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Funded Projects

Bridging Cultures: Redefining Registries for Latino Communities Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia

Awarded in 2025
New Investigator Program
Updated Jul 21, 2025

At a Glance

Latinos represent the fastest-growing population group in Wisconsin but are severely underrepresented in health research studies for dementia, despite having a higher risk and burden of the disease. This study aims to increase the engagement of Latinos in dementia research, which could improve the relevance of the research findings, and the development of interventions and programs better suited to serve Latino communities in Wisconsin.

More Funded Projects

research icon: microscope and stethoscope
New Investigator Program

Defining New Paradigms for Epithelial-Immune Interactions in Dysbiosis by Understanding the Response of Tuft Cells to Commensal Microbes

Awarded in 2025
The gut microbiome plays a key role in our health, but poor diets and disease can disrupt its balance, leading to dysbiosis. In Wisconsin, where obesity rates are high, dysbiosis worsens conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease and increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. This study investigates how tuft cells, which are specialized gut cells, help maintain intestinal health and immune responses. Findings will enhance understanding of microbiome-gut interactions and guide the analysis of tissue samples from patients with dysbiosis and inflammatory diseases.
research icon: microscope and stethoscope
Postdoctoral Grant

Improve Diagnosis of Sepsis through Analysis of Fragmentation Patterns in Plasma Cell-free DNA

Awarded in 2024
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that is difficult to diagnose quickly in critically ill patients. Current tests, such as microbial cultures, are slow and often lack sensitivity, delaying treatment and increasing risks. This project will develop computational methods to analyze cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentation patterns in blood as a rapid, low-cost tool to detect sepsis and identify infection sites. By studying DNA released from damaged tissues, the research aims to distinguish sepsis from non-infectious inflammation and monitor patient response to treatment.