The Future of Translational Research is in Great Hands

Thomas Kelly
Thomas Kelly
Young investigators are making scientific discoveries to improve the health outcomes of tomorrow

The college's young investigators
Nicole Jimenez, PhD, Alexandra Garvin, PhD, Luisa Rojas, PhD, and Erik Blackwood, PhD


Investigations performed by researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix have accelerated medical innovation and positively impacted patient lives in Arizona and elsewhere.

Young investigators, including postdoctoral researchers and fellows, are paving the way to answer complex questions in biomedical research. Alexandra Garvin, PhD, and Erik Blackwood, PhD, have been awarded grants to pursue research in cardiovascular disease. Nicole Jimenez, PhD, and Luisa Rojas, a PhD candidate, both received fellowships to continue their work in cancer research and data science, respectively.

“A commitment to groundbreaking translational research has always been foundational to the College of Medicine – Phoenix’s mission and vision for the health of Arizonans,” said Christopher Glembotski, PhD, associate dean for Research and director of the Translational Cardiovascular Research Center.

Translational research applies science discoveries to clinical practice, making new therapies and tools available for improving patient outcomes. These investigators work alongside distinguished research faculty who provide invaluable mentorship and encouragement; the future of medical research is in very capable hands.

“The work these investigators have contributed to and the awards they have received are a testament to their incredible talents as researchers, as well as to the critical roles they play within their respective research teams here in Phoenix. We couldn’t be prouder of them, their accomplishments and of the work they are doing,” said Dr. Glembotski.

Meet Our Young Investigators

 

About the College

Founded in 2007, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix inspires and trains exemplary physicians, scientists and leaders to advance its core missions in education, research, clinical care and service to communities across Arizona. The college’s strength lies in our collaborations and partnerships with clinical affiliates, community organizations and industry sponsors. With our primary affiliate, Banner Health, we are recognized as the premier academic medical center in Phoenix. As an anchor institution of the Phoenix Bioscience Core, the college is home to signature research programs in neurosciences, cardiopulmonary diseases, immunology, informatics and metabolism. These focus areas uniquely position us to drive biomedical research and bolster economic development in the region.

As an urban institution with strong roots in rural and tribal health, the college has graduated more than 1,000 physicians and matriculates 130 students each year. Greater than 60% of matriculating students are from Arizona and many continue training at our GME sponsored residency programs, ultimately pursuing local academic and community-based opportunities. While our traditional four-year program continues to thrive, we will launch our recently approved accelerated three-year medical student curriculum with exclusive focus on primary care. This program is designed to further enhance workforce retention needs across Arizona.

The college has embarked on our strategic plan for 2025 to 2030. Learn more.