Overview
Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars make significant contributions to the dynamic research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies aims to help graduate students and postdocs maximize this pivotal state in their professional development. This office is dedicated to enhancing their experience.
We invite you to explore the materials and information that pertain to you in the pages of this site. Please contact the office with any questions, comments, or ideas that you may have about graduate and postdoctoral studies at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
Trainee Spotlight
My name is Daniel Nguyen, and I'm currently a second-year MD/PhD candidate in the Department of Physiology. I was born in a small rural farming community in southern Vietnam and later moved to Maine with my parents when they immigrated to the United States. Despite the initial culture shock and freezing temperatures, we decided to make the Pine Tree State our home. Later, I earned my bachelor's degree in Applied Exercise Science at the University of New England, where my interest in clinical medicine and medical research began to develop. Specifically, it was during my time as a physical therapy clinical intern working with diabetic and heart failure patients that sparked my enthusiasm for medicine. From those direct interactions, I knew that I wanted to explore patient health beyond the realm of physical rehabilitation. Further, my experiences outside the classroom environment led me to develop a passion for research. Notably, it was my involvement and interest in research on cognitive functioning among lacrosse athletes that naturally led me to explore the physician-scientist career path. Following graduation, I took on a research assistant position and was eager to begin working in a research setting that aimed to develop cellular therapies against metabolic dysfunctions such as type two diabetes and metabolic syndromes. As I delved deeper into medical research, I became excited about the idea of pushing scientific boundaries from bench to bedside. After moving to Louisville to start the MD/PhD program, I joined the laboratory of Dr. Bradford Hill at the Center for Cardiometabolic Science after completing the first two years of medical education. Under the guidance of Dr. Hill, I have started to develop a dissertation project that focuses on investigating the mechanistic importance of TAK1 signaling in cardiac fibroblasts as they relate to pathological cardiac remodeling. By providing additional clarity into the complex process of pathological fibrosis, I hope to describe alternative mechanisms that may be central to future therapeutic endeavors. Beyond the lab bench, I enjoy spending my time outdoors either tackling a hike or playing pickleball with friends. My non-hazardous hobbies include competitive games of Mario Kart and drinking coffee more often than I should be.
Anouncements
Josiah Hardesty, post-doctoral fellow of the School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, division of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition, has been awarded an NIH NIAAA MOSIAC K99/R00, “Restoration and preservation of hepatic cardiolipin levels promotes liver regeneration in alcohol-associated hepatitis” for intensive, mentored research/career development under the guidance/support of Irina Kirpich and Craig McClain and scientists from MUSC/Duke. This is the first Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers Award at UofL and the fourth active K-award in the GI division. Congratulations!
Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics PhD Candidate, Colin Wells received a F31 fellowship award in August 2022, for his project entitled "Role of Pck2 in cardiac fibrosis" His sponsor and thesis advisor is Dr. Bradford Hill. This grant is funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Pharmacology & Toxicology PhD Candidate, Andrew Orwick received a F31 fellowship award in April, 2022,, for his project entitled "The role of PGC-1alpha in repeated low-dose cisplatin-induced kidney injury and the progression to chronic kidney disease.
Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics PhD Candidate, Danielle Little received an F31 fellowship award in January, 2022 for her project entitled, “Dynamic Role of Hyaluronan in Ventricular Remodeling”. Her sponsor and thesis advisor is Dr. Steven Jones. This grant is funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Physiology PhD Candidate, Ernesto Pena Calderin received an F31 fellowship award for his project entitled, “High fat diet-induced adrenergic dysfunction and resolution of adipose inflammation”. His sponsor and thesis advisor is Dr. Jason Hellman. This grant is funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.