Predoctoral Trainees
Maryam Elizondo
Mentor: Kai Sun, M.D., Ph.D.
Department: Center for Metabolic & Degenerative Diseases
Project Title: The Role Of HIF1α-MMP14 Axis In Shaping An Unhealthy Microenvironment In Fat Surrounding Skin Wounds
"The TL1 Program emphasizes the importance of translational research informed by clinical experience. As an MD/Ph.D. candidate beginning my independent research project, the TL1 is the perfect bridge between my two-degree paths. It allows me to devote clinical time to practicing my hands-on skills in Dermatology. More broadly, the opportunity to regularly meet with like-minded researchers conducting their unique translational projects will inspire me to pursue research directions closer to the “bench-to-bedside” goal we all strive toward."
Morgan Riba
Mentor: Stephanie Watowich, Ph.D.
Department: Immunology
Project Title: Evaluating Antigen Spread After cDC1 Vaccination
"The TL1 program provides resources, insight, and connections to help me achieve my long-term goal of becoming a physician scientist. As a TL1 trainee, I’m surrounded by peers and mentors who share a commitment to improving patient lives through research."
Lea Stitzlein
Mentor: Joya Chandra, Ph.D.
Department: Pediatrics Research
Project Title: Investigating the Interplay Between LSD1 and EGFR Signaling in High-Grade Gliomas
"I wanted to join the TL1 Program to gain exposure to neuro-oncology in the clinic and understand the process of translating science to the clinic."
Grace Murley
Mentor: Mark D. Pagel, Ph.D.
Department: Cancer Systems Imaging
Project Title: Tumor Characterization using Machine Learning of Extracellular pH and Chemical Exchange Rate Obtained with CEST MRI?
"I am currently enrolled in UTHealth's MSTP program. My ultimate goal is to be a researching radiologist with a focus on translational research. The TL1 is a fantastic opportunity to be trained as a translational scientist. While the MSTP program gives me both medical training and training in the lab, I do not get too much of the translational element. The TL1 fills that gap."
Samuel Mulder
Mentor: Clifton D. Fuller, M.D., Ph.D.
Department: Radiation Oncology
Project Title: Characterization of the Response to Radiation Therapy in Normal Tissues of the Head and Neck using Longitudinal Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry
"As a dedicated and aspiring medical physicist with a keen interest in translational science, I believe that the TL1 Program provides an ideal platform for me to contribute meaningfully to the intersection of cutting-edge research and clinical application. This program's emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches and translational research is precisely what I believe will equip me with the diverse skill set necessary to make a lasting impact in my chosen field."
Gemalene Sunga
Mentor: Simon W. Young, D.D.S., M.D., Ph.D.
Department: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Project Title: Biomaterial-based immunomodulation of the tumor immune microenvironment plus radiotherapy
“My goal as a researcher is to contribute to understanding that will ultimately help improve health care and systems for all people - which I believe can only be realized by the intersection of scientific research and clinical medicine. The TL1 program allows its trainees opportunities for clinical shadowing, didactic interdisciplinary coursework, and community engagement. Together, I know these experiences will be invaluable to fostering translational scientists that work with clinical and community impact in mind."
Stephen Farmer, M.S.
Mentor: Sheng Zhang, Ph.D.
Department: Radiation Physics
Project Title: Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, Institute of Molecular Medicine
"In the TL1 program, I will have the opportunity to further my understanding and appreciation of the clinical and translational impact of my research on Huntington's disease pathogenesis. The TL1 training grant offers an outstanding environment for learning and growth. It will enable me to refine my benchtop, clinical, and public speaking skills, while also fostering a rich exchange of experiences and knowledge with peers and experts in the biomedical sciences."
Nicolas Moreno
Mentor Name: Cynthia Ju, Ph.D.
Department: Anesthesiology
Project Title: The Eosinophil-Microbiome Axis: How IL4 restores gut homeostasis after acute colitis
"The TL1 program’s emphasis on translational science aligns with my career goal of becoming a physician-scientist. The TL1 program provides an opportunity to learn science with other like-minded trainees who want to bridge the gap between basic and clinical research and provides multiple opportunities to present my work and gain valuable experience."
Jacob Mattia
Mentor: Dr. Wenbo Li, Ph.D.
Department: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Project Title: Understanding Down Syndrome via the Lens of 3D Chromatin Topology
"As a physician scientist in training and a brother whose sibling has Down syndrome, I am deeply interested in the intersection between science and medicine. Through the TL1 program, I am excited to develop the skills necessary to conduct translationally significant research that can provide a direct impact on patients and their families."
Brandy Walker, M.S.
Mentor: Rachel K. Miller, Ph.D.
Department: Pediatrics
Project Title: Deciphering the Role of Dnmbp in Kidney Development: Implication for CAKUT
"The CCTS TL1 Training Program will broaden my perspective of the resources and strategies available to understand fundamental processes involved in patient-oriented research, as well as give me the knowledge, opportunities, and collaborations needed to traverse the intersection between fundamental and clinical research."
Trey Waldrop
Mentor: Emil Schueler, Ph.D.
Department: Radiation Physics
Project Title: Unlocking the Immunogenic Potential of FLASH-RT for Hypoxic Tumors
"As an MD/PhD student, my goal is to perform impactful research that can be aimed at alleviating patient suffering. The TL1 Program will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of how ideas move between the laboratory and the clinic and what role I can play in advancing scientific and clinical knowledge. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to growing as a translational scientist and clinician through the program."
Postdoctoral Trainees
Lacin Yapindi, Ph.D.
Mentor: Faye M. Johnson, M.D., Ph.D.
Department: Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology
Project Title: Advancing treatment for Rb-deficient cancers
"TL1 program is a unique opportunity to engage in clinical observations to understand the difficulties associated with treatment of cancer patients, which is the key to the development of safe and efficient therapies. The offered coursework and translational science seminars provide an invaluable platform to build a foundation in translational thinking and fill gaps in knowledge regarding clinical translation. I believe the postdoctoral translational research along with the TL1 training program will help me achieve my long-term career goal of becoming an independent translational scientist."
Kaira Church, Ph.D.
Mentor: Raghu Kalluri, M.D., Ph.D.
Department: Cancer Biology
Project Title: Optimizing RNA interference in the form of engineered exosomes to identify novel therapeutic targets for retinal disease
"Working exclusively as a research scientist, it is hard to find a direct connection between work in the lab and patient care. Therefore, decided to join the CCTS TL1 program because it provides a unique, collaborative atmosphere, bridging the gap between research and clinical care by supplying postdocs the opportunity to work one-on-one with clinicians to better aid in their training as a translational scientists."
Antonio Pagan, Ph.D.
Mentor: Katherine Loveland, Ph.D.
Department: Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Project Title: Pilot testing a military-culture adapted group treatment program for military-dependent, autistic young adults and their parents
"I wanted to be a part of the program to learn and continue to grow in the incredible UTHealth learning environment."
Meagan Conner, Ph.D.
Mentor: Raghu Kalluri, M.D., Ph.D.
Department: Cancer Biology
Project Title: The Role of Cancer Cell-Derived Type 1 Collagen in the Initiation and Progression of Glioblastoma
"Being a part of the TL1 program bridges laboratory research with clinical applications. Having been a part of the program for this last year, my hands-on experience in neuro-oncology clinical shadowing highlighted challenges of translating scientific discoveries into safe, effective treatments. Interacting with patients and clinicians emphasized the urgency for innovative solutions that address clinical needs. The TL1 program offers invaluable resources to shape my research goals and enhance the real-world impact of my work to advance healthcare."
Former Trainees
Kyle LaBella
Current Position: PhD Student
Renato Guerrieri
Current Position: MD/PhD Student
Anita Kaw
Current Position: MD/PhD Student
Anna Colleen Crouch, PhD
Current Position: Faculty-University of Tennessee
Naomi Bier, PhD
Current Position: R&D Manager, Forward Science
Joseph Barnes
Current Position: MD/PhD Student
Caitlynn Barrows
Current Position: PhD Student
Mariane Martinez, PhD
Current Position: Confocal Microscopy Imaging Specialist, Olympus
Avery Salmon
Current Position: Graduate Student
Jessie Morrill
Current Position: PhD Student
Michelle Winkler
Current Position: PhD Student
Emily Mendez
Current Position: MD/PhD Student
Kareem Wahid
Current Position: MD/PhD Student