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Funded Projects

Patient Barriers to Surgical Referral for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Awarded in 2024
Postdoctoral Grant
Updated Sep 8, 2025

At a Glance

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) affects 3 million Americans and increases risks of fractures, kidney stones and cardiovascular disease. Surgery is the only cure, yet fewer than 10% of patients receive it. In Wisconsin, patients in highly disadvantaged neighborhoods are treated at half the rate of others. This project will use patient interviews to understand barriers to diagnosis and treatment, then develop educational tools for both patients and providers to improve referrals and access to surgery. The study aims to reduce disparities in PHPT care and improve outcomes for underserved communities.

More Funded Projects

research icon: microscope and stethoscope
Postdoctoral Grant

SDH Inhibition Promotes Cardiac Regeneration in Myocardial Infarction by Reprogramming Myofibroblast Metabolism

Awarded in 2024
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., in part because the adult heart cannot regenerate after myocardial infarction (MI). This project explores how inhibiting succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in myofibroblasts can reduce fibrosis and promote heart repair. Preliminary studies show SDH inhibition reprograms fibroblast metabolism, limits scar formation and boosts cardiomyocyte regeneration. By uncovering the mechanisms behind this process, the study aims to pave the way for new regenerative therapies to improve outcomes after heart attack.
research icon: microscope and stethoscope
Postdoctoral Grant

Role of the EnvCT in SIVmac Viral Fitness

Awarded in 2024
The Role of the EnvCT in SIVmac Viral Fitness project is exploring a hidden part of the HIV virus that could open new doors for vaccine development. While most efforts focus on the virus’s outer surface, this research studies the envelope’s cytoplasmic tail (EnvCT) to see how it influences immune recognition and viral survival. By testing antibody responses and mapping how EnvCT interacts with host cells, the project aims to uncover new strategies to make HIV more vulnerable to prevention and treatment.