​The Leibel lab is interested in studying human lung development and disease, specifically the effects of surfactant on normal lung development, in the setting of RSV infection as well as the molecular mechanisms of inflammation, hyperoxia and stretch on the developing lung in the setting of surfactant deficiency. Using induced pluripotent stem cell derived 3D human lung organoids, we aim to understand the racial disparities of preterm babies with respiratory distress syndrome and the genetic and epigenetic profiles of babies at risk of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We aim to develop novel therapies to increase surfactant production and secretion in preterm babies including allogenic cell transfer, nanotechnology and therapeutics.