Felicia Ruffin, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN, BA
Clinical Research Program Leader for the Bloodstream Infections Biorepository & Database under Dr. Fowler’s Leadership
Duke University Medical Center
About my role
Before becoming an ARLG mentee, I collaborated on research projects funded by ARLG to study and develop quality-of-life measures to use in multiple clinical trials (PMID: 37843115; PMID: 35106313; PMID: 32445467). I was also the first author on a study evaluating outcomes in patients infected with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Later, I co-authored a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antibacterials used to treat Staphylococcus aureus infections.
During my time with ARLG, I have been invited to present my work on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) bloodstream infections (BSI) at several national and international meetings, including a podium presentation at the 7th Annual Texas Medical Center Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Conference 2024 in Houston, Texas, and a poster presentation at the ESCMID Global Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Additionally, I presented my work at ID Week 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Lastly, I presented the research at the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Microbe 2025 meeting in Los Angeles, California.
About my research
I aim to expand our knowledge of the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and describe the differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes among patients infected with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE).
My work with ARLG focuses on gaining a better understanding of risk factors for poor outcomes after infections with resistant bacteria. If we can better predict who is at increased risk of undesirable consequences, such as death after infection, we will be better able to prevent some of those outcomes. My study has generated preliminary data for future studies in bacterial infections by analyzing data from an ARLG-funded observational study, Consortium on Resistance against Carbapenems in Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRACKLE-2).
Why is this research important?
ARLG supports research that enables scientists to answer research questions and solve problems associated with AMR, which has the potential to improve patient outcomes significantly. This research is essential work, in which great minds unite to harness their creativity, inspiration, and innovation, generating new knowledge that advances our understanding of AMR and has a global impact.
Impact of the ARLG mentoring and funding on my career
Support from ARLG has helped propel my career by allowing me to develop as an early-stage investigator and to generate preliminary data for future funding opportunities.
I have contributed to AMR research for over two decades. However, my understanding of the importance of a mentoring team was reinforced through the opportunity to conduct research with ARLG. I have the support of world-class AMR researchers who serve as my mentors. My mentors, David van Duin, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Melinda Pettigrew, PhD, Dean of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, have monitored my progress, given me advice on my research, and ensured that I have access to the resources to succeed in manuscript development. My mentors have helped me establish a research agenda, hone my research skills, grow as a public speaker, and develop a manuscript for the ARLG-funded research. As a result of my mentors’ professional influence, I am encouraged to continue investigating and mitigating the factors contributing to poor outcomes in AMR infections.
What information about the network would you like to share?
Check out ARLG’s mission and goals, as well as specific funding opportunities.