Georgia CTSA Trainees and Scholars Shine at TS26

Group photo of ts26 Georgia CTSA participants

Our trainees and scholars shined at the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS)’s  Translational Science Conference (TS26). From April 20–23, leaders and emerging voices in translational science and clinical research gathered in Milwaukee, WI, for scientific sessions, presentations, networking, and collaboration. The event centered on the theme of “Building Trustworthy Translation: Rigor, Reproducibility, and Real-World Impact,” providing a collaborative platform for attendees to explore ideas, challenges, and innovative solutions shaping the future of translational science.

This event also spotlighted the scientific contributions of the Georgia CTSA, with two individuals from our research education programs (current trainee and former member) receiving special recognition.

  • Former KL2 Scholar Ron Eldridge, PhD, MPH (Emory), was named a top 50 poster. He also presented an oral presentation. 
  • TL1 postdoctoral trainee Amanda Arnold, PhD (Emory), received a Blue-Ribbon Award (Lead Mentor – Vas Michopoulos, PhD, Emory). 

TL1 predocs Louis Li, MPH (Emory), and Jennifer Lathrop, BS (UGA), reflect on the experience, including its impact on their growth as emerging researchers, and the role Georgia CTSA's support plays in making these opportunities possible for them.

“This conference was an incredible opportunity to learn, network, and grow as an early-career scientist. One of the biggest highlights was the chance to connect with and learn from researchers and mentors from CTSA institutions across the country. It was inspiring to see how innovative methodologies are generating real-world impacts and to explore new ways to bridge the gap between scientific results and clinical outcomes. I’m heading back to my research energized and ready to apply these takeaways in my own work! A sincere thank you to the Georgia CTSA for the support and funding to attend TS26," shares Louis Li.

“TS26 was a great opportunity to connect with people at different stages of translational research, especially during the speed networking event. Hearing about the wide range of career paths within translational science gave me valuable insight into potential future opportunities and helped shape how I think about my own career goals. The conference really highlighted the importance of collaboration across disciplines, and it was inspiring to hear various perspectives on the future direction of this field," shares Jennifer Lathrop.

11 of our scholars and trainees presented their research, representing three of our partner institutions, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), and the University of Georgia (UGA):  

  • TL1 postdoc Amanda Arnold, PhD (Emory) – "Estradiol-Induced Gene Expression and Inflammatory Responses in Women's Immune Cells are influenced by HIV and PTSD Status" 
  • TL1 postdoc Alaijah Bashi, PhD (MSM) – "Geographic Variation in Food Insecurity, Grocery Access, and Maternal Metabolic Health in pregnant women”
  • TL1 postdoc Kristen Harris, MD (Emory) – "Environmental Pollution, Social Disadvantage, and Cardiovascular Risk: Integrated Analyses from the Emory Cardiovascular Biobank" 
  • TL1 postdoc Anita Kaw, MD, PhD (Emory) – "Targeting Oxidative Stress via NAD+ to Mitigate Microvascular Disease"
  • TL1 postdoc Jessica Strosahl, PhD, RDN, LDN (Emory) – "Nutrition Education Camp Intervention Reduces Dietary Variation and Improves Metabolic Control in a Large Cohort of Females with PKU"  
  • TL1 predoc Jenna Feeley, BS (Emory) – "Metabolome-Wide Association Study Links an Immunoinflammatory Response with Metabolic Stress after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG)" 
  • TL1 predoc Christopher Herring, RN, MSN (Emory) – "Inflammatory Biomarkers in Heart Failure Family Caregivers: Associations of TNF-Α and Adiponectin with Cardiovascular Risk"  
  • TL1 predoc Leandra Lacayo, MPH (Emory) – "Understanding Cross-Sector Trust Between Healthcare Clinics and Farmers for Produce Prescription Program (Prx) Implementation"  
  • TL1 predoc Jennifer Lathrop, BS (UGA) – "Extracellular Vesicle-Based Delivery of Cas9/sgrna for Targeting ACSL4 to Inhibit Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer"   
  • TL1 predoc Louis Li, MPH (Emory) – "Discovering Novel Atrial Fibrillation Phenogroups: A Multi-Algorithm Approach Using Real-World Claims Data"  
  • KL2 faculty Yang Ge, PhD (UGA) – "Using Machine Learning Models to Predict COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Rural Populations During the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study"  

These attendees are a part of the Georgia CTSA TL1 and KL2 Programs, which provide training for predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees, as well as junior faculty at the Georgia CTSA partner institutions. Through this program, they had the opportunity to attend TS26. These kinds of experiences reflect the broader impact of Georgia CTSA’s research education programs: helping emerging investigators excel while expanding the reach, and ultimately the impact, of their research across clinical and translational science. 

Visit the Georgia CTSA TL1 Program and KL2 Program webpages to learn more.