Major Research Domains

Research Affiliates

Core Services
  Behavioral
  Science Core

  Genetics Core

  Infant Primate
  Research
  Laboratory

  Instrument
  Development
  Laboratory

  Neuroscience Core

Research Emphasis Area on Craniofacial Malformations

Coordinator: Michael Cunningham, M.D., Ph.D.

Craniofacial malformations are among the most common structural birth defects. These complex disorders are often associated with developmental disabilities, abnormalities of brain growth, hearing loss and major functional problems with breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speech. Children born with these conditions require interdisciplinary team care involving many specialties including audiology, dentistry, genetics, maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, nursing, nutrition, occupational and physical therapy, ophthalmology, orthodontics, otolaryngology, pediatrics, plastic and reconstructive surgery, psychiatry/psychology, social work, and speech pathology.

The goal of the Research Emphasis Area on Craniofacial Malformations is to enhance understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of craniofacial malformations. The research conducted by faculty investigators in this REA spans genetics, developmental biology, epidemiology, functional manifestations, treatment strategies and clinical outcomes. Current projects include the investigation of the molecular genetics of craniofacial microsomia, the neurocognitive outcomes in children with craniosynostosis, and the genotype phenotype correlations in 22q11.2 deletions syndromes. These basic studies will help form the basis of future translational research focusing health and well being of children and adults with these complex conditions.

Scientists in this interdisciplinary research group utilize a combination of techniques involving cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, neuropsychology, brain imaging, 3-dimensional imaging, stereophotogrammetry, micro-computed tomography, clinical investigation, and epidemiology to answer fundamental questions using animal and human model systems. Close working relationships with clinical activities will facilitate bi-directional transfer of knowledge between new scientific discoveries and the patients who may be affected in the future.

Craniofacial Center at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center

Faculty Investigators

Michael Cunningham, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Pediatrics, Biological Structure and Oral Biology, Coordinator
Craig Birgfeld, MD, Assistant Professor, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
John Clark, Ph.D., Professor, Biological Structure
Timothy Cox, PhD, Associate Professor, Pediatrics, Oral Biology
Mark Egbert, D.D.S., Associate Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Richard Ellenbogen, Professor and Chair, Neurosurgery
Carrie Heike, MD, MS, Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
Susan Herring, Ph.D.,Professor, Orthodontics, School of Dentistry
Anne Hing, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
Richard Hopper, M.D., Assistant Professor, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Katherine Rafferty, Ph.D., Acting Instructor, Orthodontics
David Raible, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biological Structure
Tom Reh, Ph.D., Professor, Biological Structure
Henk Roelink, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biological Structure
Kathy Sie, M.D., Associate Professor, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery
Matthew Speltz, Ph.D., Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Jackie Starr, MS, MPH, PhD, Associate Professor, Pediatrics, Epidemiology
Avery Weiss, M.D., Associate Professor, Ophthalmology

University of Washington • Center on Human Development and Disability Box 357920 • Seattle WA 98195-7920 USA • 206-543-7701 •chdd@u.washington.edu