Wake Forest School of Medicine, Molecular and Cellular Biosciences

Claire Doerschuk, Ph.D.

I completed my PhD in Molecular Medicine and Translational Science at Wake Forest School of Medicine. The Files’ lab focuses on illuminating the molecular mechanisms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)-induced muscle wasting and exercise- induced muscle preservation. My dissertation research focused on the molecular mechanism of endogenous glucocorticoids on ARDS-induced muscle wasting recovery in mice and humans. As a SPIRE scholar, I am looking forward to expanding my research in lung injury via understanding the pathology and individual’s susceptibility to lung infections. My passions include research, academia and mentorship. I have been dedicated to expanding scientific literacy and education in the minority community. My goal is to provide a space for students that encourages critical thinking, high student engagement, creativity and collaboration. I want to be an academic transformer that reduces students’ anxiety about assessments and provides them with the tools to learn effectively. This program will allow me to develop and learn with colleagues that have similar career goals in research and scientific education. The SPIRE Postdoctoral Program has produced exceptional academic scientists and I am confident that the program will help me achieve my career and educational goals.