Highlightening Rutgers University
Advancing Global TB Research Through Leadership
Rutgers University’s Contributions to RePORT International
Advancing Global TB Research Through Leadership
Rutgers University (RU) has a distinguished history in tuberculosis (TB) research dating back to the 1943 discovery of streptomycin and the development of the GeneXpert platform as a TB diagnostic in 2010. Currently, Rutgers investigators lead several NIH-funded global TB research initiatives in addition to RePORT International, specifically FEND-TB and the TB Research Unit (TBRU).
Foundation of Excellence
Rutgers University, in partnership with Boston University, established a collaboration with the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) and competed successfully to become a site in RePORT India (2013). Dr. Jerry Ellner was the first US Chair of that network. Under the guidance of Drs. Jerry Ellner, Natasha Hochberg, Padmini Salgame, Pranay Sinha, and Robert Horsburgh, Rutgers and Boston University began a focused study on TB comorbidities and biomarker discovery that has evolved into a comprehensive research program.
Strategic Institutional Contributions
Rutgers has several centers and teams which work together to support TB research. The Data and Operations Management Center (DOMC) headed by Mr. David Hom assisted RePORT India in developing the Data Hub at JIPMER. The data harmonization initiative of RePORT International led by Mr. Hom and Dr. Stephany Duda from Vanderbilt has enabled researchers to address sophisticated epidemiological questions that extend beyond the capabilities of individual research sites. This systematic approach to data management is a cornerstone of RePORT International. The Administrative Core team ensures seamless execution of international programs through specialized teams handling regulatory compliance, fiscal administration, and operational logistics. The Rutgers Center for Data Science, under the direction of Dr. Evan Johnson, has provided novel computational support to RePORT sites, through the analysis of genomics data, development of novel biomarkers, and through trainings and courses in computational methods and data analysis.
Behind the Scenes Excellence: Team Game
Beginning in 2023, Rutgers became the hub of the RePORT International Coordinating Center (RICC). While having only two full-time RICC staff, our dedicated team, supported in part through institutional funds, considers RePORT International a priority and strives to deliver consistent and exceptional results. Dr. Rajita Bhavaraju, the Director of Global Operations notes how the team brings deep expertise to RePORT International’s operations, skillfully managing complex tasks and problem-solving with a level of precision that often goes unnoticed. Their commitment to excellence ensures seamless operations despite our lean structure. The program emphasizes professional development and collaborative excellence creating an environment where complex research objectives are systematically achieved through coordinated team efforts and strategic planning. This provides a perfect atmosphere not just for staff but also for junior researchers to learn and grow.
Another unique aspect of the Rutgers team is the long-standing commitment of the leadership group to excellence in TB research. Dr. Ellner and Mr. Hom have worked together for over 3 decades, and with Dr. Salgame, Dr. Soyeon Kim (Frontier) and Ms. Francesca Escaleira for 1-2 decades! At Rutgers we have true synergism in our interactions as well as mutual trust.
In addition to RePORT India, the Rutgers group has collaborated with (now) RePORT Uganda for over 30 years and has multiple NIH-funded projects that have been leveraged in the addition of Uganda to the consortium.
The Rutgers Team
Bioinformatics Collaboration and Support
Evan Johnson provides analytical support, collaboration, and training in data science methods.
Data Management
David Hom and Priyal Matreja ensure data integrity and analysis.
Fiscal and Administration
Audrey Mioli, Francesca Escaleira, and Lorraine Luciano-McKeon lead grant administration, budget development, and problem-solving.
Operations and Project Coordination
Daphne Martin, Emily Douglass, Rajita Bhavaraju, and Joanna Radman, coordinate the RICC programs, logistics, meetings, and communications.
Regulatory Management
Ann Tufariello manages complex legal and institutional requirements.
Scientific Leadership
Drs. Ellner, Salgame, and Verma provide critical input, including training at international sites.
Collaboration Across RU Centers
RU’s Emerging Pathogens Center, Public Health Research Institute, DOMC, and the Center for Data Science collaborate effectively to support RePORT International. Shared vision and strong communication have led to advanced problem-solving and grant awards, highlighting the synergy between RU teams.
Future Directions
Rutgers University continues to advance its position as a leader in global TB research through RePORT International. The success of Rutgers University’s involvement in RePORT International demonstrates how institutional expertise, combined with strategic management and professional execution, can accelerate progress in global health research initiatives and collaboration.
What do you consider the highlight of your being part of the Rutgers Team?
The best part of working with the TB RICC team is the people. I enjoy collaborating with all the team members at Rutgers as well as working with our domestic and international partners.
Our team fosters a collaborative environment where we can share ideas, learn from each other’s strengths, and collectively work towards achieving a common goal, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared success.
Being part of this eclectic team has been remarkable. Despite working across multiple time zones, we collaborate seamlessly, with each member bringing unique strengths to the table. The organic mentorship and the culture of mutual support within our team creates growth while consistently delivering results.
The Rutgers team is very focused on finding solutions, and the team from Dr. Ellner’s leadership to implementation of fiscal oversight, regulatory, quality assurance, and protocol conduct, works well together, and always with a smile and a good attitude.
Having been involved with of the first generation of RePORT protocols in South Africa, I’m excited to be working with the RICC team and to see the incredible growth and progress the consortium has achieved. Being exposed to and having a hand in the development and implementation of innovative and impactful programs like RICC is one of the truly unique opportunities that draws me to our group and my role at Rutgers.
Working with Drs. Ellner and Salgame and the whole support team makes our team’s science exciting and engaging. I am looking forward to continued collaboration and the discovery of new and important discoveries to cure the world of TB.
Diversity that arises with working with international colleagues.
The “can-do” upbeat atmosphere of all involved. The task of leading RICC 2.0 and 3.0 is complex and demanding and requires total commitment of individuals and the team. Whereas the success of RICC 3.0 and RePORT International is not a given, I feel that the Rutgers team provides has the expertise and the passion to move us forward.
Our sense of teamwork. The RICC team at Rutgers is a wonderful group of professionals with complementary skill sets. It is a fun group to problem-solve with and to socialize with.
Ours is a dynamic team that doesn’t shy away from challenges. If we face obstacles, we work together to puzzle them out. It’s a supportive environment that welcomes new ideas and approaches.
RICC 3.0 under the leadership of Dr. Ellner has a strong and compelling vision of achieving complex and sophisticated research goals. I think this is a key component to our teams’ overall success. In this culture-work becomes fun—yes fun!
The leadership and team members are always open to bringing in new tools and technology to help with various aspects of research. This provides a perfect environment for junior researchers to learn and grow. Dr. Ellner’s exemplar leadership is inspiring and keeps the team motivated to progress in the world of tuberculosis science.
I enjoy the passion for TB research exhibited by my colleagues. I have worked in the TB field for 27 years, and in my position which I have only held for a year, I still feel inspired about the mission of TB elimination. This position has allowed me to grow in working with others globally and learn new skills.
Research collaboration and effective communication are essential components of a successful scientific setting, particularly at RICC where working with global partners spread over multiple time zones is all in a day’s work. In this team we believe in shared knowledge and leveraging each other’s strengths to accelerate the consortium’s growth. Our motto – teamwork makes the dream work!
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