The Clinical and Translational Science Institute has accepted ten junior faculty investigators into its research career development programs. As CTSI scholars, they will receive mentorship, training, and funds to help advance their research careers and compete for federal grants.
Investigators have the opportunity to move through CTSI's career development pipeline, joining as early-stage investigators and competing for advanced career development awards as they build independent research careers.
New Investigator Pre-K Pilot Career Development Program
The New Investigator Pre-K Pilot Career Development Program provides mentorship, training, and funds to new investigators interested in clinical and translational research. The program is designed to prepare investigators to successfully compete for NIH K or R21 awards.
Erica Schorr, PhD, BSBA, RN, School of Nursing
Project title: Utilizing Wearable Technology to Monitor Physical Activity and Sleep After Coronary Revascularization
Primary mentor: Ruth Lindquist, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, FAAN
KL2 Scholars Career Development Program
The KL2 Scholars Career Development Program is designed to develop the next generation of clinical investigators through a structured training program with a mentored, multidisciplinary clinical research emphasis, salary support, and research funds. This three-year program aims to place junior investigators on the path to be competitive for NIH K- or R-series awards.
Xiufeng Li, PhD, Department of Radiology
Project title: Advanced Multi-Parametric MR Imaging for Renal Transplantation
Primary mentor: Gregory Metzger, PhD
Ann Parr, MD, PhD, Neurosurgery Department
Project title: Autologous Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells for Transplantation in Spinal Cord Injury
Primary mentor: Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD
Rebecca Shlafer, PhD, Department of Pediatrics
Project title: Incarcerated Parents in Minnesota and their Minor Children
Primary mentor: Michael Resnick, PhD
Guisheng Song, PhD, Department of Medicine
Project title: The combination of miR-24-ASO and miR-30e-ASO as a therapeutic agent for both NAFLD and hyperlipidemia
Primary mentor: Clifford Steer, MD
K to R01 Transition to Independence Program
The K to R01 Transition to Independence Program aims to place junior investigators, who have K awards, further on the path to be competitive for NIH R01 or equivalent awards and independence. This two-year program provides scholars with mentorship, training, and pilot funds.
Maneesh Bhargava, MD, Department of Medicine
Project title: Biomarkers to predict outcomes in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Primary mentor: Chris H. Wendt, MD
Melena Bellin, MD, Department of Pediatrics
Project title: Assessing beta cell loss and islet engraftment after islet autotransplantation
Primary mentor: Antoinette Moran, MD
Kathryn Cullen, MD, Department of Psychiatry
Project title: Intravenous Ketamine in Adolescent Treatment-Resistant Depression: Efficacy and Brain Mechanisms
Primary mentor: Kelvin O. Lim, MD
Paul Drawz, MD, Department of Medicine
Project title: Treatment of Masked Hypertension
Primary mentor: Hassan Ibrahim, MD, MS
Kristine Talley, PhD, RN, GNP-BC, School of Nursing
Project title: Preventing Toileting Disability in Frail Older Women
Primary mentor: Jean F. Wyman, PhD, RN, GNP-BC, FAAN, FGSA