Meet Our Science Team

Paul Larkin, PhD, Vice President of Science

Paul Larkin, PhD will lead the development and implementation of the Arthritis Foundation's scientific agenda. This will include funding efforts to improve quality of life for people currently living with arthritis while also funding groundbreaking research that could lead to new treatments and, ultimately, a cure for arthritis. This work will be conducted alongside partners within the Foundation and without as we seek to pursue the priorities of arthritis patients, work with leading experts in the field and clearly communicate the goals and impact of our work.

Previously, Dr. Larkin administered and developed the ALS Association’s research programs and portfolio of funded research activities to discover treatments and a cure for ALS as the association’s senior director of research. Before that, Dr. Larkin was at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, managing philanthropic investments and related scientific initiatives.

Dr. Larkin has an extensive research and development background across academia, consulting and venture philanthropy in both corporate and non-profit environments. He completed his post-doctoral training at Stanford University and has a PhD in neuroscience from the University of California, San Francisco. 

Email Dr. Larkin at [email protected]. 
 

Jason Kim, PhD, Vice President, Osteoarthritis Research Programs 

Jason Kim, PhD, leads and directs the Arthritis Foundation’s science agenda and multiyear strategy for osteoarthritis, which is by far the most prevalent form of arthritis. He directs strategic planning advisory committees, develops and evaluates research programs and manages the scientific awardee portfolio. 

Dr. Kim also directs and oversees the Arthritis Foundation’s Osteoarthritis Clinical Trial Network (OACTN), a nationwide network of the top investigators, thought leaders and clinical research sites, with a focus on understanding and solving osteoarthritis, specifically post-traumatic osteoarthritis. 

Previously, Dr. Kim developed in vitro diagnostic products for sickle cell disease, thyroid disorders, cardiac disease and cancer. As a former chief scientific officer, corporate scientist and product developer, he has led teams in design control, manufacture transfer, quality control and regulatory approval for commercial launch. 

Trained as a chemist, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA and his PhD from UNC Chapel Hill. He completed his postdoctoral training at the U.S. Naval Research Lab in Washington, DC, and authored the book The Microflow Cytometer. 

Email Dr. Kim at [email protected].
 

Kristen Mueller, PhD, Vice President, Autoimmune Arthritis Research​

Kristen Mueller, PhD, leads and directs the Arthritis Foundation’s scientific strategy and related programs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile arthritis (JA). This includes working with the Rheumatoid Arthritis Working Group to help accelerate research and identify gaps and unmet medical needs of RA patients. Dr. Mueller also manages the Arthritis Foundation’s partnership with the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA), to bring the best care to and advance the research agenda for patients with JA. 

Previously, Dr. Mueller directed the research grants program at the Melanoma Research Alliance. She also spent eight years as a Senior Editor at the journal Science, where she orchestrated the peer review process for manuscripts related to immunology, autoimmunity, and cancer immunology and immunotherapy.

Dr. Mueller received her BA in biology from Carleton College and her PhD in immunology from the University of Minnesota. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in immunology at the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

Email Dr. Mueller at [email protected].

FAQs 

• Inquiries about body donations should be made to your closest local medical school — including your wishes for how the body will be used, for example, for arthritis research.  

• For patient engagement requests, please complete this Patient Engagement Request Form. 

• For college scholarships, please read our FAQs and instructions. 

• Search our directory to find a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon in your area. 

For questions about our science grants portfolio or rheumatology workforce development, please email AFscience(at)arthritis.org.  

For all other inquiries, please contact our Helpline at 800-283-7800 or fill out our form.