Dr. Jillian Hurst

Biography

Jillian Hurst is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Duke University and an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. Her research focuses on the upper respiratory microbiome and its influence on childhood respiratory infections. Dr. Hurst investigates how early life exposures and microbial colonization can affect a child's immune system and susceptibility to infections, particularly recurrent respiratory infections and acute otitis media (AOM). She studies the alterations in the upper respiratory microbiome associated with AOM and elucidates host factors and environmental exposures that predispose children to recurrent episodes. Additionally, her efforts are part of the Children’s Health & Discovery Initiative, aiming to create a robust coalition of multidisciplinary investigators to identify and modulate early life factors impacting lifelong health and well-being. Dr. Hurst's innovative approaches involve developing genetic therapies and understanding the effects of environmental exposures on immune function, especially during critical periods of development such as prenatal, infancy, and childhood.

Research Interests

Experience