Mary Klotman, MD, chair of the department, and Scott Palmer, MD, MHS, vice chair for research, announced the recipients of the 2015 Chair’s Research Award, and the newly created K-bridge funding program. Both awards fund junior investigators who are making the transition to becoming independent scientists prior to their acquisition of extramural funding.
As Dr. Klotman announced at the Research Retreat 2015 in February, the Department has expanded the Chair's Research Award and created new programs to support the development of young physician investigators. Changes to the Chair’s award include:
- Award is renewable up to three years if able to show outstanding progress.
- All junior faculty in the Department who are not yet competitive for K funding are eligible for the award.
- Awardees are required to prepare a K development plan, participate in the School of Medicine K Club, and develop a mentoring plan.
This year, four individuals will receive funding through these awards. Each will receive up to $75,000 in salary support for one year.
Recipients of the 2015 Chair's Award, and the titles of their research projects:
Lindsay Rein, MD
Medical Instructor (Hematological Malignancies and Cellular Therapy)
β–arrestin2 and the disease course of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and myelofibrosis
Mentor is Robert Lefkowitz, MD
Grace Lee, MD
Clinical Associate (Hematology)
Biological Significance of Protamine/Heparin Antibodies
Mentor is Gow Arepally, MD
Recipients of the first cycle of K bridge funding, and the titles of their research projects:
Leonor Corsino, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition)
Hyperinsulinism and BCAA in Racial Differences in Weight Loss after Gastric Bypass
Mentor is David D'Alessio, MD
Gayani Tillekeratne, MD
Fellow (Infectious Diseases)
Extending Duke's Infection Control Expertise to Low- or Middle-Income Settings: A Focus on Sri Lanka
Mentor is Chris Woods, MD
Dr. Palmer thanks Tom Ortel, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Hematology, for his work overseeing the review process.
“Investment in the next generation of physician investigator is one of the most important things we can do as a Department,” Palmer said. “We recognize increasing challenges to developing a successful academic research career and are committed to support our most promising trainees as they begin to build their own independent research careers.”
Learn more about the Award at http://news.medicine.duke.edu/chair-research-award/