As a medical researcher, Dr. Volkmann has advanced scientific discovery in autoimmune diseases through innovative investigations of the gut microbiome, systemic sclerosis and interstitial lung disease. By applying state of the art technology, Dr. Volkmann and her team seek to transform the health of people living with autoimmune disease through forward-thinking research grounded in solid science.
Cutting-edge research uncovering complex immunological mechanisms and transformative insights into systemic sclerosis, the gut microbiome and autoimmune lung disease progression.
In two clinical trials, men with systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease experienced worsening of their disease at a faster rate than women, both with and without treatment. The men in this study also had an increased risk of premature death compared with women.
Patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease who experience a greater than or equal to 2% increase in their total extent of lung disease on CT imaging at 1 or 2 years follow-up have worse long-term survival based on data from 2 studies.
Our team conducted the first study to characterize the gut microbiome of patients with systemic sclerosis in 2016, and since this time, we have demonstrated that changes in the gut microbiome occur early in the course of systemic sclerosis and are influenced by diet and specific disease features.
Checking the levels of Kl-6 in the blood of patients with interstitial lung disease predicted which patients were likely to experience worsening of their disease. In addition, when KL-6 levels decreased after a patient started on treatment, they were less likely to experience future progression of their lung disease. Measuring changes in KL-6 levels could help determine whether a patient is responding favorably to treatment.
Dr. Volkmann's funded research portfolio seeks to advance personalized medicine and to improve our understanding of how root causes of autoimmune disease (e.g., trauma) can influence disease onset and features.
Cutting-edge molecular (PET) imaging to track fibrotic activity in patients with autoimmune interstitial lung disease.
Multi-year patient tracking uncovering breakthrough insights into disease progression and predictors of treatment response.
Evaluating how childhood trauma and other adverse life events affects outcomes of patients with autoimmune diseases.
Determining how specific diets affect the gut microbiome and symptoms of patients with autoimmune diseases.
Conducting qualitative studies to transform patient understanding and improve health outcomes for all patients.
Presenting transformative research on autoimmune diseases at national and international conferences for medical professionals and for patients
Continuous dedication to unraveling autoimmune disease pathogenesis and advancing treatment strategies for patients with diverse rheumatic diseases
Partnerships with researcher leaders across the world to help further our understanding autoimmune disease causes and treatments.
Peer-reviewed publications on autoimmune diseases in top medical journals, including The Lancet, JAMA, Arthritis and Rheumatology
Conducted first comprehensive evaluation of the gut microbiome in systemic sclerosis
Directs international research consortium on the gut microbiome across 5 continents
Speaks at numerous patient conferences and patient support groups around the world
Established the first non-profit dedicated to advancing the careers of women working in scleroderma
Integrative autoimmune solutions centered on holistic and personalized medicine.
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