Revolutionizing Smell Science: Dr. Mulligan’s Role in Advancing Olfactory Medicine
Dr. Jennifer Mulligan, co-director of the Smell Disorders Program at the Florida Chemical Senses Institute (FCSI) at the University of Florida, has been at the forefront of olfactory research, particularly in understanding the immune system’s role in smell loss. Since taking over the program in April, Dr. Mulligan has continued her innovative work in nasal mucus biomarker research, an area she has been pioneering since 2012.
Her journey into olfactory research began with a focus on chronic sinusitis, the leading cause of olfactory loss. Initially met with skepticism, Dr. Mulligan’s work has evolved from a novel research idea to being central in clinical trials, particularly in predicting the effectiveness of biologic treatments for patients with smell loss. Her groundbreaking approach uses nasal mucus as a surrogate for tissue, allowing for broader research beyond just patients undergoing surgery.
One of the most impactful areas of her research involves the use of nasal mucus biomarkers to understand and predict which treatments will be most effective for patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis. This research, which has garnered international collaboration, aims to personalize treatment plans and improve patient outcomes significantly.
In addition to her groundbreaking research, Dr. Mulligan highlights the crucial role collaboration has played in advancing medical science. Together with Dr. Jeb Justice, her co-director at the UF Health Smell Disorders Program, and other clinical partners at UF, they’ve built a multidisciplinary team that has been essential in recruiting patients for clinical trials and furthering the understanding of smell disorders. Dr. Mulligan attributes much of her success to this close-knit group, fondly referred to as “Team Sinus,” whose teamwork has been key to their progress in both research and patient care.
Beyond helping her team, Dr. Mulligan encourages students entering the field to embrace their unconventional ideas, advising,
“Don’t be afraid to do things that are a little bit different than everybody else, because that’s what advances medicine.”
Her work with nasal mucus biomarkers, once seen as unconventional, is now used globally, showcasing the power of innovative thinking. This pioneering approach has revolutionized clinical trials and patient care, establishing Dr. Mulligan as a guiding figure for future leaders in medicine—someone whose bold ideas and fearless pursuit of innovation inspires the next generation of scientists.
Additionally, she expresses her gratitude for the FCSI and the opportunities it provides for advancing her work. She values the institute’s interdisciplinary nature, which spans various fields such as agriculture, nutrition, and even insect research, creating a collaborative environment where researchers can learn from each other. For Dr. Mulligan, having an institute dedicated to chemical senses is “amazing” and “the total package,” offering a statewide platform that fosters diverse scientific collaborations. This supportive network has been instrumental in her ability to conduct groundbreaking research in olfactory science and advance personalized medicine.
As Dr. Mulligan continues her research, she is on track to make even more groundbreaking contributions to olfactory science, especially in personalized medicine and new treatments for smell disorders. Her work not only deepens our understanding of the immune system’s role in smell loss but also brings hope to those affected by these challenging conditions. Through her innovative approach, Dr. Mulligan is reshaping olfaction medicine, one nasal mucus sample at a time.