Dr. Kristin Gabor ’07 Recognized

Dr. Kristin Gabor is involved in two projects related to development for a treatment/cure for cystic fibrosis. A couple of years ago, Gabor, an MMA Marine Biology major, joined a young professionals group with the Carolinas chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to work on outreach and organize events and fundraisers. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.

Dr Kristin Gabor

Dr. Kristin Gabor

On November 8, the chapter named Gabor as a one of five honorees for Triangle’s Finest, a distinguished professional development and philanthropic program for emerging leaders in the community with a commitment to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.

“When I first learned about CF, I was doing an undergrad internship at the University of Maine at Orono during my sophomore year,” Gabor writes, “and my experience led me to pursue a career in biomedical science.

“At this time, life expectancy for a CF patient was around 28 years old. I had the opportunity in graduate school to study the effects of arsenic on CFTR, the gene that is mutated in CF, and how this impacted the immune response. Now, as a research scientist at Rho, I have had the opportunity to work on multiple CF projects that are in clinical studies, and am inspired by the potential these products could bring to patients with CF.

“The life expectancy of patients with CF is now approximately 40 years, with many patients living much longer. This is all due to scientific research and advances that are making differences in these patients’ lives.”

Those who receive the Triangle’s Finest honor agree to fundraise for CFF, which aims to provide those with cystic fibrosis the opportunity to lead full, productive lives. The foundation seeks to fund research and drug development, promote individualized treatment, and ensure access to specialized care.

Gabor is raising money through the foundation website established in her name.

Photo: finest.cff.org

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