School of Graduate Studies Annual Report 2025 - 2026
A Message from the Dean At the heart of educating graduate students and postdoctoral scholars is effective mentorship—the steady guidance, support, and encouragement that transforms potential into purpose. Mentorship is not defined by a single moment or relationship, but rather by a culture we intentionally build together. Strong mentors foster discovery of new knowledge, critical thinking, professional integrity and resilience. At the same time, they help trainees navigate the challenges of uncertainty, career development and work-life balance as they grow into confident scholars and professionals. Effective mentorship cultivates not only academic excellence, but also confidence, communication skills, leadership, and a sense of belonging —qualities that prepare our graduates for diverse careers following their training at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Across our programs, our faculty, staff, and alumni have invested deeply in mentoring our graduate learners and postdoctoral researchers in supportive and inclusive learning environments such as classrooms, laboratories, clinics and communities. As you read this academic year’s Annual Report, you will see the impact of mentorship reflected in trainee achievements, scholarly contributions, and professional milestones. These successes and accomplishments were made possible by a community committed to lifting one another to greater heights. I am grateful to everyone who contributes to this culture of mentorship and proud of the ways our Graduate School continues to strengthen the research enterprise and healthcare workforce by developing the next generation of innovators, leaders, and educators.
DAISY SAHOO, PhD
Dean of the School of Graduate Studies
2 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
3 DEAN'S REPORT 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Graduate School Staff
6
General Information
8
STUDENT NEWS
10
Graduate Student Association
10
STEP-UP and IGNITE
14
Events
11
Mentorship
16
Student Awards
12
FACULTY NEWS
Mentoring Academy
16
18
Faculty Awards
20
RECRUITMENT NEWS
20
Events
22
SPUR Information
24
SPUR Story
26
POSTDOCTORAL EDUCATION
26
Postdoctoral Committees
28
Postdoctoral Awards
33
Postdoctoral Data
30
Postdoctoral Grants
35
GRANTS & FELLOWSHIP INFORMATION
Predoctoral Fellowships
36
Postdoctoral Fellowships
40
32
Fellowship Testimonials
42
ALUMNI UPDATES
Mentorship Stories
4 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
38
46
Alumni Stories
48
5 ANNUAL REPORT
Meet the Graduate School Team GRADUATE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
DAISY SAHOO, PhD
NEIL HOGG, PhD
ADAM GREENBERG, PhD
Dean of the School of
Senior Associate Dean
Associate Dean of
Graduate Studies
of Academic Affairs
Postdoctoral Education
ANGIE BACKUS, MS
DIANE VERHAAGH
HEATHER CLIFT, PhD
Director of Enrollment
Graduate School
Research Grants
Management
Administrator
Coordinator
GRADUATE SCHOOL STAFF
6 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
GRADUATE SCHOOL STAFF
SARAH ASHWORTH
VICKI RYDELL
KELLY ANGONE
ALLISON SCHNEIDER, MS
Program Manager
Program Manager
Education Program
Education Program
Coordinator III
Coordinator III
LINDSEY HILL, MA
JULIE LIETZ
MAXWELL ARTIS-DEMICK, M. Ed.
Education Program
Education Program
Education Program
Coordinator I
Coordinator II
Coordinator II
7 ANNUAL REPORT
2025-2026 Fast Facts
1 of 120
538
ACADEMIC HEALTH
STUDENTS ENROLLED
CENTERS IN U.S.
IN FALL 2025
1 of 2
18.6%
JOINT BME DEPARTMENTS
INTERNATIONAL
IN THE U.S.
STUDENTS
Less than 1:1
42
STUDENT-TO-
GRADUATE
FACULTY RATIO
PROGRAMS
$36,355 GRADUATE SCHOOL ANNUAL PhD STIPEND (FY26)
MCW has conferred graduate degrees since 1936 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025
Doctoral Program Information: Fall 2025
370 Students
50 Students
12 Students
DOCTORAL ENROLLMENT
PhD MATRICULANTS
DrPH MATRICULANTS
Master’s, Certificate, Guest, and Non-Degree Information: Fall 2025
167 Students
42 Students
7 Students
MASTER’S, CERTIFICATE,
MASTER’S
CERTIFICATE, GUEST,
GUEST, AND NON-
MATRICULANTS
AND NON-DEGREE
DEGREE ENROLLMENT
MATRICULANTS
TOTAL APPLICATIONS, OFFERS & MATRICULANTS: FALL 2020-2025 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 2020
2021
2022
Applications
2023
Offers
2024
2025
Matriculants 9 ANNUAL REPORT
STUDENT NEWS
Meet the 2025-2026 Graduate Student Association Executive Board
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is the student-led governing body of the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Graduate Studies, representing more than 500 graduate students across all degree programs. Through an elected Representative Council with members from each graduate program, the GSA serves as the primary voice for students, fostering communication between students, faculty, staff, and Graduate School leadership.
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
ROCKY MAZOROW
RYAN BONATE
TAYLOR WILCOX
Biomedical Enginnering
Biophysics
Pharmacology & Toxicology
TREASURER
PUBLIC RELATIONS
AYSAN NAZARI
ALLISON HALL
Biomedical Enginnering
Cell & Developmental Biology
10 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
Student Events Monthly Toast Tuesday hosted by the Graduate School AUGUST 2025
Orientation for Incoming PhD Students AUGUST 2025
International Student Picnic Social SEPTEMBER 2025
Graduate School and Office of Postdoctoral Education Poster Session OCTOBER 2025
The GSA advocates for graduate student
GSA Pumpkin Painting Event
interests by providing input on institutional policies, curriculum and program
OCTOBER 2025
development, and student welfare
MCW Trick or Treat
initiatives. In partnership with Graduate School leadership, the organization works
FEBRUARY 2026
to support positive academic, social,
Health Sciences Summit
and financial changes that enhance the graduate student experience.
MARCH 2026
GSA Symposium In addition to advocacy, the GSA promotes community and professional development
APRIL 2026
through monthly meetings, student
Graduate Student Appreciation Week
organizations, outreach initiatives, social events, and leadership opportunities.
APRIL 2026
The association also administers travel
GSA Spring Social
awards, recognizes student scholarship and engagement, and honors outstanding
MAY 2026
faculty mentors and teachers.
Graduate School Hooding Ceremony 11 STUDENT NEWS
Student Awards
Friends of MCW Doctor of
Outstanding Contribution to
Philosophy Outstanding Dissertation
Advancing Public Health
1ST PLACE: : LAUREN YUNKER, PhD
PhD: A NDRE W O'NEIL , PhD
Physiology
Public & Community Health
"The Impact of time-restricted feeding of a high salt diet in the Dahl salt-sensitive rat: From whole-animal physiology to molecular mechanisms in the kidney" 2ND PLACE: KARINA BURSCH, PhD
Biochemistry "Chromatin reader missense variant
"Ending the HIV epidemic among males in the rural southern United States: An analysis of implementation determinants, behavioral profiles, and boolean difference-makers" M A S TERS: ZOE CUL SH AW-K LEIN
Genetic Counseling
impacts in cancer and rare disease" “Krabbe disease newborn screening in 2ND PLACE: ERIKA JOHANSEN, PhD
Wisconsin and beyond: U.S. State Laboratory
Microbiology & Immunology
experiences following rusp inclusion”
"Hijacking the host: Exploring how B cell-intrinsic host factors support chronic gammaherpesvirus infection"
3-Minute Thesis 1S T PL ACE: M A X BOBHOL Z
Public & Community Health 2ND PL ACE: A LLISON H A LL
Cell & Developmental Biology PEOPLE'S CHOICE: S A ME YA AURN A
Microbiology & Immunology
12 ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025
STUDENT NEWS
2025 Friends of MCW Excellence in Research TEMITAYO OKUS A N YA
Public & Community Health L AUREN Y UNK ER
Physiology N ATH A N W ITM A N
Microbiology & Immunology JULI A N GROSSKOPF
Biophysics & MSTP
Paper of the Season SUMMER 2025: MELISSA EILBES
Physiology “Unique features of seizure-induced cardio-
Leadership & Service Awards M A RI A P OIMENIDOU, PhD
Microbiology & Immunology A LYSS A GEH A NT, PhD
Biochemistry
respiratory failure in SSKcnj16-/- rats: Implications for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.” FALL 2025: EMMA BONNIWELL
The Leadership & Service Award
Cell & Developmental Biology
is a new award that is granted to
“Serotonin 5-HT2C receptor signaling analysis
a graduating student who showed
reveals psychedelic biased agonism.”
exemplary leadership and service
SPRING 2026: ERIN H A MMONDS
Biochemistry “Histone H3 tail charge patterns govern nucleosome condensate formation and dynamics.”
during their time within the Graduate School. This award is funded by the Friends of MCW. 13 STUDENT NEWS
STUDENT NEWS
STEP-UP and IGNITE
Encouraging the next generation of health and science professionals is an important task – and it is easy to get involved as a student at MCW! A variety of outreach programs connect MCW students with learners across the Milwaukee area. Two in particular, STEP-UP and IGNITE, bring middle school, high school, and college students to MCW’s Milwaukee campus for hands-on experiences in science and healthcare.
14 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
These programs aim to expose students to research and clinical professions through panel discussions, experiments, clinical simulations, and mentorship from members of the MCW community. These experiences foster excitement for biomedical careers and support student progress as they prepare for graduate and medical programs. MCW students are essential to the success of these programs. Both IGNITE and STEP-UP are developed and managed by the Office of Academic Pathways, but rely on partnerships with volunteers across medical and graduate programs. Volunteers help prepare campus spaces, lead demonstrations, teach research skills, develop curriculum, and mentor participants. MCW students have the option to volunteer occasionally or take on a more active leadership role by joining the board of SHIPP (Student Health Initiative for Pathway Programs). No matter the level of involvement, volunteering with IGNITE and STEP-UP are just a few of the many ways MCW students can support and inspire future scientists!
15 STUDENT NEWS
STUDENT NEWS
PAUL SIDLOWSKI PhD CANDIDATE
Biochemistry
The Transformative Power of Mentorship: Insights from MCW Graduate Students
WHY HE MENTORS
Paul describes his educational journey as a “winding path,” one shaped by the generosity of high school teachers, professors, and research mentors who guided him. Mentorship allows him to pay that forward. And a bonus? He genuinely enjoys the process. MENTORING PHILOSOPHY
Paul focuses on creating broad exposure to learning
The MCW School of Graduate Studies
experiences. He shares what he has learned, then steps
thrives on a culture of mentorship,
supporting their growth as they pursue their passion.
and two graduate trainees, Paul
back, helping mentees discover what excites them and
IMPACT ON STUDENTS
Sidlowski and Emma Tillison, both
Through pathway programs for high school
PhD students in the Biochemistry
and undergraduate students like STEP‑UP and
program, exemplify this commitment
over multiple years, refine their interests, and
through their support of younger
pursue fields such as medicine, public health,
summer initiatives, Paul has seen students return
biomedical sciences, and applied mathematics.
students. Their stories highlight how mentorship strengthens academic
A MEANINGFUL MOMENT
pathways, fosters confidence, and
Molecular Biology conference, Paul unexpectedly
builds a community of learners who
encountered a former mentee who is now a
support one another.
reinforced the long‑term impact of mentorship.
At the American Society for Biochemistry and
graduate student. Witnessing that full‑circle moment
HOW MENTORING SHAPES HIM
Mentoring reminds Paul of the early joy of entering science and strengthens his own communication and technical skills. Teaching others, he says, makes him better at what he does. 16 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
EMMA TILLISON PhD CANDIDATE
Biochemistry
WHY SHE MENTORS
Emma credits her undergraduate mentor, Dr. Antony, and the graduate students she worked with for inspiring her to aim higher. They recognized potential in her that she hadn’t yet seen in herself. They also introduced her
A MEANINGFUL MOMENT
to opportunities — including Medical Scientist Training
Emma has spent a few years volunteering with
Program (MSTP) pathways — she didn’t know existed.
STEP‑UP, supporting students through interview practice, research presentations, Science
MENTORING PHILOSOPHY
Saturdays, and conference preparation. Many of
Emma uses a near‑peer model, connecting students
those students now walk MCW’s halls as medical
with mentors just one or two stages ahead of them.
or graduate students and even mentor others.
This approach fosters relatable, candid conversations grounded in recent experience.
HOW MENTORING SHAPES HER
Mentorship grounded her during medical and IMPACT ON STUDENTS
graduate school, teaching her to slow down,
While she enjoys seeing students grow academically,
listen deeply, and understand the structural
Emma finds their growth in confidence most rewarding:
challenges students face. These lessons, she
confidence in themselves, their decisions, and their
believes, will make her a more compassionate
future direction.
and effective physician‑scientist.
Shared Wisdom for Students & Future Mentors Both Paul and Emma encourage students to stay open, explore widely, and embrace the non‑linear path of STEM careers. They remind mentees that doubt, redirection, and resilience are all part of the journey. To fellow graduate students, they emphasize that mentorship doesn’t require perfection, just willingness. MCW offers many accessible entry points through pathway programs like STEP‑UP, SHREP, and SUPREMES.
A Culture of Paying It Forward Through their dedication, Paul and Emma demonstrate how mentorship strengthens the entire MCW community. Their work not only shapes the students they guide but also fortifies their own development as scientists, educators, and future leaders. 17 STUDENT NEWS
FA C U LT Y NEWS
Graduate School Research Mentoring Academy
IN-PERSON SESSIONS:
The Graduate School Research Mentoring Academy is based
Introduction
on the University of Wisconsin – Madison’s Center for the
Maintaining Effective Communication
Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER)
Aligning Expectations
program. The training includes 8 one-hour in-person
Assessing Understanding
sessions and is primarily discussion-based. Participants
Addressing Equity and Inclusion
discuss 2-3 scenarios for each topic in small groups and
Fostering Independence
then as a whole under facilitation of a CIMER-trained
Promoting Professional Development
faculty member. Case studies include situations involving a
Articulating Your Mentoring
mentor/superior and their interaction with undergraduate
Philosophy and Plan
and graduate students, postdoctoral and clinical fellows, and staff scientists. Guiding questions are provided, usually
FACILITATORS:
asking what participants think of the situation, what they would do differently, how they would solve issues, etc. The
Nita Salzman. MD, PhD
Academy provides a safe space where junior, mid-career and
Allison Ebert, PhD
senior faculty can discuss different mentoring styles and
Adam Greenberg, PhD
share strategies and perspectives.
Debra Nevels, MSHCM Kenneth Brockman, PhD
Since its launch in Fall of 2024, the Mentoring Academy has
Christopher Olsen, PhD
trained 63 faculty members across all graduate programs.
Michaela Patterson, PhD
The Mentoring Academy is held four times a year (winter,
Neil Hogg, PhD
spring, summer, and fall), with 16-20 participating faculty
Matthew Hodges, PhD
members at all levels of their career and from a mix of
Sridhar Rao, MD, PhD
departments. The Academy has created a community of
Joseph Barbieri, PhD
practice where our faculty can strive to be the best mentors
Stephanie Olivier-Van Stichelen, PhD
for today's research trainees.
David Nelson, PhD, MS
18 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
ANTJE KRONER-MILSCH, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery I did not know what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised with the experience. I thought the topics and sample cases were well chosen and the discussion was fruitful. The mix of participants regarding age/experience and research focus was key to discussing different perspectives and approaches. While I did not take home a blueprint for new mentoring methods, the course definitely provided new insight and a better understanding of approaches and maybe even a “toolbox”. I think that mentor training is essential for faculty, especially early on.
XUE-ZHONG YU, MD, MBA, MS
Professor, Microbiology & Immunology The Mentoring Academy provided valuable training and it was good to hear others' opinions and experiences in the discussion sessions. I would highly recommend other faculty take the training and that the Academy should continue. I believe what I learned from the Academy influences my mentoring style consciously and unconsciously. I continually remind myself to review the handouts from the Academy, refreshing my memory.
19 FACULTY NEWS
FA C U LT Y NEWS
2025 Graduate School Outstanding Educator Award Winners
BIOCHEMISTRY
CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL
GLOBAL HEALTH
Emma Morrison, PhD
BIOLOGY
Tifany Frazer, MPH
Stephanie Olivier-van Stichelen, PhD
Sun Daochun, PhD
Ronald Anguzu, PhD
Elizabeth Sweeny, PhD
E Lezi, PhD
Craig Fleischer, PhD
Ken Taniguchi, PhD BIOETHICS
Teresa Patitucci, PhD
MICROBIOLOGY &
Arthur Derse, MD, JD
Xuelin Lou, PhD
IMMUNOLOGY
John Pulikkan, PhD
Christopher Kristich, PhD
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Michaela Patterson, PhD
Amy Hudson, PhD
Adam Greenberg, PhD
Dan Lipinski, PhD
Michael Dwinell, PhD
Scott Beardsley, PhD
Joel Miesfeld, PhD
Dara Frank, PhD
Robert Cooper, PhD
Miranda Scalabrino, PhD
Scott Terhune, PhD
Guilherme Garcia, PhD
Ross Collery, PhD
Bonnie Dittel, PhD
Roger Guillory, PhD
Andrew Spearman, MD
Frank Pintar, PhD
PHARMACOLOGY &
Robert Scheidt, PhD
CLINICAL &
TOXICOLOGY
Brian Schmidt, PhD
TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
John Mantsch, PhD
John LaDisa, PhD
Jacquelyn Kulinski, MD
Wai-Meng, PhD
Joni Williams, MD, MPH
Chris Olsen, PhD
BIOPHYSICS
Dawn Wolfgram, MD
Constanza Garcia-Keller, PhD
Candice Klug, PhD
Mochamad Nataliansyah, MD, PhD
Qingsong Liu, PhD
Michael Lerch, PhD
Kristin Ciezki, PhD
Jason Sidabras, PhD
GENETIC COUNSELING
Cece Hillard, PhD
Neil Hogg, PhD
Angela Pickart, MS, CGC
Sandra Pfister, PhD
Matthew Budde, PhD
Amanda Jacquart, MS, CGC
Felice Borisy-Rudin, JD, PhD
Allison Genchanok, MS, CGC BIOSTATISTICS
Samantha Sandlow, MS, CGC
PHYSIOLOGY
Lin Chien-Wein, PhD Paul Auer, PhD Anjishnu Banerjee, PhD Michael T. Zimmerman, PhD
Samantha Stachiowak, MS, CGC
Aron Geurts, PhD
Michelle Willes, MS, CGC
Matthew Hodges, PhD Chelsea Weaver, PhD Caitlin O'Meara, PhD Denise Cook-Snyder, PhD
20 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
Faculty Awards PRECISION MEDICINE
Angela Mathison, PhD
Mentor Award
Mahfoud Assem, PharmD, PhD Troy Crawford, PhD PUBLIC &
JULIA DICKSON-
COMMUNITY HEALTH
GOMEZ, PhD
Staci Young, PhD
Professor in Epidemiology
Matthew Dellinger, PhD Marta McMillion, DrPH, MPH Wei Xu, PhD
Teacher Award
Aprill Dawson, PhD, MPH PUBLIC HEALTH
Tarakee Jackson, DrPH, MPH
CHELSEA WEAVER, PhD
Abby Collier, DrPH, MS
Assistant Professor
Julie Willems Van Dijk, PhD, MSN
in Physiology
Lance Gable, JD, MPH Kaija Zusevicks, PhD, MPH
Excellence in Mentorship Award
CECILIA J. HILLARD, PhD
Professor in Pharmacology & Toxicology
21 FACULTY NEWS
R ECRU I T M E NT NE W S
2025 was a busy year for recruitment! Each year, the Graduate School engages with prospective students throughout the country to give them information regarding all the wonderful programs and opportunities that the School of Graduate Studies has to offer here at MCW. This is a great way to spread the word about MCW and expand our mission!
22 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
2025-2026 Formal Recruitment Events Biomedical Programs Virtual Fair
National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
Biostats & Data Science Virtual Open House St. Norbert College Career, Internship & Career Eco Health Professions Virtual Fair
Graduate School Fair
Career Eco Biomedical and Health
UIC Graduate and Professional School Fair
Graduate Programs Exploration Fair
UMN’s Life Sciences Graduate School Fair
Professions Virtual Fair
UW-Eau Claire Health Career, Professional & Graduate School Fair
Public Health Programs Virtual Fair Wisconsin Science Education and Research Marquette University Biomedical Sciences
Consortium (WiSER)
Medical Physiology Virtual Open House
23 RECRUITMENT NEWS
R ECRU I T M E NT NE W S
Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
Since its founding in 1983, the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) at the Medical College of Wisconsin has become one of the longest-running programs of its kind, providing transformative health research experiences to more than 1,000 undergraduate students. Drawing record numbers of applicants each year, SPUR not only elevates institutional visibility, but also serves as a vital pipeline to our degree programs, with nearly 40 current Graduate School students counting themselves among its alumni.
24 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
Each summer, undergraduates spend 10 weeks
2025 SPUR DATA
APPLICANTS
PARTICIPANTS
Total
547
35
WI Residents
154
15
International
155
2
immersed in hands-on research under the mentorship of dedicated faculty, who select and financially support their trainees. Beyond the laboratory, students participate in professional development, networking, and enrichment activities designed to complement their research experience. This past year, more than 30 faculty mentors opened their labs to SPUR scholars, exemplifying the collaborative spirit and commitment to training that define our academic community.
Thank you to our SPUR 2025 mentors! Adam Greenberg
Constanza Garcia Keller
Laura Hawks
Peter LaViolette
Alexandra Istl
Daisy Sahoo
Liang Liang
Sam Bobholz
Antje Schaefer
Daochun Sun
Lindsay Nelson
Sara Kohlbeck
Brandon Tefft
Dawn Wenzel
Matt Hodges
William Gross
Brian Lin
Elena Semina
Gary Mouradian
Yang Wang
Brian Smith
Guangbo Chen
Michael Zimmermann
Yiliang Chen
Caroline Maloney
Joe Carroll
Michaela Patterson
Cecila Hillard
Kathleen Schmainda
Nita Salzman 25 RECRUITMENT NEWS
SPUR Mentorship: Dr. Joseph Carroll Through SPUR, Dr. Carroll sees an opportunity to “pay it forward,” particularly for students who may not have had access to robust research opportunities at their home institutions. By providing hands-on exposure and encouragement, he helps students build confidence, develop critical skills, JOSEPH CARROLL, PhD
Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
and make informed decisions about their futures— whether in research, medicine, or beyond. In Dr. Carroll’s Advanced Ocular Imaging Lab, SPUR students are immersed in a uniquely collaborative
For nearly two decades, Dr. Joseph Carroll has been a
ecosystem. They work alongside medical students,
steady and influential presence in the Summer Program
graduate students, engineers, postdoctoral fellows,
for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) at the Medical
and faculty, gaining insight into a wide range of
College of Wisconsin. Since welcoming his first student
scientific career paths. This exposure, he notes, is one
in 2008, he has mentored approximately 20 SPUR
of the program’s greatest strengths.
participants, each one contributing to, and benefiting from, a dynamic and immersive research environment.
It opens their eyes to the many ways
Dr. Carroll’s commitment to mentorship is deeply
research can be part of a career. The real
personal. As a first-generation college student
benefit isn’t just working with me—it’s the
and alumnus of MCW, he credits his own success to a mentor who recognized his potential and
people and perspectives they encounter.
helped guide him toward graduate training. That experience shaped his philosophy: mentorship is
Mentorship, for Dr. Carroll, is not a one-way
not about directing students down a predetermined
exchange. SPUR students bring fresh perspectives,
path, but about helping them discover their own.
energy, and evolving skill sets that continually shape the lab environment. Their presence
There’s nothing more
also helps him adapt his mentoring approach to meet the needs of each new generation.
impactful than helping a student find their way—and figure out if
"They help me stay current—how students
research is part of their future.
looking for. It pushes me to grow as a mentor."
26 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
think, what tools they’re using, what they’re
While the day-to-day experience of mentoring is meaningful, Dr. Carroll finds the greatest reward in
R ECR U I T ME N T NEWS
watching his students’ long-term success. Former SPUR students have gone on to become faculty members, physicians, researchers, and leaders in their fields. One former mentee, who first joined his lab in 2009, is now a faculty member at Yale. Others have pursued careers at MCW and beyond, with many currently in or graduating from medical school at graduate school. These outcomes, he says, are the true measure of impact.
Beyond research, SPUR students contribute to the culture of the lab in unexpected ways— through shared activities, teamwork, and personal passions that enrich the environment. Whether through athletics, collaboration, or
It’s not in the moment—it’s in retrospect. Seeing where they end
camaraderie, they leave a lasting impression. For faculty considering participation in SPUR,
up and knowing you may have
Dr. Carroll offers a compelling perspective:
played a small role in that journey—
mentoring is both an investment in students and in the vitality of one’s own research program.
that’s the most rewarding part. "It’s not a one-way street. SPUR students bring He also recalls stories of persistence and growth—
energy, ideas, and new perspectives that keep
students who faced setbacks but remained committed
your lab from becoming stale. You get meaningful
to their goals. One mentee applied to medical
impact for a relatively small investment."
school four times before ultimately succeeding and is now an ophthalmology resident at MCW.
He acknowledges that mentoring requires time and effort but emphasizes that the return—both
"That was the best letter of
personally and professionally—is invaluable.
recommendation I ever wrote."
I can’t imagine my lab without SPUR students. It would be a very different place. Through his long-standing dedication, Dr. Carroll exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship, shaping not only individual careers, but the future of science and medicine.
27 RECRUITMENT NEWS
P O S TD O C TO R A L E D U C AT I O N
The Postdoctoral Advisory Committee (PAC) This committee consists of up to 25 postdoctoral trainees who assist the Office of Postdoctoral Education in identifying the needs of postdocs through initiatives to create a more cohesive community of postdocs at MCW and Versiti/Blood Center of Wisconsin.
28 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
PAC Executive Committee Co-President: Michelle Roberts, PhD | Medicine Co-President: Erica Marion, PhD | Obstetrics and Gynecology Secretary: Pelin Ergun, PhD | Otolaryngology Treasurer: Julie Lietz | Office of Postdoctoral Education Faculty Liaison: Adam Greenberg, PhD | Associate Dean of Postdoctoral Education
AWARDS COMMITTEE
Chair: Aravind Parthasarathy, PhD | Medicine Vice Chair: Firoj Alom, PhD | Physiology Vice Chair: Sana Parveen, PhD | Medicine
SOCIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
Chair: Konstantin Drachuk, PhD | Medicine Vice Chair: Jean Bikomeye, PhD | Medicine
SOCIAL MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Chair: Priyanga Jayakrishnan, PhD | Surgery Vice Chair: Pelin Ergun, PhD | Otolaryngology Vice Chair: Arezou Rahimi, PhD | Obstetrics & Gynecology
POSTDOC MENTORING COMMITTEE
Chair: Stephen Hammond, PhD | Medicine
WEBSITE DESIGN COMMITTEE
Chair: Michelle Roberts, PhD | Medicine
NATIONAL POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATION (NPA) COMMITTEE
Chair: Erica Marion, PhD | Obstetrics and Gynecology Vice Chair: Rameesa Darul Amne Syed Mohammed, PhD | Obstetrics & Gynecology 29 POSTDOCTORAL EDUCATION
P O S TD O C TO R A L E D U C AT I O N
Postdoctoral Mentorship by the Numbers
82%
At MCW, postdoctoral training is not a solitary
A strong majority report positive
journey. It is a structured, mentor-guided
foundation for productive,
experience designed to launch the next
engaged researchers.
generation of biomedical scientists and scholars. Each year, MCW surveys its postdoctoral
OF POSTDOCS ARE SATISFIED WITH THEIR MENTORSHIP
mentoring relationships — a
74%
community about their mentorship experiences.
HAVE A CAREER DEVELOPMENT
The results tell a compelling story of growing
WITH THEIR MENTOR
engagement, shared accountability, and a training
A Career Development Plan (CDP)
culture that is maturing in meaningful ways.
is a formal roadmap for a trainee’s
Why Mentorship Data Matters
PLAN THEY’VE DISCUSSED
goals, skills, and career trajectory. Discussing it with a mentor signals an intentional partnership, not just a supervisory arrangement.
Postdoctoral scientists are among the most highly trained researchers in the biomedical workforce. How well they are mentored during this critical stage directly shapes whether they go on to lead research programs, anchor biotechnology teams, or advance healthcare innovation. Mentorship is not just a courtesy — it is an investment in the future of science.
84% MEET WITH THEIR MENTORS AT LEAST EVERY TWO WEEKS
Regular meetings are the backbone MCW has made intentional efforts to move postdoctoral
of effective mentorship. In 2025,
training from an informal apprenticeship model toward a
nearly 9 in 10 postdocs have
more structured, developmental relationship. The data to the
consistent, frequent access to their
right shows that this shift is working.
primary mentor.
30 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
A Three-Year Trend: Mentorship Is Getting Stronger Perhaps the most striking finding is what has changed over time. Looking at meeting frequency from 2023 to 2025, a clear and encouraging pattern emerges:
MEETING FREQUENCY
2023
2024
2025
TREND
Daily
23%
17%
11%
Decreasing
Weekly
52%
57%
57%
Consistent
Biweekly
13%
17%
27%
More than doubled
Monthly
7%
4%
0%
Disappearing
Quarterly or less
5%
4%
0%
Eliminated
What does this mean? Postdocs and mentors are spending less time in daily “check-in” mode and more time in structured weekly and biweekly conversations. Low-frequency meetings — monthly, quarterly, or less — have essentially disappeared. This reflects a shift toward intentional, scheduled development conversations rather than ad hoc oversight.
What’s Driving This Change? MCW’s Office of Postdoctoral Education has invested in programs specifically designed to strengthen the mentor-trainee relationship: The Career Advancement Pathway (CAP) Workshop equips postdocs with structured career planning tools and peer-facilitated reflection sessions. The Research Mentorship Academy for faculty provides resources and community infrastructure that helps postdocs and mentors stay aligned on development goals. The Postdoctoral Advisory Committee (PAC) amplifies trainee voices and ensures that mentoring practices remain responsive to postdoc needs. These programs do not happen in isolation. They reflect a deliberate institutional philosophy: that mentorship is a skill that can be taught, supported, and measured — and that both mentors and trainees deserve structures that help them succeed. The trends in these data are not accidental. They are the result of sustained investment in postdoctoral education infrastructure at MCW — and they reflect the kind of return on investment that benefits not just individual trainees, but the broader research mission of our institution. 31 POSTDOCTORAL EDUCATION
P O S TD O C TO R A L E D U C AT I O N
32 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
Postdoctoral Trainee Awards Paper of the Season SPRING 2025: NICHOLAS WOOD, PhD
"In situ NMR reveals a pH sensor motif
Edward J. Lennon Outstanding Postdoc Award Pelin Ergun, PhD | Otolaryngology
in an outer membrane protein that drives bacterial vesicle production” FALL 2025: JIA-QING (TONY) TONG, PhD
“A Common Representational Code for
Excellence in Science Award Joshua Nord, PhD | Biochemistry Tarun Pant, PhD | Pediatrics
Event and Object Concepts in the Brain”
Professional Development Award
Research Symposium Award Winners P OS TER SESSION W INNERS:
SPRING 2025:
Gaurav Kumar, PhD | Physiology
Utkarsh Addi, PhD | Ophthalmology
Sri Rahavi Boovarahan, PhD |
and Visual Sciences
Biomedical Engineering
Sri Rahavi Boovarahan, PhD |
Jagadeesh Uppala, PhD | Pathology
Biomedical Engineering Pelin Ergun, PhD | Otolaryngology
SHOR T TA LK W INNERS:
Aravind Parthasarathy, PhD | Medicine
Jonathan Enders, PhD | Cell Biology,
Michelle Roberts, PhD | Medicine
Neurobiology, and Anatomy
Sayantan Sinha, PhD | Biomedical Engineering
Joshua Nord, PhD | Biochemistry Alicen Witaker-Hilbig, PhD | Anesthesiology
FA LL 2025:
Reza Alimohammadi, PhD | Microbiology & Immunology Firoj Alom, PhD | Physiology Mitchell Andersson, PhD | Neurosurgery Stephen Hammond, PhD | Medicine Khanmi Kasomva, PhD | Hematology and Oncology Carly Marscari, PhD | Microbiology & Immunology Anupama Nair, PhD | Obstetrics & Gynecology 33 POSTDOCTORAL EDUCATION
P O S TD O C TO R A L E D U C AT I O N
Catalyst BioConsulting Catalyst BioConsulting is a pro bono consulting group of highly trained graduate students and postdoctoral scientists (CatBio Consultants) who are interested in industry-related careers and gain experiential exposure to emerging and established biotech and health technology companies. Using a team-based approach, consultants deliver objective, evidencebased recommendations on challenges such as market analysis, regulatory strategy, commercialization, valuation, and strategic planning. Projects are completed in 2-4 months at no cost, supporting the sustainable growth of innovative firms in Wisconsin and beyond.
34 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
2025 AHW Postdoctoral Researcher Seed Grants The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Postdoctoral Researcher Seed Grants program provides up to $50,000 over 1 year to support early-stage projects that address critical health needs and advance innovation across Wisconsin. The goal of this mechanism is to (a) provide postdocs an opportunity to build a foundation
CDP Advancement Pathway Workshop
for future research independence and career development, and (b) to support postdoc-faculty
The CAP Workshop is a series
dyads in testing innovative research ideas. These
of facilitated sessions with peer
grants allow the postdoc a chance to learn how
postdocs focused on your CDP,
a grant application is structured, build a budget,
career exploration, and preparing
and administer the grant from start to finish.
for after your postdoctoral training.
Adam Knier, PhD: Biochemistry Sayantan Sinha, PhD: Biomedical Engineering Evgenii Chulkov, PhD: Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy Prince Joshi, PhD: Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy Vanessa Ehlers, PhD: Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy Jonathan Enders, PhD: Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy Denggang Fu, PhD: Microbiology & Immunology
Advance Workshop
Fnu Mona, PhD: Obstetrics & Gynecology Sarika Gunjan, PhD: Pathology
Held every spring, these workshops
Amina Bedrat, PhD: Pediatrics
alternate between pathways to
Tarun Pant, PhD: Pediatrics
industry and faculty positions, with
Gareth Pollin, PhD: Surgery
panelists guiding participants from
Priyanga Jayakrishnan, PhD: Surgery
job search to negotiation.
35 POSTDOCTORAL EDUCATION
PRE- AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS APPLIED FOR AND AWARDED 2021-2025 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
NIH Applications
AHA Applications
Cancer Center Applications
Awarded NIH
Awarded AHA
Awarded Cancer Center
Predoctoral Fellowships NIH F30
AHA
KELLI SOMMERS
TAYLOR WILCOX
Mentor: Bonnie Dittel
Mentor: Michael Widlansky
Program: Microbiology & Immunology
Program: Pharmacology and Toxicology
Mechanisms of immune-mediated neuronal
Diabetic Endothelial Dysfunction - The
damage in a mouse model of optic neuritis
Role of Fis1 in Mitophagy Regulation
AHA
AHA
PAUL SIDLOWSKI
LU ZHOU
Mentor: Brian Smith
Mentor: Renren Wen
Program: Biochemistry
Program: Microbiology & Immunology
Epigenetic regulation of macrophage
Molecular and cellular characterization
inflammatory activation by the bromodomain
of B cell response in Heparin-
and extraterminal domain protein family
induced thrombocytopenia
36 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
CANCER CENTER JACOB BARTOSIAK
Mentor: John Corbett
F E L LO W S H I P S
Program: Biochemistry Immune Endocrine Signaling Interactions NIH F31 MAKENNA BLAIR (KNAS)
Mentor: Joy Lincoln Program: Cell and Developmental Biology Mechanosensitive Mechanisms of Premature Calcification in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease
NIH F30 MAYA BLAU
NIH F31
Mentor: Christopher Kristich
BRADEY STUART
Program: Microbiology & Immunology
Mentor: Cheryl Stucky Program: Cell and Developmental Biology
Dynamic and functional analysis of Enterococcus faecalis penicillin binding protein 4 pedestal domain
The Role of Keratinocytes and TRPM3 in CIPN Pain NIH F30 CANCER CENTER
KATHRYN TAQUET
LOGAN ELKIN
Mentor: Michelle Riehle
Mentor: Jonathan Marchant
Program: Microbiology & Immunology
Program: Cell and Developmental Biology Understanding the action and risks of
Effects of a chromosomal inversion on gene regulation in a major malaria vector
benzodiazepines in cancer chemotherapy NIH F31 CANCER CENTER
ERIKA JOHANSEN
ZAINAB KHALID
Mentor: Vera Tarakanova
Mentor: Cheryl Stucky
Program: Microbiology & Immunology
Program: Cell and Developmental Biology Impact of TRPV4 on Chemotherapy Induced
Uncovering the proviral role of B cell-intrinsic STAT1 expression during chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
Mechanical Sensitization and Alopecia NIH F31 NIH F30
JESSE CULLISON
DONOVAN DROUILLARD
Mentor: Ziqing Liu
Mentor: Michael Dwinell
Program: Physiology
Program: Microbiology & Immunology The role of CCR6 in Pancreatic Cancer and Tregs
The Role of the RNA-binding Protein PABPC1 in Endothelial Gene Expression and Angiogenesis 37 PUBLICATIONS & FELLOWSHIPS
Predoctoral Fellowships (Continued)
NIH F31 LAUREN LASKOWSKI
Mentor: John Mantsch Program: Pharmacology & Toxicology
NIH F31 GABRIELLA ROBILOTTO
Mentor: Aaron Mickle Program: Physiology
Involvement of Gq Signaling in the Mobilization of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol by Corticosterone in the Prefrontal Cortex
Evaluation of the influence of angiotensin type
NIH F31
1 receptor expression under disease conditions
JOSEPH KREIS
in an autoimmune cystitis animal model
Mentor: Joseph Carroll Program: Cell and Developmental Biology
CHILDREN'S TUMOR FOUNDATION KIMANI NJOYA
Mentor: Daochun Sun Program: Cell and Developmental Biology
Assessing Foveal Specializations in Health and Disease NIH F31
Integration of lipidomics and transcriptomics to evaluate
HANNAH ANDERSON
targetable metabolic adaptations in NF1 tumors
Mentor: Aaron Mickle Program: Biomedical Engineering
NIH F31 JORDAN BOBEK
Mentor: Daisy Sahoo Program: Biochemistry Unraveling the Role of Modified HDL in Atherogenesis
Defining the Role of Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor in Bladder Physiology and Pathophysiology with Mouse Models NIH F31 CADE RAHLF
NIH F31
Mentor: Vera Tarakanova
MINA GAFFNEY
Program: Microbiology & Immunology
Mentor: Robert F. Cooper Program: Biomedical Engineering
Defining the proviral role of DnaJA1 in immune regulation and gammaherpesvirus infection
Characterizing retinal function using AOSLO based psychophysics and optoretinography
AHA KATHERINE KULIK
NIH F31
Mentor: John Corbett
CLAUDIA ROHR
Program: Biochemistry
Mentor: Jonathan Marchant Program: Cell and Developmental Biology
The Impact of Interferons in Islet Antiviral Responses and Their Implications for Type
Functional interrogation of parasitic flatworm
1 Diabetes Pathogenesisregulation and
TRPM channels to identify novel anthelmintics
gammaherpesvirus infection
38 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
AHA
NIH F30
GUADALUPE VALDIVIA ESPARZA
ASHLEY BROWN
Mentor: Daisy Sahoo
Mentor: Weiguo Cui
Program: Biochemistry
Program: Microbiology & Immunology
Deciphering the Impact of Pathogenic
Mechanisms by which PIM kinase modulates
Human SR-BI Variants on Cholesterol
the effector function of autoreactive
Transport and Cardiovascular Risk
CD8 T cells in type 1 diabetes
AHA
NIH F30
LILYANNA MASSMAN
CHRISTOPHER MONTI
Mentor: Stephanie Olivier-Van Stichelen
Mentor: Scott Terhune
Program: Biochemistry
Program: Microbiology & Immunology
Regulation of Placental Growth Hormone by
Bottom-up and top-down computational modeling
O-GlcNAcylation
approaches to study CMV retinitis
CANCER CENTER
NIH F30
JOSIAH MURRAY
ZORN SAMUEL
Mentor: Sridhar Rao
Mentor: Cheryl Stucky
Program: Cell and Developmental Biology
Program: Cell and Developmental Biology
Cohesin Haploinsufficiency Disrupts Polycomb Targeting
Investigating the Role of Heme in Acute and
in Hematopoiesis and Myeloid Leukemogenesis
Chronic Sickle Cell Disease Pain
CANCER CENTER
NIH F30
MARIA POIMENIDOU
DAVID NOWAK
Mentor: Michael Dwinell
Mentor: John Mantsch
Program: Microbiology & Immunology
Program: Pharmacology & Toxicology
Cryopreservation effects on energy metabolism,
Concurrent chronic stress and cocaine self-
activation, and differentiation of CAR-T cells
administration: Understanding effects on mPFC microglia and drug choice behavior
CANCER CENTER ANUSHA RENGARAJAN
NIH F30
Mentor: Kenichiro Taniguchi
KARINA BURSCH
Program: Cell and Developmental Biology
Mentor: Brian Smith
Mechanistic investigations of oncogenic RAB35
Program: Biochemistry
variants in disrupting epithelial cell polarityand
PBRM1 bromodomain missense mutations in
gammaherpesvirus infection
ccRCC vascular signaling 39 PUBLICATIONS & FELLOWSHIPS
F E L LO W S H I P S
AHA
Postdoctoral Fellowships
MIRZA BEG
Mentor: Mary Sorci-Thomas Department: Medicine - Endocrinology Pcpe2 as a regulator of adipose inflammation
AHA
and atherosclerosis progression
NATALIA MARIN MATHIEU
Mentor: Justin Grobe
AHA
Department: Physilogy
SIQI LI
Mentor: Lu Han Cardiometabolic dysfunction in an
Department: Pediatrics
ovarian failure model of menopause: Role of angiotensin AT1R in AgRP neurons
Dynamic organization of the centrosome regulates cardiomyocyte division and maturation
AHA STEPHEN HAMMOND
AHA
Mentor: Andreas Beyer
YANAN XING
Department: Medicine - Cardiology
Mentor: Ziqing Liu Department: Physiology
Unraveling the role of tumor-derived circulating factors in the manifestation of
Molecular mechanisms of human
cancer-treatment induced cardiotoxicity
direct cardiac reprogramming
40 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
CANCER CENTER
CANCER CENTER
RAMEESA SYED MOHAMMED
PRIYANGA JAYAKRISHNAN
Mentor: Janet Rader
Mentor: Nikki Lytle
Department: Obstetrics & Gynecology
Department: Surgery
Investigation of CLDN1 and
Investigation of tumor microenvironmental
transcriptional regulators as therapeutic
factors driving pancreatic cancer
targets in cervical cancer
progression and liver metastasis
CANCER CENTER
CANCER CENTER
SHAHRAM ARSANG-JANG
KHANMI KASOMVA
Mentor: Jing Dong
Mentor: Siegfried Janz
Department: Medicine - Hematology Oncology
Department: Medicine - Hematology Oncology
Spatial Approach to Address Racial and Ethnic
Features of the Immune Bone Marrow
Disparities in Multiple Myeloma Survival
Environment Underlying Long-Term Survival of Multiple Myeloma
41 PUBLICATIONS & FELLOWSHIPS
F E L LO W S H I P S
Predoctoral Fellowship Award Testimonial Can you share a moment, opportunity, or achievement LOG A N ELK IN
that was made possible because of this grant?
PhD C A NDIDATE
Cell & Developmental
I was able to attend the 5th International TRP
Biology
Conference in Leuven, Belgium. I presented my work to the broader community for the first time as a graduate
What did receiving this training grant mean to you,
student and connected with new collaborators who
both personally and as a graduate student?
offered unique insights into my project and future career trajectories. It was also my first time outside of
I was elated. It is so validating to know that the work
North America.
you are doing is peer reviewed by those outside of the lab and acknowledged to have promise to advance
As you look ahead, how has this grant impacted your
the health of our community. In graduate school, a
goals or the way you hope to make a difference in
project is so much more than a project, it becomes
your field or community?
something that you pour all your time and thoughts into. So having that time and effort be recognized
The Cancer Center Fellowship I received has given me
by the Cancer Center, to me, was validating and
the opportunity to pursue what patients are impacted
encouraging that I am on the right path.
by most. Cancer is such an umbrella term. To patients it means a tumor, anger, shame, disruption to their
How has this support shaped your experience in
lives, pain, and often times loss. It is my sincere hope
graduate school or influenced your journey so far?
that one day my discoveries will mean that the word cancer means treatable, manageable, and painless.
I have been able to take more risks and explore new
That alone would make all that I have done in my PhD
avenues I had yet to try without the fellowship. I have
worth it. Because of the opportunity I and many others
used new imaging techniques, engaged with different
have received in the forms of fellowships, grants,
collaborators, and purchased reagents that have
and financial support, cancer will lose in the end and
propelled my preliminary data into rigorous data sets.
MCW's community will be happier and healthier for it.
42 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
Predoctoral Fellowship Award Testimonial
Can you share a moment, opportunity, or achievement that was made possible because of this grant? This grant will enable me to attend the USASP 2026 conference by the end of this March. Attending this conference is a valuable opportunity for me to learn
Z A IN A B K A HLID
more about pain mechanisms, including cancer and
PhD C A NDIDATE
neuropathic pain. It also allows me to meet and interact
Cell & Developmental
with scientists in the field who have made important
Biology
contributions in research. This experience motivates me to continue to work hard and contribute to research
Her project investigates the contribution of sensory neuron specific TRPC5 in mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in inflammatory and neuropathic pain using both human and mouse models.
that can benefit humanity. In what ways has this award helped you grow — academically, professionally, or personally? Academically, it gave me the opportunity to go
What did receiving this training grant mean to you,
through the process of writing a grant, to read more
both personally and as a graduate student?
literature, and to improve my scientific writing skills. Professionally, it motivated me to present my work at
The Cancer Center MCW fellowship training is both
the AWSM symposium recently, and I will also present
an honor and an important milestone for me as a
at the upcoming cancer symposium. Personally, this
graduate student. Personally, it gives me confidence
award has made me more determined and confident
and motivates me to work even harder toward my
that with hard work and persistence, it is possible to
goal of becoming an independent researcher. It
achieve your goals.
also highlights that my research and training are valued and supported, which is very encouraging as I
As you look ahead, how has this grant impacted your
continue to develop my scientific career.
goals or the way you hope to make a difference in your field or community?
How has this support shaped your experience in graduate school or influenced your journey so far?
This grant has helped me change how I think about my future as a researcher. It has encouraged me
This grant has positively shaped my graduate school
to think more deeply about the kinds of scientific
experience by supporting my training both in the
questions I want to pursue and the impact I hope my
lab and in my professional development and has
work can have. My long-term goal is to lead my own
motivated me to present my work at conferences,
lab and contribute to a better understanding of pain
think more critically about my research, and continue
mechanisms associated with cancer treatments, with
growing as a scientist.
the ultimate goal of improving the lives of patients. 43 PUBLICATIONS & FELLOWSHIPS
How has this support shaped your experience in
F E L LO W S H I P S
graduate school or influenced your journey so far? This grant has made everything so much more real to me. It has pushed me to take ownership of my research, this isn’t just some project my PI came up with, it’s my project and I want to see it through to the end. It has also encouraged me to think more intentionally about my long‑term career as a researcher. Can you share a moment, opportunity, or achievement that was made possible because of this grant? One of the most significant impacts of this grant has been the freedom to fully invest in my research without the constant worry about the funding challenges affecting so many labs right now. K ATHERINE KULIK PhD C A NDIDATE
In what ways has this award helped you grow —
Biochemistry
academically, professionally, or personally?
Her research focuses on understanding how viral
Personally, this grant has given me a sense of
infections may contribute to the development of
validation and motivation during a demanding phase
type 1 diabetes. By investigating the pathways
of my training and reinforced that I am capable of
pancreatic β-cells use to protect themselves
contributing valuable scientific research to my field.
during infection, she aims to identify novel therapeutic targets that could help prevent or
As you look ahead, how has this grant impacted your
slow the progression of the disease.
goals or the way you hope to make a difference in your field or community?
What did receiving this training grant mean to you, both personally and as a graduate student?
Looking ahead, this grant has encouraged me to pursue my research with greater ambition and
Receiving this training grant has been deeply
ownership. It has also strengthened my commitment
meaningful to me. I think imposter syndrome is
to contribute to work that advances both scientific
something that every graduate student deals with at
understanding and community health. The support
some point in their career, at least I have; however,
I received has also inspired me to mentor and
having received this grant has given me an incredible
uplift other trainees, especially those navigating
boost of confidence and reminded me that I am on the
similar challenges, so that the impact of this
right path and I do belong here.
award extends beyond my own experience.
44 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
45 PUBLICATIONS & FELLOWSHIPS
Cultivating Generations of Excellence: A Mentorship Story at MCW
A LU M N I U P D AT E S
At the Medical College of Wisconsin, mentorship is more than guidance, it's a shared commitment to curiosity, growth, and the future of science. Few stories illustrate this better than the evolving mentoring relationships among Gary Mouradian, PhD, Matt Hodges, FAPS, PhD, and Hubert Forster, PhD whose interconnected journeys reflect MCW’s expanding culture of collaborative development. During their time at MCW, as PhD student, Dr. Hodges trained under Dr. Forster. Years later, Dr. Mouradian HUBER T V.
completed his doctoral studies under Dr. Hodges. Now,
FORS TER , PhD
they all work together in the Physiology department.
Physiology
What began as individual connections across different stages of training has grown into a multi‑generational continuum of learning. For Dr. Mouradian, the mentorship journey began in 2008 as a SPUR intern. Drawn to MCW’s environment
M AT THE W R .
of intellectual rigor, he soon joined the Physiology PhD
HODGES, PhD, FA P S
program and gravitated toward Drs. Forster and Hodges.
Physiology
Their passion for tackling difficult scientific questions— and for nurturing trainees—made a lasting impression.
I was drawn by their approach to science, their appreciation for G A RY MOUR A DI A N, PhD
Physiology 46 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
tough problems, and their passion for physiology and mentoring.”
This continuum of mentorship is unique, but it has led to the success of a lot of trainees over the years. Their ongoing co‑mentorship experiences—with one another and with Dr. Forster—illustrate how MCW nurtures mentorship that is collaborative, evolving, and reciprocal.
Dr. Hodges recalls a similar spark during his own early interactions with Dr. Forster. What stood out most was Dr. Forster’s belief that a scientific career is a lifelong learning adventure.
Even after multiple decades, he views himself as a student. That has stuck with me. That same intrinsic motivation is what Dr. Hodges saw in Dr. Mouradian years later and what continues to anchor their relationship today.
A LEGACY OF LEARNING
A UNIQUE CONTINUUM: MENTORING
The mentorship story of Drs. Mouradian, Hodges,
WITHIN THE SAME INSTITUTION
and Forster is a testament to MCW’s commitment to developing scientists who are curious, compassionate,
One of the most distinctive aspects of their story is
and collaborative. It shows how mentorship can
how mentoring relationships have unfolded within
persist across roles, generations, and career stages,
the same department and institution, allowing
shaping not just research trajectories, but the fabric of
each person to learn from the others over time.
a department and institution.
Dr. Mouradian notes that observing Hodges’
As the Graduate School continues strengthening its
experiences has directly influenced his own
mentoring culture, stories like theirs illuminate the
mentoring approach. Dr. Hodges reflects on the
responsibilities and rewards of academic stewardship—
value of borrowing from the strengths of past
and inspire the next generation of mentors rising
mentors while developing his own style.
through MCW’s laboratories and classrooms. 47 ALUMNI UPDATES
A LU M N I U P D AT E S
Through these introductions, Sadaf began working with Jamila Kwarteng, PhD, whose mentorship sparked a deep interest in cancer research through the lens of social determinants of health. Dr. Kwarteng later introduced her to Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen, PhD, Professor at the Institute for Health & Humanity. Together, these mentors provided not only academic guidance but also opportunities for meaningful collaboration and professional growth. Rather than assigning tasks, Drs. Kwarteng and Sanchez-Johnsen empowered Sadaf to take ownership of the research process. She became actively involved
Mentorship That Shaped a Public Health Leader
in every stage of a community-based research project, from developing an IRB application and designing survey tools to analyzing data and presenting findings. Their mentorship culminated in original research focused on a culturally tailored decision aid for African American women who smoke, which was presented at the 2026 MCW Cancer Center Trainee Symposium.
When Sadaf Asim Siddiqie, MD, MPhil, MPH, began her journey at the Medical College of Wisconsin through the Master of Public Health program, she was seeking new opportunities to expand her impact in healthcare. What she found was a network of mentors who would profoundly shape her academic and professional path. From the beginning, MPH program leaders Sarah Curry-Link, Kim Contardi, and Christopher Simenz recognized Sadaf's potential. Their guidance, coupled with financial support through the HRSA Scholarship and the Friends of MCW Scholarship, helped create a foundation for success. More importantly, they connected her with faculty mentors whose influence would transform her career trajectory.
48 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
Mentorship also extended beyond the classroom. Through faculty connections, Sadaf secured a field placement with the Milwaukee Health Department, working directly under the Health Commissioner. The experience allowed her to apply public health principles in real-world settings while building relationships with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. Like many public health initiatives, her research journey was not without challenges. Recruitment barriers, funding limitations, and the loss of a community partner tested her resilience. Throughout these setbacks, her mentors provided practical guidance and unwavering support, helping her view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks to success. The impact of mentorship on Sadaf's development has been profound. Through collaborative research, community engagement, and interdisciplinary partnerships, she gained valuable skills in survey methodology, qualitative analysis, and relationship building. Most importantly, she developed the confidence to see herself not simply as a student, but as a public health professional capable of leading research, navigating complex systems, and advocating for underserved communities.
These experiences showed me what is possible when mentors invest in your growth. They helped me
Today, that confidence has inspired her next chapter. Sadaf has chosen to continue her
realize that I can make meaningful
education at MCW as a Doctor of Public Health
contributions to public health and
(DrPH) student, driven by the same mentorship,
become the kind of leader who
leadership, and community-engaged scholarship that have defined her experience thus far.
creates opportunities for others.
49 ALUMNI UPDATES
A LU M N I U P D AT E S Building on his doctoral foundation in epigenetics, transcriptional regulation, and stem cell differentiation, he joined a research group in the Department of Biochemistry where his expertise complemented existing strengths. In this role, he
From Graduate Student to Postdoctoral Trainee: Dr. Joshua Nord’s Journey at MCW
contributed to key areas of need within the lab while gaining new technical skills, fostering a mutually beneficial and highly collaborative environment. This experience enabled Dr. Nord to take on increasing leadership responsibilities, establish independence in his research, and advance his work in innovative and translational directions.
JOSHUA NORD, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher, Brian Smith Lab Dr. Joshua Nord, who earned his PhD in Cell & Developmental Biology from MCW in 2019, chose to remain at the institution for his postdoctoral training, drawn by its strong scientific community, collaborative environment, and opportunities for continued professional growth in Wisconsin. Remaining at MCW allowed him to build upon established mentorship relationships while expanding his interdisciplinary network and technical expertise. Dr. Nord worked in Dr. Brian Smith’s lab, whose guidance was instrumental. During his postdoctoral training, Dr. Nord leveraged
Dr. Nord was recently appointed as a
the breadth of research at MCW and the Versiti Blood
Research Scientist at MCW, where he
Research Institute to develop meaningful collaborations
continues to contribute to the institution’s
with investigators across multiple disciplines.
dynamic research community.
50 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
Where Do Our Students Go?
PhD OUTCOMES
51.6%
Postdoctoral Fellow
17.7%
Professional School
6.1%
Academic Research
0.7%
Not Seeking Position
16.8%
Industry
2.5%
Unknown
4.6%
Teaching
51 ALUMNI UPDATES
Support for the School of Graduate Studies There are many ways to support the Medical College of Wisconsin and the School of Graduate Studies. Not only does your donation help advance vital education, research, and patient care, but depending on the type of gift you make, you may be able to take a current tax deduction, guarantee a fixed income for life, reduce or eliminate taxes on capital gains or estates, and leave a lasting legacy for you and your loved ones. To support the School of Graduate Studies, please include one of the following designations: GS Travel Fund GS Development-Gifts GS Scholarship
Scan the QR code to learn how to support the future of MCW
M C W. E D U / G I V I N G / WAY S -T O - G I V E
@MCWGR ADSCHOOL
52 ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026
53 DEAN'S ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2024
Graduate School Office Medical College of Wisconsin Health Research Center, Suite H220 8701 Watertown Plank Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53226
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