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Comparing the Effectiveness of Laryngeal Swabs Versus Biopsies for Microbial Sampling in Patients in Benign Vocal Fold Lesions

Awarded in 2025
Postdoctoral Grant
Updated Dec 3, 2025

At a Glance

The project, Comparing the Effectiveness of Laryngeal Swabs Versus Biopsies for Microbial Sampling in Patients in Benign Vocal Fold Lesions, led by research associate Anumitha Venkatraman, PhD, compares two microbial sampling methods – swabs vs. biopsies – to determine whether swabs can serve as an effective, less invasive alternative for patients with benign vocal fold lesions. Because the current biopsy-based approach is painful, impractical for routine care and limits who can be sampled, validating swabs could transform clinical practice by allowing safer microbiome assessment in people with voice disorders. Susan Thibeault, PhD, CCC-SLP, professor, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, UW–Madison, serves as the supervising mentor.

More Funded Projects

research icon: microscope and stethoscope
Postdoctoral Grant

Decoding KCNJ2 Variants: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Profiling of Kir2.1 Channel Dysfunction

Awarded in 2025
The project, Decoding KCNJ2 Variants: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Profiling of Kir2.1 Channel Dysfunction, led by postdoctoral fellow Saba Munawar, PhD, investigates how genetic variants in KCNJ2 disrupt the Kir2.1 ion channel and contribute to heart rhythm disorders, including Anderson-Tawil Syndrome. Using advanced computer modeling, laboratory testing and stem cell-based approaches, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms driving arrhythmias and to identify potential targeted medications. By clarifying which patients may benefit from specific therapies, this work will advance personalized treatment for rare genetic arrhythmias and may also inform new options for common conditions. Lee Eckhardt, MD, professor, Department of Medicine, UW–Madison, serves as the supervising mentor.
research icon: microscope and stethoscope
Postdoctoral Grant

An In-vivo Genome Wide Screen and Validation for Influenza A Virus Host Determinant Factors

Awarded in 2025
The project, An In-vivo Genome Wide Screen and Validation for Influenza A Virus Host Determinant Factors, led by research associate Chris Gelbmann, MD, PhD, aims to identify the host cell factors that allow Influenza A virus to replicate and cause disease. Using a novel in-vivo genome-wide screening approach, the study will reveal how the virus interacts with host cells in a living organism. These discoveries will help uncover new therapeutic targets to combat the overall health burden of this infection. Andrew Mehle, PhD, professor, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UW–Madison, serves as the supervising mentor.