Alumni Scholars
Prendergast Testimonial
The KL2 program has been a game changer in my research career and provided me with a solid foundation to become a successful independent health disparities researcher. [It] allowed me to expand my research knowledge through a MS in Clinical Translational Science. Prior to the KL2 program, my research was limited to retrospective reviews and survey research. The protected time allowed me to conduct my first prospective observational pilot study. Since completion of the program, I have received continuous grant funding. The KL2 was instrumental in taking my research career to that next level and my grant funding and publication success are testaments to this amazing program.
| Professor of Emergency Medicine, Co-Asst. Dean of Clinical Affairs
2024-2026
CATS Scholars
Julia Bauer, PhD
Assistant Professor, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UIC School of Public Health
David Tofovic, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, UIC College of Medicine
Perry Tsai, MD, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow and Clinical Instructor, Department of Psychiatry, UIC College of Medicine (2025)
CATS Affiliates
Charles Gaber, PhD MPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Systems Outcomes & Policy, UIC College of Pharmacy
Mayra Guerrero, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Jessica Rothstein, PhD, MSPH
Assistant Professor, Division of Community Health Sciences, UIC School of Public Health
Ariel Smith, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor, Department of Population Health Nursing Sciences, UIC College of Nursing
2023-2025
CATS Scholars
Stephanie LaBedz, MD
Instructor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, UIC College of Medicine
CATS Affiliates
Hema Krishna, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, UIC College of Medicine
Elizabeth Papautsky, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, UIC College of Applied Health Sciences
2022- 2024
CATS Scholars
Christian Ascoli, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, UIC College of Medicine
Sarah Messmer, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, UIC College of Medicine
Kristine Zimmermann, PhD, MPH
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, UIC School of Public Health, Department of Family and Community Medicine, UI College of Medicine- Rockford
CATS Affiliates
Monica Lee, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, UIC College of Medicine
Joann Romano-Keeler, MD, MS
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, UIC College of Medicine
Camila Zamperini, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, UIC College of Dentistry
2020-2022
Mia (Maan Isabella) Cajita, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor, Department of Biobehavioral Health Science, UIC College of Nursing
Betsy Cliff, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Health Policy and Administration, UIC School of Public Health
Andrew Riley, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, UIC College of Pharmacy
Natasha Crooks, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor, Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science, UIC College of Nursing