Ravinder Gill, PhD
Associate Director, Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Department of Medicine
About
Gill’s basic and translational research interests primarily focus on intestinal epithelial transport with specific emphasis on serotonin transporter (SERT) and its relation to Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathways. For the last 2 decades, studies from her laboratory utilizing a wide array of distinct and complementary approaches have characterized the function and expression of SERT in the native human intestine and provided important insights into its cellular and molecular mechanisms of regulation in health and GI diseases. This work encompasses modulation of intestinal SERT by enteric pathogens, growth factors, epigenetic modifications and posttranslational mechanisms with an overall goal to harness intestinal SERT regulatory mechanisms as a novel target for the treatment of intestinal inflammation and gut-brain axis disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Since joining the faculty in Department of Medicine (DOM), Dr Gill has been involved in administrative, leadership as well as student/fellow trainings in different capacities ranging from leader of GI course for GEMS students; mentoring pre doctorate and post doctorate fellows; serving as a mentor for Undergraduate and summer research students including sponsored by Hispanic center of excellence at UIC and for AGA (American Gastroenterology Association) summer research programs aimed at promoting underrepresented students in GI research; serving on the medical school and GI fellow’s interviews and recruitment panels at UIC. She has also served as a member of Thesis Committee of several graduate students from different departments to provide input regarding the epithelial physiology, host microbial interactions and transport components of their projects. Dr Gill generally develop a comprehensive and individualized training plan for each trainee to strengthen their research, technical and presentation skills. Notably, she has served as a sponsor on F30 NRSA awarded (NIH/NIDDK) applications of MSTP students. At a National level, she was nominated and elected to serve on the nominating council of AGA basic and clinical intestinal disorders (BCID), chair elect for AGA research award panel and serves as a councilor for BCID section at American Physiological Society (APS).
As a faculty and in her role as the Associate Director of Medical scientist training program (UIC MSTP), Dr Gill actively engages with various faculty members and plays a pivotal role in advising predoctoral students. She is the leader of the Cytosine house, cohort advisor to G1 and G2 students, promoting career and professional development while emphasizing rigor and responsible conduct, DEI, and overall program development (participating in admissions, recruitment, program evaluation) and advocating for the aspiring trainees in their goals of being successful physician scientists.