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Emerging to Established (E2E) Section

The SPR Emerging to Established (E2E) Section is designed for pediatric researchers who are currently in residency, fellowship, postdoctoral program, or early-career faculty positions. The E2E Section provides a professional home for rising investigators to grow, connect, and transition confidently into independent academic research careers. 

E2E members gain access to a vibrant peer network, professional development programs, and opportunities to engage with SPR leadership and activities across the Society.

Become an E2E Member

E2E membership is open to individuals currently enrolled in residency, fellowship, postdoctoral programs, and early-career faculty (0-6 years) related to pediatrics at an academic institution. Self-nomination is available year-round, and membership is free. Application Checklist:

  • Personal and professional contact information
  • Residency, fellowship, or postdoctoral program completion date or anticipated completion date
  • Program Director (Residents/Fellows) or Department Chair’s (Junior Faculty) contact information

Questions? Contact info@societyforpediatricresearch.org

join the e2e section
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E2E Member Benefits

Career Development

Advance your professional growth through SPR programs designed for early-career investigators, including Grant Writing 101 and the National Research Cohorts Program.

Awards & Research Platform

Receive recognition and funding through SPR Awards that honor early-career excellence, offer financial support, and provide high-profile opportunities to present your research at the annual Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) Meeting.

Mentorship

Build meaningful relationships with established SPR members who offer guidance, support, and career-shaping insight as you progress in academic medicine.

Peer Networking

Meet early-career pediatric researchers through dedicated E2E programming, virtual events, and in-person gatherings at the PAS Meeting.

Leadership Opportunities

Take an active role in SPR by serving on the E2E Leadership Committee, contributing to key SPR initiatives, and helping shape the future of pediatric research.

Supported Advancement

E2E membership is dues-free and designed to support your progression toward full SPR Active Membership – helping you grow into leadership within the pediatric research community.

E2E Leadership Committee

The Emerging to Established (E2E) Leadership Committee leads initiatives that support early-career pediatric researchers and guide the strategic direction of the E2E Section. Comprised of E2E members representing diverse institutions, specialties, and backgrounds, the committee plays an active role in program planning, mentorship coordination, community building, and advocacy for early-career needs within SPR. 

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Meet the E2E Chairs:

Kelly Orgel, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist in the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Her research interests include understanding the immunologic changes that occur during the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal disease that predominately affects neonates born prematurely. 

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Kelly Orgel, MD, PhD

Chair

Lillian Juttukonda, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist in the Harvard Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship. Her interest is understanding how maternal health in pregnancy shapes the neonatal immune system and predisposes to chronic health conditions during childhood. 

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Lillian Juttukonda, MD, PhD

Chair

Lillian Juttukonda, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist in the Harvard Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship. Her interest is understanding how maternal health in pregnancy shapes the neonatal immune system and predisposes to chronic health conditions during childhood. 

Person with long brown hair wearing blue-framed glasses, a blue top, and dangling earrings, smiling at the camera against a plain gray background.

Lillian Juttukonda, MD, PhD

Chair

Get Involved

The E2E Leadership Committee seeks passionate E2E members for open committee spots each July. Committee service offers valuable leadership experience, national visibility, and a direct voice in shaping E2E programming and priorities.

As an E2E Leadership Committee Member you’ll help:

  • Promote networking and mentorship with pediatrics
  • Plan E2E Section webinars and activities at the PAS Meeting
  • Support the Pediatric Research peer-mentorship review program
  • Connect with residents, fellows, and early-career faculty

Eligibility: Candidates must be a current E2E Member and in the second year of residency, any year of clinical fellowship, or post-doctoral training

Term: 2-years (September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2027)

Time Commitment: Monthly Zoom meetings

apply today