CCTS names 2021-2022 KL2 Scholar & Affiliates
KL2 Scholar: Elmira Jalilian, PhD Heading link
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UIC College of Medicine
Primary Mentor: Ali Djalilian, MD, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UIC College of Medicine
Project Title: Mesenchymal stem cells and their secreted factors “exosomes” for treatment of diabetic corneal neuropathy
Dr. Jalilian’s research is focused on using novel stem cell and tissue engineering approaches for therapeutic applications in corneal diseases. Her current project is to study the use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and their products (secretome and exosomes) in cornea nerve regeneration after injury and understanding the mechanisms underlying this process.
Affiliate Scholar: Ashley Hughes, PhD, MS Heading link
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, UIC College of Applied Health Sciences
Primary Mentor: Robin Mermelstein, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, UIC College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Director, UIC Institute for Health Research & Policy, Co-Director, UIC Center for Clinical and Translational Science
Project Title: My-CANCER-Roadmap
Dr. Hughes uses mixed methods, human factors approaches to create safer, better coordinated systems of care. Her area of focus targets improvements to team-based care delivery approaches for chronically ill and complex patient care which necessitate involvement of multiple specialties and disciplines to provide standard of care (e.g., individuals living with cancer, hypertension, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and disorders, etc.). Dr. Hughes uses innovative approaches to understand situated team needs (e.g., teamwork, workflow) which inform the design and implementation of interventions at point-of-care.
Affiliate Scholar: Steven Kregel, PhD, MS Heading link
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, UIC College of Medicine
Primary Mentor: Donald Vander Griend, PhD, Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, UIC College of Medicine
Project Title: Mechanistic investigation of androgen receptor oncogenic function despite antagonism during late-state prostate cancer
The Androgen Receptor (AR) is a nuclear hormone receptor that binds to male hormones and acts as a transcription factor in a variety of cells, but it is the major oncogenic driver of prostate cancer – and it is also the major target of prostate cancer therapy. Dr. Kregel’s research addresses issues in prostate cancer such as understanding AR-biology and resistance to AR targeted therapy, the immunological microenvironment and metastatic spread of prostate tumors, and developing models that can facilitate personalized medicine.
Affiliate Scholar: Kristine Zimmermann, PhD, MPH Heading link
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, UI College of Medicine- Rockford
Primary Mentor: Stacie Geller, PhD, Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, UIC College of Medicine
Project Title: Promoting Physical Activity during Pregnancy in Rural Illinois Women
Dr. Zimmermann is a public health researcher committed to advancing evidence-based practice in rural community and clinical settings via community-engaged research. Her long-term goal is to improve the translation of evidence-based practice in rural communities with a focus on increasing physical activity in rural, pregnant persons.