CTSI is excited to kick off the 2025 PReP and A-PReP summer research training programs, welcoming six undergraduate students and ten graduate and professional health sciences students.
Both programs are designed to prepare future leaders in translational research through immersive, hands-on experiences at the University of Minnesota.
The Pathways to Research Program (PReP) is designed for undergraduate students from Minnesota-based or Minnesota-connected institutions. The program introduces participants to the field of translational science while helping them build essential skills through coursework, mentorship, and collaborative learning.
For University of Minnesota doctoral-level professional health sciences students and early-stage PhD students, the Advanced Pathways to Research Program (A-PReP) offers participants a chance to explore clinical and translational research in depth while benefiting from peer learning, faculty mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
Recently, the programs have expanded through collaborations with external partners, Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico and Xavier University of Louisiana, opening the door for highly qualified students outside of Minnesota to participate in these opportunities.
At the core of both programs is a mentored research project. Each student is matched with a University of Minnesota faculty mentor and contributes to a research initiative aligned with the mentor’s ongoing work. Weekly seminars enhance the experience by helping students strengthen their understanding of translational research, refine communication skills, and grow their professional networks.
In the fall, participants will present their research at the CTSI Translational Science Symposium and Poster Session, an opportunity to showcase their work and celebrate their contributions to science.
Congratulations to the 2025 PReP and A-PReP participants!
Meet the 2025 Scholars
PReP Scholars
Jocelyn Cottrell, Macalester College
Mentor: Gianna Rea-Sandin, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School (Twin Cities)
Abigail Morara, University of Minnesota
Mentor: Eva Enns, PhD, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health
Zoe Mulvihill, Amherst College
Mentor: Stefani Thomas, PhD, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Medical School (Twin Cities)
Luke Park, Macalester College
Mentor: Heather Zierhut, PhD, MS, CGC, Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, College of Biological Sciences
Juliany Salazar, Macalester College
Mentor: Julia Heneghan, MD, MS, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School (Twin Cities)
Samahria Sighinolfi, Xavier University of Louisiana
Mentor: Jiwoo Lee, PhD, RN, PHN, School of Nursing
A-PReP Scholars
Nasteho Abdi, UMN College of Pharmacy – Twin Cities
Mentor: Pamala Jacobson, PharmD, FCCP, Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
Olanrewaju Ajeigbe, UMN School of Dentistry
Mentor: Rajaram Gopalakrishnan, BDS, PhD, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Gaddiel Ahmed-Robles, Ponce Health Sciences University
Mentor: Sabine Karam, MD, Department of Medicine, Medical School (Twin Cities)
Greyson Arnold, UMN College of Education and Human Development
Mentor: Sarah Kaja, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School (Twin Cities)
Madeline Boemer, UMN College of Pharmacy – Twin Cities
Mentor: Jeffrey Bishop, PharmD, MS, BCPP, FCCP, Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
Ashley Hackney, UMN Medical School – Twin Cities
Mentor: John Hulleman, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences
Max Hill, UMN College of Science and Engineering
Mentor: Christopher Staley, PhD, Department of Surgery, Medical School (Twin Cities)
Erica Kuntz, UMN College of Liberal Arts – Speech Language Hearing Sciences
Mentor: Melissa Polonenko, PhD, Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
Yazminne Meléndez-Torres, Ponce Health Sciences University
Mentor: Anna Selmecki, PhD, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical School (Twin Cities)
Matia Solomon, UMN Medical School – Twin Cities
Mentor: Antoinette Moran, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School (Twin Cities)
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