Collage of T32 and TRDP scholars

Meet CTSI’s 2026–28 mentored research scholars

CTSI is welcoming 15 new and continuing scholars into its mentored research training programs. The participants represent a range of disciplines and career stages across the University of Minnesota.

Through the CTSI T32 Program and Translational Research Development Program (TRDP), participants conduct research full time with multidisciplinary mentors while receiving individualized training and professional development. Their training focuses on translational science, team science, community engagement, and effective communication, with opportunities to learn alongside researchers across the translational spectrum.

Visit the T32 and TRDP program webpages to learn about each scholar’s research project and mentors.

T32 pre-doctoral scholars

Tiffany Chang, MS
Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy

Crystal Clark
Neuroscience, Medical School

Gavin Fredrickson
Integrative Biology and Physiology, Medical School

Maximillian Hellrung
Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, Medical School

Max Hill
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, College of Science and Engineering

Malin Britt Lalich, RN
Population Health and Systems, School of Nursing

Luis Ramirez
Pharmacology, Medical School

Kenneth “Kenny” Vetter
Neuroscience, Medical School

Sophia Wenthe
Comparative Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine

T32 post-doctoral scholars

Michaela Cain, PhD
Comparative and Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine

John France, PhD
Pediatrics, Medical School

Tiffany “Tipper” Gallagher, PhD
Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health

Ana Silva, PhD
Radiology, Medical School

TRDP scholars

Saeun Park, PhD
Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health

Germán Vélez Reyes, MD, PhD
Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Medical School