IDCRC Mentee Profile: Danielle Fayad, MD

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Danielle Fayad, MD, is a pediatric infectious diseases fellow at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Her research focuses on maternal immunization and antibody transfer to infants, aiming to help protect vulnerable newborns from infectious diseases. She is especially interested in understanding factors that affect maternal-infant immunity.

Dr. Fayad is a member of the IDCRC's Mentorship Program cohort. This is designed to offer mentoring and development of early career investigators and fellows in clinical and translational infectious diseases research. Learn more about the program here.

Tell us more about your background and what led you to a career in infectious disease research.

Growing up and training in Lebanon, I witnessed firsthand how infectious diseases can disproportionately impact overstretched communities. This experience sparked my interest in addressing the global burden of infectious diseases. My passion for infectious diseases research was further nurtured by my mentor, Dr. Nadine Rouphael (Emory), whose dedication to infectious disease research and mentorship inspired me to move to the U.S. and pursue a career in this field.

Can you share more about your research and the goals of your work?

My research centers on maternal immunization and the transplacental transfer of antibodies, with a focus on improving health outcomes for mothers and infants. I am especially passionate about maternal-infant health, and I hope that my work will have a positive impact not only here in the U.S. but also in communities back home in Lebanon and other resource-limited settings.

What are you looking forward to most in the IDCRC Mentorship Program?

I am looking forward to building leadership skills and forging meaningful connections with like-minded colleagues and mentors within the IDCRC community. I am also excited about opportunities to network, gain exposure to different aspects of infectious disease research, and learn from experts in the field.

What do you believe is a strength or example of the importance of the IDCRC?

The IDCRC’s collaborative research network and strong mentorship opportunities foster a dynamic environment for early-career investigators. By bringing together clinicians, scientists, and mentors from diverse backgrounds, the IDCRC creates an invaluable platform to advance the field of infectious diseases, drive innovation in clinical trials, and ultimately improve patient care.

What do you like to do outside of ID research?

Outside of work, I love reading thrillers, spending time with my family, and playing with my dog and cat. I also enjoy sharing and eating delicious Lebanese food with friends and family.