RACHAEL BUCK, Ph.D.

Areas of Expertise: pediatric nutrition, immune health, human milk oligosaccharides, nucleotides.

Rachael Buck, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Fellow at Abbott and works on the forefront of infant nutrition. As a discovery scientist in the field of immune health, Rachael studies the components of breast milk to help Abbott nutritionists develop infant formulas that are as close as possible to breast milk. She designs clinical trials to study the effects of these nutrients on babies’ development in the first year of life.

Currently, Rachael is leading the pioneering research program for human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). HMOs are beneficial, prebiotic- like nutrients found in breast milk that support intestinal and overall health. Abbott has driven the clinical research behind HMOs for more than 20 years, paving the way for this breakthrough ingredient to be added to infant formulas. The research on HMOs has demonstrated improved immunity benefits similar to breast fed infants. Preclinical research also shows HMOs reduce intestinal discomfort, reduce food allergy symptoms, and enhance cognition, which may lead to diverse health benefits for infants.

Rachael joined Abbott in 1995 and over her career has received numerous prestigious Abbott awards for her research on nucleotides, pediatric immunity and HMOs. She was also named a Senior Research Fellow for her pioneering work. She has authored over 50 publications and has over 120 granted patents. She is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and is a member of the American Association of Immunologists. Rachael received her Ph.D. degree in immunology from the University of Cambridge, U.K.