Researcher Spotlight: Shreya Raja

What is your professional background?
I am currently an assistant professor in the Division of Digestive Diseases based at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. I have been on faculty for the last five years since completing my gastroenterology fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. My area of expertise is gastrointestinal motility disorders, and I have served as director of the GI motility lab at the Atlanta VA Medical Center since 2016. I also have an interest in therapeutic applications of the gut microbiome and created the fecal transplantation program at the Atlanta VA in 2018. My research is currently funded by a VA VISN 7 Research and Development Award.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I work in the Division of Digestive Diseases and I am mentored by Dr. Shanthi Srinivasan (Digestive Diseases) and Dr. Camille Vaughan (Geriatrics).

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
My research focuses on the role of the gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of fecal incontinence, which is a severely debilitating condition in which patients suffer from uncontrolled, unintentional stool leakage. We are analyzing microbiomes from subjects with this condition to identify any causative factors, specific taxa changes, or alterations in microbial metabolism which could underlie physiologic changes. We are collaborating closely with Dr. Tim Sampson’s lab (Physiology) to perform fecal transplant experiments in germ free mice in which we can study microbiome-induced changes in physiology. 

What do you like most about Emory?
My wonderful colleagues and the collaborative environment at the Atlanta VA and Emory make this such a rewarding place to work.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I have recently been hooked on “The Crown” and “The Mandalorian” and loved both series. I am about to start “Bridgerton.”  

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy cooking and baking in my spare time.  

What is a fun fact about you?
I have traveled to five of the seven continents. I am hoping to get to South America and Antarctica post-pandemic.