From spilled milk to super-resolution microscopy

From spilled milk to super-resolution microscopy

UC graduate to enter medical school as he navigates life with severe dairy allergy

Born with a severe milk allergy, University of Cincinnati student Eddie Gerstner has faced numerous life-threatening reactions. He carries four EpiPens wherever he goes.

Gerstner, who is graduating this semester from the College of Allied Health Sciences, said a dairy product even touching his skin as a child could trigger an allergic reaction. When spilled milk landed on him in his grade school cafeteria, it sent him into a severe reaction.

Growing up in Cincinnati, Gerstner became what he called a "frequent flier" at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, often landing in the emergency department and sometimes the intensive care unit after accidental dairy exposure caused hives, throat swelling, wheezing and significant respiratory distress.

While many people feel anxious in hospitals, Gerstner found comfort there.

"I love the hospital. It became a second home for me," said Gerstner, a health sciences major on the premedicine track.

"I know that the perspective I've gained as an allergy patient will shape the kind of physician I become," said Gerstner, who will enter the College of Medicine - his first choice - later this year.

Eddie Gerstner with his family on Easter this year at church. Photo/Provided by Eddie Gerstner.

A second diagnosis

During treatment, however, he developed new symptoms: chest pain and persistent heartburn. An endoscopy and biopsy led to another diagnosis, eosinophilic esophagitis, or EoE, a chronic immune system disease that causes a buildup of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the esophagus. The condition, which has no cure and is often linked to food or environmental allergies, triggers inflammation, pain and difficulty swallowing.

From patient to researcher

"Experiencing both vulnerability and healing firsthand has instilled in me a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care in every interaction," said Gerstner.

His interest in becoming a doctor began when he started shadowing medical professionals as a student at St. Xavier High School.

Then, in college, he took part in service programs through UC's Volunteer Portal and his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), reinforcing his desire to pursue a medical career.

"I learned I love helping people," he said.

Eddie Gerstner at his fraternity's 2025 UC Homecoming tailgate. Photo/Provided by Eddie Gerstner.

As he navigated life with EoE, Gerstner began reading research on the disease's development. One name appeared repeatedly: Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, a leading EoE researcher whose lab is based at Cincinnati Children's, just steps from UC's campus.

Gerstner sent Rothenberg an unsolicited email, asking to join his Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Diseases (CURED) Lab as a predoctoral student researcher. That was two years ago.

"Eddie's smart, talented and incredibly motivated, and he takes ownership of his experiments in a way that's rare, especially for someone early in their career," said Mark Rochman, PhD, an institutional investigator in the Rothenberg CURED Lab.

Gerstner's research has focused on the role of nerves in EoE and how they interact with immune cells and their respective granules. He has worked closely with College of Medicine MD-PhD student Kendall Kellerman.

Looking ahead

Rochman said Gerstner's scientific promise is matched by his character.

"Growing up with severe allergies has shaped Eddie into someone who is curious, persistent and deeply committed to excellence," said Rochman. "It absolutely shows in everything he does."

Rothenberg said Gerstner has advanced research, while also demonstrating amazing individual development. "Eddie's scientific and personal journeys serve as an inspiration to me and my lab members," he said. "I look forward to fostering his continual growth."

Later this year, Gerstner will don a white coat for the first time. He credits Rothenberg and Rochman for his success.

"They are the reason for where I am today," he said.

Featured image at top: Eddie Gerstner at a research poster presentation in the Medical Sciences Building. Photo/Provided by Eddie Gerstner.

Eddie Gerstner with some of his best friends before UC's first home football game of the 2025 season. Photo/Provided by Eddie Gerstner.

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