The Barth Syndrome Foundation’s (BSF) international Scientific and Medical Advisory Board is a dedicated team of researchers and physicians who generously donate their time and expertise to our mission. Without them, we would not be able to review grant applications with multi-dimensional expertise or write medically-approved educational materials about Barth syndrome. These eminent scientists and physicians are central to our goals and our operation. BSF is incredibly pleased to introduce our members, each of whom has agreed to serve for a four-year term. This international group forms the review panel for research grants and provides scientific and medical advice and guidance to BSF's Board of Directors.
Christina Pacak, PhD
Associate Professor, University of Minnesota
Dr. Christina Pacak received her PhD from the University of Florida, where she was first exposed to Barth syndrome research in the lab of Dr. Barry Byrne, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School. She started her independent laboratory, first at the University of Florida before moving her lab to the University of Minnesota in 2021 where they study mitochondrial and muscle dysfunction in rare diseases including Barth syndrome. In particular, her lab is studying methods to enhance cellular uptake of gene therapies like adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector therapy in patient-derived cellular models. Dr. Pacak has been a dedicated Barth syndrome researcher for over a decade, having been an author on >10 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Pacak has also been an integral member of the research community, having served two terms on the Scientific and Medical conference organizing committee. Dr. Pacak will bring to the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board a deep expertise in mitochondrial disease, patient-derived cell models, and AAV-mediated gene therapy, along with a long-standing commitment to advancing treatments for the Barth syndrome community.
