Our Trainees

Predoctoral Trainee

Northwestern University

Mentors: Susan Quaggin, MD and Navdeep Chandel, PhD

Research Project: Exploring the Cardioprotective Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors

Maggie is a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) student at Northwestern University and working towards an MD degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a PhD degree from Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis where she studied antenatal hydronephrosis with Dr. Paul Austin and podocytopathies with Dr. Jeffery Miner. She also completed a Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education summer fellowship at the Food and Drug Administration Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis.

Maggie’s current research focuses on sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), a class of anti-hyperglycemic drugs that have been shown to have profound cardio- and reno-protective effects in patients regardless of diabetes status. Maggie is studying a novel method of kidney-heart crosstalk that conveys cardiac benefit by studying mice with a missense mutation in Slc5a2, the gene encoding Sglt2. By clarifying the route of cardiac protection, she hopes to broaden the scientific knowledge and identify new therapeutic targets.

View Maggie Fain's My Bibliography

Predoctoral Trainee

University of Illinois Chicago

Mentors: Tanika Kelly, PhD, MPH, James Lash, MD, and Martha Daviglus, MD, PhD 

Research Project: Dynamic Elements of the Human Genome and Kidney Disease Risk in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Brenna Kirkpatrick is an MD/PhD candidate in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). She is completing her PhD training in UIC’s Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences (GEMS) program. She earned bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and French & Francophone Studies from the University of Kentucky. 

Brenna’s project focuses on investigating prospective associations between dynamic components of the human genome and kidney disease among participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Through her proposed research, Brenna seeks to address the disproportionate impact of end-stage kidney disease on Hispanic/Latino individuals compared to White counterparts. Ultimately, public health implications for the study could include improved risk stratification and contribution to novel molecular therapies to prevent and treat kidney disease.  

View Brenna Kirkpatrick's My Bibliography

Predoctoral Trainee

University of Illinois Chicago

Mentors: Kostandin V. Pajcini, PhD and Kiwook Kim, PhD

Research Project: Jagged-1⁺ myeloid-derived suppressor cells facilitate recovery of the bone marrow endothelium after myelosuppression

Thilinie Bandara is a 4th Year Ph.D. Candidate in the Graduate and Education in Biomedical Sciences (GEMS) Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Thilinie’s project seeks to elucidate Notch signaling in the damaged bone marrow endothelium during myeloablation. Through her proposed research, she aims to understand the interactions between hematopoietic cells and the damaged endothelium via Notch signaling and establish an emerging role for myeloid-derived suppressors to facilitate recovery of the damaged endothelium. Her proposed studies will generate a potential cell-based therapy for improvement of endothelial recovery in patients receiving myelosuppression.

View Thilinie Bandara's My Bibliography

Predoctoral Trainee

University of Illinois Chicago

Mentors: Konstantinos Chronis, PhD and Sandra Pinho, PhD

Research Project: Uncovering the Mechanisms of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Specification Using Novel Reprogramming Approaches

Itay Solomon is an MD/PhD candidate in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). He is pursuing his PhD training in UIC’s Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences (GEMS) program. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics from the University of Los Angeles, California (UCLA).

Itay’s project focuses on understanding how transcription factors (TFs) drive the reprogramming of somatic cells into hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). His research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying TF-mediated HSC conversion, with the goal of advancing cellular reprogramming strategies to create new, transplantable HSC sources for regenerative medicine applications.

Predoctoral Trainee

Northwestern University

Mentors: Minoli Perera, PharmD, PhD and Susan Quaggin, MD

Research Project: Predictive Modeling in African Americans: Applications to renal disease and platelet function

Anmol Singh is a 3^rd year PhD candidate in the Driskill Graduate Program of Life Sciences (DGP) at Northwestern University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University and a Master of Science degree in Biostatistics from Columbia University. 

Anmol's current research focuses on using computational methods to integrate genetic and non-genetic data types to create more accurate predictors of platelet function, renal function, and antithrombotic drug response in African American populations. Through his project, Anmol hopes to identify novel associations and predictors relevant to African Americans who suffer from chronic kidney disease and adverse platelet-related events in response to antithrombotic drugs at a higher rate when compared to European populations. These predictors of risk could help bridge the gap in our knowledge around renal and platelet function in African Americans.   

View Anmol Singh My Bibliography

Predoctoral Trainee

Northwestern University

Mentors: Jennie Lin, MD

Research Project: Investigating the Role of APOL1 Risk Variants in Endothelial Lipotoxicity in the Kidney-Cardiometabolic Axis

Johnson Yang is a 3^rd year PhD candidate in the Driskill Graduate Program of Life Sciences (DGP) at Northwestern University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from San Francisco State University and a Master of Science in Stem Cell Science.

Johnson’s project focuses on understanding the genetic drivers of kidney disease and the cell-specific mechanisms influenced by genetic variants. Specifically, investigates Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk variants that increase the risk and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and potentially heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Despite the established role of APOL1 variants in kidney pathology, their impact on the broader spectrum of cardiometabolic diseases remains to be fully understood.

Through his project, Johnson aims to unravel the complex interplay between APOL1 variants and cardiorenal disease, contributing to a deeper understanding of these interconnected conditions.

View Johnson Yang's My Bibliography

Postdoctoral Scholar

Loyola University Chicago

Mentors: Ivana Kuo, PhD and Arlene Chapman, MD

Research Project: The activation and downstream signaling pathways mediated through PC2 by osmosensation in kidney cells

Dr. Karla Márquez Nogueras is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology at Loyola University Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Industrial Microbiology and her master’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez and received her PhD in Microbiology from the University of Georgia.

Dr. Márquez Nogueras’s research focuses on understanding the role of PC2 in the heart and kidney. Mutations within this gene leads to Autosomal Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) and ultimately renal failure. Specifically, her research examines the natural agonists of the polycystin complex in the kidney and the potential signaling pathways activated.

View Dr. Márquez Nogueras’s My Bibliography

Postdoctoral Scholar

University of Chicago

Mentors: Ted Skolarus, MD, MPH, FACS; Peter Angelos, MD, PhD, FACS, MAMSE; Mary Hammes, DO; Rita McGill, MD, MS

Research Project: Prolonged catheter use for hemodialysis: Understanding outcomes and barriers to transitioning to permanent access

Dr Liu grew up in North Carolina and went to the University of North Carolina as an undergraduate, where she studied biology, psychology, and English. She then worked as a clinical researcher at UNC Hospitals before moving to New York to attend Weill Cornell Medicine for medical school.

Dr. Liu's TL1 research project focuses on prolonged catheter use for hemodialysis. In particular, she is interested in improving our understanding of the morbidity and mortality of catheters compared to permanent access and examining how shared decision making influences the transition from catheters to permanent access.

View Dr. Liu's My Bibliography

Postdoctoral Scholar

University of Illinois at Chicago

Mentors: Rosalba Hernandez, PhD and James Lash, MD

Research Project: Positive Psychology's Role in Enhancing CKD Outcomes in Diverse Populations

Dr. Sadia Anjum Ashrafi is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine. She received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, a Master of Public Health from the BRAC University, Bangladesh and her doctorate in Community Health from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Ashrafi’s research aims to identify how positive psychological well-being, such as optimism and resilience, are associated with better kidney health in various cultural contexts. Her study findings will guide effective strength-based interventions for individuals with chronic kidney disease from diverse cultural groups.

Postdoctoral Scholar

University of Chicago

Mentors: Sam Armato, PhD and Arlene Chapman, MD

Research Project: Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) radiomics of the non-cystic kidney parenchyma of children and young adults with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)

Dr. Linnea Kremer is a postdoctoral researcher under the joint mentorship of Arlene Chapman (Nephrology) and Sam Armato (Medical Physics) at the University of Chicago. She received her doctorate in medical physics from the University of Chicago in 2024, a Master of Science in bioengineering from the University of Nottingham (U.K.) in 2018, and a Bachelor of Science in physics from Roanoke College in 2017. She was a predoctoral fellow with Chicago KUH FORWARD from 2021-2023.

Her research applies radiomic features derived from magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) quantitative T1 and T2 maps to characterize the non-cystic kidney parenchyma in children and young adults with ADPKD. Currently, there is no established risk stratification method for pediatric ADPKD patients under 15 years of age. This work will ultimately aid in guiding early intervention strategies and advancing personalized care for young patients with ADPKD.

Postdoctoral Scholar

Lurie Children's Hospital

Mentors: Robert Liem, MD and John Rogers, PhD

Research Project: A Feasibility Study on the Use of a Novel Wearable Device for Evaluating Biophysical Markers of Pain in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia

Dr. Akani is currently a second-year pediatric hematology, oncology and stem cell transplant fellow at Lurie Children's Hospital. She received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Imperial College London (United Kingdom), her medical degree (MD) from the University of California San Diego and her Master of Public Health with a focus on global health (MPH) from Harvard. She completed my pediatric residency training at Children's National Hospital in Washington DC. 

Her current research focuses on the use of a wearable, multimodal skin-interfaced device to measure different biophysical parameters in patients with sickle cell anemia experiencing vaso-occlusive pain episodes to better understand/capture their pain experience. Her hope is that the result of this study paves the way for improvements in pain management for patients with sickle cell anemia and ultimately improve patient outcomes. 

Predoctoral Trainee in Hematology

University of Illinois at Chicago

Mentors: Sandra Pinho, PhD and Peng Ji, MD, PhD

Research Project: Regulation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells by VCAM1

Training period: January 2022 - December 2022

Predoctoral Trainee in Urology

Loyola University Chicago

Mentors: Alan Wolfe, PhD and Elizabeth Mueller, MD, MSE

Research Project: Investigating the role of the urobiome and Enterococcus faecalis in lower urinary tract disease

Training period: January 2021 - December 2023

Predoctoral Trainee

Rush University  

Mentors: Eunsil Hahm, PhD and Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD

Research Project: Functional Reprogramming of Bone Marrow Myeloid Cells in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Training period: October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2024

Predoctoral Trainee in Nephrology

Northwestern University

Mentors: Jennie Lin, MD and Susan Quaggin, MD

Research Project: Uncovering Mechanisms of Risk-Variant APOL1-modulated Inflammatory Signaling in Macrophages and Endothelial Cells

Training period: January 2022 - May 2023

Predoctoral Trainee

Northwestern University

Mentors: Paul DeCaen, PhD, Susan Quaggin, MD, Neha Kamat, PhD

Research Project: Lipid and glycosylation regulation of PKD2 channel

Training period: January 2023 - August 2024

View Megan Larmore's My Bibliography

Predoctoral Trainee in Nephrology

University of Chicago

Mentors: Sam Armato, PhD and Arlene Chapman, MD

Research Project: MRI imaging biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)

Training period: January 2021 - December 2023

Predoctoral Trainee in Nephrology

University of Illinois at Chicago

Mentors:  David Perkins, MD and Patricia Finn, MD

Research Project: Strain-resolved Metagenomics in Kidney Transplantation

Training period: January 2022 - December 2022

Predoctoral Trainee in Hematology and Medical Student Research Training Supplement Awardee

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine 

Mentors: Santosh Saraf, MD and Jim Lash, MD 

Research Project: Impact of Healthy Diet on Sickle Cell Nephropathy

Training period: June 2022 - May 2023

Postdoctoral Scholar in Nephrology 

Northwestern University 

Mentors: Pinelopi Kapitsinou, MD and Evan Scott, PhD 

Research Project: Peptide Targeted Nanocarriers for Enhanced Drug Delivery to Inflamed Kidney Endothelium 

Training period: March 2022 - February 2023 

Postdoctoral Scholar in Urology

University of Illinois at Chicago

Mentors: Donald Vander Griend, PhD and Natalie Reizine, MD

Research Project: Therapeutic Targeting of Stem Cell Transcription Factor SOX2 in Prostatic Disease

Training period: January 2021 - December 2023

View Dr. Vellky's My Bibliography.

Postdoctoral Scholar

University of Chicago

Mentors: Luka Pocivavsek, MD, PhD and Ka Yee Lee, PhD

Research Project: A Multi-Physics Approach to Understanding Geometric Remodeling of Surgically Created Arteriovenous Fistulas

Training period: July 2022 - June 2024

Postdoctoral Scholar in Nephrology

Northwestern University

Mentors: Paul DeCaen, PhD and Arlene Chapman, MD

Research Project: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of S. cerevisiae applied to the discovery of Polycystin-2 channel activators using a cell growth-based assay

Training period: March 2022 - February 2024

View Dr. Esarte Palomero's My Bibliography

Postdoctoral Scholar

Northwestern University

Mentors: Lucy Godley, MD, PhD and Navdeep Chandel, PhD

Research Project: Epigenetic control of erythroid differentiation

Training period: July 2023 - June 2024

Postdoctoral Scholar

Lurie Children's Hospital and Northwestern University

Mentors: Susan Quaggin, MD, Evan Scott, PhD, and Pinelopi Kapitsinou, MD

Research Project: Harnessing the protective effects of SARA to uncover novel targets for treatment of podocytopathies

Training period: May 2022 - May 2024