Dr Rasheed A. Gbadegesin is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Duke University, Durham, NC and an Investigator at the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute (DMPI). The overarching objective of his research program is to understand the genetic basis, the pathogenesis, and the determinants of variable therapy response in hereditary and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.  In the last ten years, Dr Gbadegesin and his collaborators have identified at least five novel genetic causes of steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome/Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and other kidney diseases. More recently, using the strategy of extreme phenotyping, his group identified the first genome-wide locus for childhood onset steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). He has established a large biorepository of phenotype data and biosamples from children with nephrotic syndrome and he is currently collaborating with other Investigators around the World to determine the biologic basis for ethnic disparities in the incidence and severity of nephrotic syndrome with the ultimate goal of developing strategies for personalized treatment of nephrotic syndrome.