The Lefebvre Lab is uncovering mechanisms acting upstream and downstream of the FGFR3 gene to identify novel strategies to treat achondroplasia and possibly other skeletal malformation disorders. “Our study suggests for the first time that through genetic targeting of FGFR3, … complications that characterize achondroplasia have the potential to be avoided,” said Lead Investigator Véronique Lefebvre, PhD.

A pioneering new therapy with a unique chemical optimization and nanocarrier assembly will be tested in children with solid tumors that have relapsed or not responded to previous treatment. “There is so much optimization and variation that we can take advantage of using nanoparticles as a primary mode of drug delivery,” said Garrett Brodeur, MD, Director of the Cancer Predisposition Program. 

In our 2025 Women in STEM video series, meet seven individuals at CHOP Research Institute nominated by their Centers of Emphasis for excellence and inspiration. Anahita Fathi Kazerooni, PhD, in the Center of Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine advises future scientists to, “Build resilience, keep pushing forward, and know that you belong here.”

Our Featured Research Trainee encourages people to celebrate women’s contributions to science, and she recognizes the importance of collaborative research, especially in the Zackular Laboratory. “Conducting research [at CHOP] truly feels like a group effort, which has been a valuable part of my training,” Dr. Glover said.