One of Dr. Boone’s great passions is training the next generation of scientists, both in the lab and through his role as a microbiology and immunology professor for first-year medical students at Indiana University Medical School.

It’s clear that Dr. Boone has made a lasting impact on his former mentees and students. One of his former postdoctoral researchers named her labrador retriever “Boone” in his honor (hence Boone lab). In an ironic turn of events, Boone the dog is currently being treated with a JAK inhibitor for an inflammatory condition!

Beyond the lab – a commitment to IBD patients

Dr. Boone wanted to do more to support patients with IBD. He had heard of Camp Oasis – the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation regional camp for patients with IBD – and knew of physicians who provided medical services at the camp. After looking into making a donation to Camp Oasis Michigan, Dr. Boone learned that what the camp really needed was male counselors. So, despite being “older than an average camp counselor,” Dr. Boone packed his bags for Michigan. Participating in Camp Oasis the last 2 years has been a great joy for Dr. Boone and provides added inspiration and motivation for his work in the lab.

The AGA Research Foundation is proud to fund researchers who are committed to improving the lives of patients – both in and out of the lab. You can help keep great researchers in GI by making a gift to the AGA Research Foundation, www.gastro.org/foundation.

ginews@gastro.org