Catching Viruses from Children

Christine Robinson Ph.D.

Title: Catching Viruses at Children’s

Synopsis: Children’s Hospital Colorado is recognized as the regional leader in identifying and treating common pediatric ailments such as broken bones, appendicitis, and influenza, as well as a host of rare conditions. This past year was extraordinary in that the hospital also had to deal with unexpected threats and realities of several emerging pathogens. This presentation will briefly highlight three such pathogens (measles virus, ebola virus, and enterovirus D68) and the important role the hospital plays in managing and studying such diseases.  

Bio: Dr. Christine Robinson obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of California, a Master’s degree in Microbiology from Penn State, and her PhD. in Pathology from the University of Colorado. She established the first virology laboratory at Children’s Hospital 30 years ago and currently is its Scientific Director. Her passion is clinical virology with an emphasis on implementation of new technology to better diagnose infections and improve patient outcomes, and research. She has authored over 50 publications and 4 book chapters, has given numerous presentations on infectious disease locally and nationally, and teaches medical professionals. Between virus outbreaks, she enjoys spending time with family and her Golden Retriever, hiking, and traveling everywhere except to “Hot Zones.”