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Funded Projects

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

Awarded in 2024
Postdoctoral Grant
Updated Sep 29, 2025

At a Glance

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.

More Funded Projects

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New Investigator Program

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

Awarded in 2025
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.
research icon: microscope and stethoscope
Postdoctoral Grant

POISE Wisconsin: Primary and Oncology Integration for Survivorship Equity in Wisconsin

Awarded in 2024
There are more than 300,000 cancer survivors in Wisconsin, a number expected to rise significantly in the coming decade. Yet, cancer survivorship care remains fragmented—primary care providers (PCPs) often face challenges coordinating with oncology teams, resulting in unmet needs, poor communication and worse outcomes for underserved patients. This project, POISE Wisconsin, will conduct surveys and focus groups with PCPs across the state to identify multi-level barriers and facilitators to care coordination. Guided by Implementation Science frameworks and a health equity lens, the study will highlight the strategies and resources needed to integrate primary and oncology care in Wisconsin.