Pediatric Pulmonology Department Research, Central Florida
- About Us
- Our Research
- Research Impact
Improving Children’s Lung Health Through Science & Care
Pediatric Pulmonology Department Research at Nemours Children’s in Central Florida brings clinical and research expertise together to advance care for kids with lung, airway, and sleep disorders. We study childhood conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and neuromuscular respiratory disease to uncover their causes and find better ways to treat them.
Our researchers and clinicians work side by side to connect discoveries with real world improvements in children’s lives. Through clinical trials, data-driven studies, and family-centered care, we translate scientific findings into better therapies and care strategies for kids.
Collaboration is key to our progress. We partner with the University of Central Florida, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and national networks like the American Thoracic Society and Therapeutics Development Network. These partnerships expand our reach and strengthen our studies.
Our goal is simple: Help every child breathe easier. By mentoring the next generation of scientists and sharing what we learn in our community and beyond, we’re building a stronger future for children with chronic and complex lung conditions.
Pioneering Pediatric Pulmonary Research
We’re driving innovation through clinical trials, national partnerships, and translational research. Our numbers prove it.
#45
Ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report
10+
Years of research leadership in Central Florida
9+
Active clinical trials open to kids in our area
6
Major research focus areas
We collaborate internally and nationally to share data, expertise, and technology that strengthen every study.
Our division participates in national research networks, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and American Thoracic Society
We conduct industry-sponsored clinical trials that bring promising new therapies to children with lung and sleep disorders.
We combine advanced imaging, lung function testing, and patient-reported outcomes to drive discovery and improve care.
We integrate clinical excellence with translational research to deliver measurable results for children and families.
Our Leadership
Floyd Livingston, MD, FAAP, FCCP, FAASM
Medical Staff President, Central Florida
Division Chief, Pediatric Pulmonology, Central Florida
Director, Cystic Fibrosis Center, Central Florida
Director of Research, Central Florida
Aledie Navas, MD, FAAP, FCCP
Respiratory Director, Neuromuscular Disorders Program, Central Florida
Director, Pulmonary Function Test Lab, Central Florida
Associate Director of Research, Central Florida
Giselle Guerrero, MD, FAAP, FCCP, FAASM
Director, Sleep Center, Central Florida
Director, Pulmonary Fellowship Program, Central Florida
Christie Cherian, MD, FAAP
Co-Director, Pediatric Residency Program, Central Florida
Research Team
Giving Every Child the Chance to Breathe, Grow & Thrive
Our research program covers the full spectrum of pediatric pulmonary care, from early prevention to advanced respiratory support.
Focus Areas
We focus on several key focus areas:
Improving Outcomes: Asthma & Allergy Research
We study how environment, biology, and access to care affect children with asthma. By identifying barriers to self-management and developing community-based interventions, we hope to reduce hospital visits and improve long-term control for every child.
Advancing Therapies: Cystic Fibrosis Research
Our team participates in national clinical trials and registry studies to evaluate new medications and care strategies for cystic fibrosis. These partnerships help deliver cutting-edge treatments that improve survival, lung function, and quality of life.
Protecting Breathing Strength: Neuromuscular Respiratory Disorders Research
We investigate how conditions like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affect lung function and sleep. Through coordinated care and research, we’re developing new ways to preserve respiratory strength and independence.
Enhancing Support: Airway & Ventilation Care Research
Our research focuses on children who rely on tracheostomies or long-term ventilation. We study best practices for respiratory support, caregiver training, and hospital-to-home transitions to ensure safety and quality of life.
Promoting Growth: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Research
We explore how early nutrition, respiratory management, and follow-up care affect lung development in premature infants. By identifying protective factors early, we’re helping improve outcomes for babies born too soon.
Understanding Sleep: Pediatric Sleep Medicine Research
We study how the body controls breathing during sleep and what happens when those patterns are disrupted. Our goal is to improve daytime function, learning, and quality of life for children with chronic sleep challenges.
Research Themes
Our research is guided by core themes that shape every project:
- Equity in access and quality: Identifying and addressing barriers such as language, housing, and socioeconomic factors to make care more equitable and effective.
- Personalized care across time: Tailoring treatments to each child’s condition and follow outcomes to understand how early experiences affect lifelong lung health.
- From discovery to delivery: Translating scientific findings into everyday clinical practice, ensuring new knowledge directly benefits children and families.
Clinical Trials & Research Studies at Nemours
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Our researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices, and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in this area. Find a clinical trial or study now.
Related Research & Clinical Focus
Researchers at Nemours often align with research areas, affiliated labs, and clinical programs to support discovery and care systemwide.
Aerodigestive Disorders Program
CLINICAL CARE
Integrated evaluation and treatment for children with airway and swallowing disorders delivered by Nemours specialists across multiple disciplines.
Allergy & Immunology
CLINICAL CARE
Personalized care for children and teens with allergies, asthma, and immune-related conditions from Nemours pediatric experts.
Neuromuscular Program
CLINICAL CARE
Care certified by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Nemours specialists help kids with neuromuscular disorders live their best lives.
Pulmonology
CLINICAL CARE
Comprehensive care for children with lung, airway, and breathing disorders provided by Nemours pediatric pulmonologists.
Pulmonology Research
RESEARCH AREA
Our teams explore lung development and respiratory disease to improve care for children through imaging, monitoring tools, and treatment innovation.
Sleep Medicine
CLINICAL CARE
Advanced testing and care for children with snoring, apnea, and other sleep-related conditions from Nemours pediatric specialists.
Collaborating to Improve Health for Kids
Research in pediatric pulmonology thrives on collaboration. Our team builds strong partnerships across institutions, disciplines, and communities to drive discovery and deliver better care. These affiliations keep our research aligned with national priorities and best practices.
Academic Partnerships
We partner with the University of Central Florida College of Medicine to provide research training for medical students, residents, and fellows while advancing pediatric lung health through shared expertise.
Institutional Collaborations
Working across Nemours campuses in Florida and Delaware, we conduct multi-site studies, share data, and scale quality improvement initiatives.
Industry & Foundation Partnerships
Our team contributes to national networks and societies, including the American Thoracic Society, the Therapeutics Development Network, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
National Networks & Professional Societies
Our team participates in clinical trials sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and other industry partners to bring promising therapies to children with chronic lung diseases.
Community Engagement
We partner with schools, families, and community organizations to study barriers to care and co-create solutions that help children thrive where they live and learn.
Publications
Nemours researchers constantly contribute to advancing scientific understanding. We share our knowledge, insights, and discoveries to encourage collaboration and inspire further research.
Grants & Funding
Our research is supported by competitive grants and funding that fuel innovation and advance care, including:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF)
Research support for clinical and translational investigations in cystic fibrosis care (Ongoing) | Livingston, F. (PI)
Ginsburg Institute for Health Equity
Improving Asthma Outcomes Through Community Partnerships (2023-Present) | Navas, A. (PI) | $70,000
These grants reflect our commitment to advancing care for children with chronic and complex respiratory diseases.