Terez Shea-Donohue, Ph.D.
Responsibilities & Activities
As a Program Director in the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, I support basic and translational research related to neurogastroenterology, gastrointestinal (GI) and GI epithelial barrier function. My research portfolio covers the enteric nervous system including neuroimmune interactions; the brain-gut axis including the impact of neurodegenerative diseases on gastrointestinal physiology; basic and translational gastrointestinal motility; mechanisms of non-nutrient luminal sensing including those involved in pain; and changes in mucosal barrier function in response to inflammation or infection. I also am involved in the NIH Common Fund Program SPARC (Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions) Component 1 (Anatomical and Functional Mapping). This program supports investigations that detail the anatomical and functional mapping of neural circuitry mediating visceral organ pain with the goal of developing device-based therapeutics.
Research Programs
Gastrointestinal Immunology, Inflammation, & Inflammatory Diseases
Research on mucosal immunology, intestinal immunity, and inflammation in gastrointestinal diseases and conditions.
Gastrointestinal Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
Research on the gut microbiota and pathogenic organisms that reside in the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastrointestinal Neurobiology
Research on the neural control of the gastrointestinal system.
Gastrointestinal Physiology, Development, & Epithelial Biology
Basic, clinical, and translational research on GI development, diseases, and disorders.
Motility & Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Research on gastrointestinal motility and functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Committees & Working Groups
- Trans NIDDK Women's Health Working Group, Member
- Neuron-glia Interactions interest group, Member
- Neurobiology Interest Group, Member
Select Experience
Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, NIH, 2018-2019
Professor of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 2004-2018
Physiologist, USDA, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, 2001-2004
Asscoiate Professor and Professor of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of of the Healths Sciences, 1992-2001