Her research seeks to improve the clinician’s ability to predict and ultimately improve the outcome of lupus nephritis (LN). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an illness that can affect every organ system. A potentially devastating complication of SLE is LN, which can lead to chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease. The potential for screening and treatment to improve outcomes of LN is demonstrated by increased life expectancy: 5-year survival in LN has increased from 50% in 1955 to 80-85% today. However, biomarkers currently used to follow disease activity do not always correlate with disease activity. Dr. Blanco’s research seeks to find new biomarkers for LN that better correlate with disease activity, leading to early diagnosis and treatment. Her mentor is Chaim Putterman, M.D. (Professor, Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology; Chief, Division of Rheumatology).