Dr. Kalinichenko has gained global acclaim for his research on the molecular mechanisms responsible for lung development and lung regeneration and his efforts to improve health outcomes for babies with life-threatening respiratory conditions. His lab was one of the first in the world to use stem cells to generate bioengineered lung tissue containing airways, alveoli and vasculature for potential applications in lung regenerative medicine. These technologies are now in different stages of preclinical testing and regulatory approvals for clinical use. This work is critically important, as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins — conditions often resulting from prematurity or congenital lung abnormalities — are among the leading causes of death in newborns and infants in the United States. Beyond his work in the lab, Dr. Kalinichenko will collaborate with Phoenix Children’s clinicians on research plans for infants with serious or life-threatening respiratory issues, as the health system expands fetal care and neonatology services across the Valley.