Regenerative Medicine Trainees

The goal of this training program is to produce independent investigators capable of sustaining productive research programs studying the molecular & cellular aspects of stem cell biology & the use of stem cell products in patient care.


Person looking through microscope

The next generation of leaders

Become a Regenerative Medicine Trainee

Prior to their appointment, Predoctoral Trainees supported by this T32 will receive initial training through the comprehensive interdisciplinary first year graduate curriculum provided by the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, which focuses on normal cell biology, followed by aberrant cell biology (pathology). Postdoctoral Fellows with a thorough grounding in these areas will be appointed to the T32 upon their successful completion of a competitive application process, and their sponsorship by an affiliated mentor.

Application Process

Eligible Trainees, both pre-and-post doctoral, must be United States citizens or Permanent Residents, firmly committed to a career in the research of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Applicants, with the sponsorship of their mentor, must submit the following documents to the Program Administrator:

  • One page description of the proposed research project (subject to change after appointment)
  • CV
  • Declaration of citizenship
  • Academic records from immediate previous or current degree program
  • Standardized test scores (MCAT, GRE, NBMLE)
  • 3 Reference Letters

The program’s Executive Committee will consider the following aspects of each application to assess the candidate’s level of excellence & career commitment:

  • Basic research lab experience at the undergraduate, graduate and/or medical school/residency level
  • Refereed publications at the undergraduate, graduate and/or medical school/residency level
  • Productive research experiences at the pre-doctoral level
  • Scholarly excellence in formal course programming
  • Excellence in standardized testing (MCAT, GRE, NBMLE)
  • Interview with the Program’s Executive Committee
  • Letters of Reference

Predoctoral Trainees

Predoctoral Trainees appointed to this T32 will have first been admitted to the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences. After they have completed initial training and selected an advanced concentration and chosen their doctoral committee chair, they will be eligible to apply for this T32.

Trainee

Name, Degree, & Mentor

Current Position & Employer

Training Grant Support and Future Honors/Awards

Ruben Garcia-VazquezRuben Garcia-Vazquez
Earning PhD
Mentored by Dr. Edward Scott
Current PhD Student
Genetics
University of Florida
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2018-Present
Alexandra Wiscovitch BonillaAlexandra Wiscovitch Bonilla
Earning PhD
Mentored by Dr. Martin Cohn
Current PhD Student
Genetics
University of Florida
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2018-Present
Gabriel PradoGabriel Prado
Earning PhD
Mentored by Dr. Jonathan Licht
Current PhD Student
Cancer Biology
University of Florida
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2018-Present
Theodore DrashanskyTheodore Drashansky
Earning PhD
Mentored by Dr. Dorina Avram
Current PhD Student
Immunology & Microbiology
University of Florida
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2016-Present
Katherine RodgersA. Katherine Rodgers, PhD 2018
Mentored by Dr. Edward Scott
Postdoctoral Scholar
Biology
University of Kentucky
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2015-2018
Jared SteesJared Stees, PhD 2016
Mentored by Dr. Jorg Bungert and Dr. Suming Huang
Research Associate
RAPiD Genomics
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2015-2016
Janine GilkesJanine Gilkes, PhD 2015
Mentored by Dr. Coy Heldermon
Scientific Alliance Manager of Global Accounts
MilliporeSigma
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2011-2015
Leylah DrusboskyLeylah Drusbosky, PhD 2015
Mentored by Dr. Christopher Cogle
Medical Science Liaison
Nant Health
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2011-2015
David LopezDavid Lopez, PhD 2015
Earning PhD
Mentored by Dr. Edward Scott
Medical Science Liaison
Actelion
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2011-2015
Daniel SilverDaniel Silver, PhD 2012
Mentored by Dr. Dennis Steindler
Research Fellow
Lerner Research Institute
Cleveland Clinic
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2008-2011
Awarded CA F32 in 2017
Sushrusha NayakSushrusha Nayak, PhD 2010
Mentored by Dr. Roland Herzog
Senior Scientist
Swedish Orphan Biovitrum
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2008-2010
Houda Darwiche PruittHouda Darwiche Pruitt, PhD 2009
Mentored by Dr. Bryon Petersen
Senior Training Specialist
Biotility
University of Florida
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2008-2009

Predoctoral Fellows

Postdoctoral Fellows appointed to this T32 will have first selected a mentor and a research topic in the area of regenerative medicine.

Trainee

Name, Degree, & Mentor

Current Position & Employer

Training Grant Support and Future Honors/Awards

Barbara PerezBarbara Perez, PhD 2017
Mentored by Dr. Barry Byrne
Current Postdoctoral Fellow
Child Health Research Institute
University of Florida
T32 DK074367 Fellow,
2018-Present
T32 NS Fellow, 2015-2017
Bhavita PatelBhavita Patel, PhD 2013
Mentored by Dr. Robert Hromas
Family CaregiverT32 DK074367 Fellow, 2016-2017
Natalie FredetteNatalie Fredette, PhD 2015
Mentored by Dr. Naohiro Terada
Scientist I
Translational Biology
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2015-2017
Brian ReinertBrian Reinert, PhD 2010
Mentored by Dr. Robert Hromas
Transitioning from Research to Web Development T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2014-2016
Xiaodong ChengXiaodong Cheng, PhD 1994
Mentored by Dr. William May
Professor
Integrative Biology & Pharmacology
University of Texas Health Science Center
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2014-2015
Ashley SeifertAshley Seifert, PhD 2009
Mentored by Dr. Martin Cohn and Dr. Malcolm Maden
Assistant Professor
Biology
University of Kentucky
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2009-2012
Awarded AR R01 in 2017
Liya PiLiya Pi, PhD 2005
Mentored by Dr. Bryon Petersen and Dr. Edward Scott
Research Assistant Professor
Child Health Research Institute
University of Florida
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2009-2012
Awarded AK K01 in 2018
Sara PattersonSara Patterson, PhD 2008
Mentored by Dr. Martin Cohn
Manger of Clinical Analytics & Curation
The Jackson Laboratory
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2009
Joseph CarpentinoJoseph Carpentino, PhD 2007
Mentored by Dr. Tetsuo Ashizawa
Manager of Business Development
Drug Discovery
Takara Bio USA, Inc.
T32 DK074367 Fellow, 2008-2009