Kidney Week

Abstract: INFO16-SA

Integrated Virginia Research Training Centers in Kidney, Urology, and Hematology

Session Information

• Informational Posters - 3
  November 08, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Educational Research

• No subcategory defined

Authors

• Okusa, Mark D., University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Mark D. Okusa, MD, FASN

• Brown, Michael G., University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Michael G. Brown, PhD

• Popovics, Petra, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States

Petra Popovics, PhD

• Portilla, Didier, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Didier Portilla, MD

• Scialla, Julia J., University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Julia J. Scialla, MD, FASN

• Sharma, Rahul, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Rahul Sharma, MS, PhD

• Speich, John E, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States

John E Speich, PhD

• Swiatecka-Urban, Agnieszka, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Agnieszka Swiatecka-Urban, MD, FASN

Description

IGNITE KUH aims to promote the growth of the biomedical research workforce throughout Virginia.The center unites four institutions, the University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT) and Virginia Health Sciences (VHS) at Old Dominion University into a single cohesive program. The long-term goal of the program is to bring new techniques, experimental approaches and ideas to the KUH field by fostering collaboration, networking, professional development and the development of mentoring skills for a diverse group of trainees. There are 6 thematic research pathways that are fundamental to KUH-related diseases: Systems Biology and Functional Genomics, Immunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotherapeutics and Drug Discovery, Clinical Sciences, and Data Sciences and Predictive Analytics. These initiatives will prepare trainees to embark upon and sustain independent research careers. YR05 incorporates a 4^th institution, Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, transforming our initiative into a true statewide training program. The program expands near-peer mentorship by partnering with undergraduate research programs across Virginia. The program has thus far engaged 2 people with kidney disease to serve on the newly formed Patient Advisory Board. The program, has recruited 7 predoctoral fellows, including 1 MD/PHD student and 8 postdoctoral fellows. Of the predoctoral trainees, 3 obtained their PhDs, 3 are currently enrolled in their PHD or MD/PHD programs and 1 is a Medical Scientist Liaison. Two trainees received NIH F30 and F31. Of the 8 postdoctoral trainees 6 continue in their postdoctoral positions and 2 have been appointed to the faculty as Assistant Professors. Postdoctoral trainees received an F32 award and an NIH KL2 award from the institutional CTSA. Trainees from IGNITE KUH serve in leadership positions in the nationwide KUH Research Trainee Network (KUHR-TN). The IGNITE KUH program has received consistently high satisfaction ratings from participants and stands as a successful initiative to strengthen the pipeline of future scientists with a likely interest in kidney, urology, and hematology research. NIH NIDDK 2U2CDK129500/TL1DK132771.

Funding

• NIH/NIDDK