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December 2025, Issue 1 | CTSC Newsletter
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Happy Holidays,
As I reflect on the 2025 Fall CTSA Program Annual Meeting that I had the honor to co-Chair with the national CTSA Director, I am inspired by the momentum and shared purpose across our national consortium. A central theme throughout the week was the power of partnership, between our universities and the NIH, across CTSA hubs, and within our research workforce. We reaffirmed the importance of cooperative action to advance translational science and ensure we are prepared to leverage real-world data and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly and rigorously. We also explored how researcher and trainee resilience can be strengthened by adopting proven approaches from crisis-response settings, an increasingly critical priority for sustaining our scientific community.
The meeting further highlighted the need for flexibility as national health priorities evolve, including addressing risks associated with ultra-processed foods, expanding research participation beyond major academic centers, and exploring commercialization pathways to accelerate impact. We heard compelling examples of how hubs can better define and communicate their impact, align efforts with community priorities, and advance best practices across the consortium. Engagement among Executive Committee leaders underscored the growing emphasis on knowledge-sharing and coordinated dissemination. Together, these insights reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing health through innovation, collaboration, and community-centered science.
As we look ahead, we are also proud to strengthen this momentum through our workforce development efforts, building on the August announcement of our newly funded pre-doctoral T32 and K12 training grants, and celebrating the scholars and trainees featured below. This coming January, I am honored to start my tenure as the academic co-lead of the national CTSA Steering committee, along with the CTSA Director. Hopefully, we can continue to strengthen our network and solidify even further our partnership with the NIH.
| | NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Application Notice: | | |
The NIH has extended the application deadline for the Extramural LRP. Applications will now be accepted from September 1, 2025 through December 4, 2025 (11:59 PM EST). Submit electronically via ASSIST. Eligible applicants can apply for loan repayment in selected research fields.
| | Other Funding Opportunities: | |
Mind and Body Interventions to Restore Whole Person Health via Emotional Well-Being Mechanisms (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required): Supports investigator-initiated, multidisciplinary clinical trials on how mind and body practices (e.g., mindfulness, yoga, acupuncture, massage) affect innovative emotional well-being (EWB) mechanisms and whole person health (WPH). This phased 5-year grant targets projects with strong preliminary data, focusing on randomized mechanistic studies with EWB mechanisms as the primary outcome and WPH Index as secondary.
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The CTSC of Northern Ohio proudly welcomes our 2025 K12 Scholars, a cohort of emerging leaders in clinical and translational research from a range of professional disciplines. They were diligently chosen from a total of 48 strong applications. Through the CTSC K12 Training Program, these scholars receive rigorous, team-based, multidisciplinary training to advance patient-oriented research and address complex health challenges. Supported by resources from CWRU and its hospital affiliates, our scholars are equipped to conduct innovative research and collaborate across molecular medicine, public health, and beyond. We look forward to the impact our new K12 Scholars will make as they continue to shape the future of clinical and translational science.
Meet the K12 Scholars and Learn More
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We are excited to welcome the newest CTSC T32 Predoctoral trainees for 2025! Supported by the prestigious NIH T32 grant, these outstanding predoctoral scholars from CWRU’s graduate programs will embark on full-time, mentored research in clinical and translational science. Their projects span cutting-edge therapeutics, innovative clinical interventions, proof-of-concept studies, and health outcomes research, each contributing to the advancement of science and improved health for our communities. Congratulations to our 2025 cohort as they begin their transformative training journey!
Meet the T32 Predoctoral Trainees and Learn More
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We are proud to highlight our current T32 Postdoctoral Fellows. These talented individuals receive two years of support through the NIH T32 grant, enabling them to pursue advanced interdisciplinary research in clinical and translational science. With mentorship, professional development, and funding for research and scientific conferences, our fellows are positioned to lead innovations across clinical and community settings. Our best wishes to Drs. Malone & Walker as they end their fellowships in 2026 and continue in their careers!
Meet the T32 Postdoctoral Fellows and Learn More
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INSPIRE-US: Opening Doors to Careers in Translational Research
The second annual INSPIRE-US cohort has just wrapped up an impactful summer, pictured are cohort members enjoying a recent outing at the Coventry Escape Room. Now entering its third year, the INSPIRE-US Intensive Summer Education Program continues to empower undergraduates from community colleges and universities to explore dynamic careers in clinical and translational research. Through hands-on mentorship, structured programming, and exposure to a variety of research roles, INSPIRE-US sparks curiosity and builds confidence for advancing scientific discovery and improving health outcomes.
We are now calling for applications to join our Year 3 cohort! Apply by February 2, 2026 to take part in this transformative experience.
If you are interested in mentoring INSIRE-US
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Informatics Open Office Hours
Moderators: Drs. Hughes and Jarrett
*no registration required*
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CTSC Scientific Writing Open Office Hours
Speaker: Roberto Alers-Velazquez, PhD
*no registration required*
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CTSC Spotlight Series:
'Reimagining How Science Speaks'
Speaker: Roberto Alers-Velasquez, PhD
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CTSC Science Cafe:
Health Informatics
Speaker: Ashley Hughes, PhD
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CTSC Quarterly Big Data Webinar:
TriNetX Database Advanced
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CTSC Distinguished Speaker Series:
'Successful Advocacy in Dynamic Times'
Speaker: Dane Christiansen, MBA
*CME Available
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CTSC REDCap Advanced User Webinar
Speaker: Sheree Hemphill
Event Details
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CTSC Town Hall Event:
Epic Tools for Clinical Research
Event Details
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International Network on Health and Hepatitis
in Substance Users
Hepatitis C Intervention Symposium
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Advancing Stroke Rehabilitation with CCFES
CTSC-supported investigators Jayme Knutson (former KL2 scholar), Doug Gunzler (past Pilot awardee), and John Chae (former CUP awardee) led a multicenter randomized controlled trial showing the benefits of contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation (CCFES) for upper extremity recovery in stroke survivors. Compared to other common therapies, CCFES resulted in greater reductions in upper limb impairment and better overall arm function, highlighting the impact of CTSC-supported research in advancing innovative rehabilitation treatments for those affected by stroke.
Learn more about how CCFES is advancing stroke rehabilitation
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Understanding Barriers and Opportunities in Sleep Apnea Trials
A new study led by J. Daryl Thornton, MD, MPH, FCCP, FACP, ATSF, and Morgan A. Whaley, leaders of the CTSC INSPIRE-US program, examine how couples perceive participation in clinical trials for obstructive sleep apnea treatments. Interviews revealed that while participants are interested in understanding CPAP’s true benefits, concerns around health risks and mistrust remain significant barriers. The research emphasizes the importance of integrating patient voices and education into trial design to advance patient-centered approaches in clinical research.
Discover more about the sleep apnea trial
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NEOMED Student Research Symposium
NEOMED hosted its 6th Annual Student Research Symposium on Friday, November 21st, featuring an impressive lineup of 198 student poster presentations, 15 student oral presentations, and two keynote speakers. The event provided a dynamic forum for students to showcase their research and engage with peers and faculty. The CTSC was prominently represented with a table hosted by Kristin Baughman, PhD, CTSC NEOMED site lead, offering information about CTSC initiatives and highlighting the benefits available to both NEOMED faculty and students.
Learn more about the CTSC’s commitment to Workforce Development
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ACTS Membership for Community Members
CTSC community partners are eligible to become members of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS). Community members are able to access ACTS' member benefits, including:
- Discounted registration to the annual Translational Science meeting
- Opportunities to participate in Special Interest Groups and Committees
- Access to the ACTS community platform website, Tradewing
- And more!
To join, community members can create an account on the ACTS website and join under Case Western Reserve University.
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