About KL2 Program

The KL2 program equips a cohort of independent faculty with the training and support needed to conduct exceptional clinical and translational research. KL2 Scholars receive training and mentorship in multi-disciplinary, team-based, and patient-oriented clinical and translational research. KL2 Scholars become leaders and innovators in their respective professional fields and departments.

Based on a NIH-style competitive application process, a scientific review panel selects scholars to develop their research portfolios by receiving 75% salary support for up to five years. The goal of this program is to foster the discipline of clinical research and, by increasing clinical research capacity, to expedite clinical and translational research.

The Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC) continues to accept applications from highly qualified candidates from across the country each year.

Mentored Career Development Program (KL2)

This program equips a cohort of independent faculty with the training and support needed to conduct exceptional clinical and translational research.

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Research Interests

To date, KL2 scholars at CTSC have been drawn from a variety of disciplines, including pharmaceutical sciences, pediatrics, and neurology. KL2 scholars have studied viral outbreaks in children, the mechanisms behind alcohol and intimate partner violence, and non-invasive methods of altering brain plasticity.

Current KL2 Scholars

Ross Clark, MD, MBA, FACS, RPVI, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology
FY 24 - Present

Dr. Clark studies hydrogen sulfide metabolism and signaling in the context of wound healing and angiogenesis. The goal of his research is to advance understanding in order to develop novel therapies to promote neovascularization of at-risk wounds in the setting of aging, diabetes, obesity and peripheral artery disease.

“My team and I work to leverage the power of a recently recognized molecule, hydrogen sulfide, to promote new vessel growth and healing. By better understanding the physiology, we hope to translate novel therapeutic strategies to the clinical setting, avoiding debilitating limb loss for those affected by diabetic complications."

Roberto Ivan Mota Alvidrez M.D., M.S., Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy
FY 24 - Present

Dr. Mota Alvidrez uses applied molecular genetics and molecular imaging aimed at therapeutic targeting of hyperglycemia in diabetes with common comorbidities like atherosclerosis. He studies clinical and translational interventions in diabetic vasculopathy particularly in health disparities.

“Diabetes is an alarming disease that has huge implications in health. High glucose affects almost every tissue, increasing its important consequences. Almost all of us know or have a diabetic individual that is close to us. My group focuses on identifying novel molecular targets for diabetes and its life-threatening consequences like peripheral artery disease, better known as diabetic vasculopathy.”

Jamie Krashin, MD, MSCR, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
FY 23 - Present

Dr. Krashin’s research involves understanding and addressing disparities in early pregnancy complications in rural New Mexico.

“Most research on maternal health occurs in urban academic centers or relies on national data to get a small glimpse into what’s happening in rural communities. My work focuses on bringing the experience and needs of rural communities, patients, and healthcare systems to national attention, and partnering to improve women’s health.”

Daryl Domman, PhD
FY20 – Present

Dr. Domman’s research focuses on using large-scale genomic data to address the global spread of cholera.

“Cholera remains a significant global public health concern. My recent work has fundamentally challenged the existing knowledge on how cholera spreads throughout the world. My research links epidemics to the repeated introduction of cholera and how it is affected by human movement across borders.”

Recently Completed KL2 Scholars

Kathryn Frietze, PhD
FY 18 - FY 23

Dr. Frietze’s research focuses on using a novel technology to identify and understand the antibodies generated in response to infectious diseases, mainly Dengue virus infection.

“Antibodies are important mediators of the immune response to infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. I am interested in characterizing the role of specific antibody responses and translating this knowledge into new diagnostic and prognostic tests, therapeutics, and vaccines.”

Justin Baca, MD, PhD
FY 18 - FY 23

Dr. Baca is studying intercellular communication and microRNA signatures in the development of chronic pain. He tests the efficacy of novel point-of-care devices through clinical trials in the Emergency Department.

"Chronic pain is one of the most difficult conditions to treat, especially in the Emergency Department setting. I seek to understand how and why chronic pain develops after certain infections My team and I also work with a broad range of clinicians, engineers, and entrepreneurs to develop and test new point-of-care technologies."

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Mentored Career Development Program (KL2) PI

About Dr. Cannon

Learn More About Her Research

— Judy Cannon, PhD

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CTSC Grant ID

Cite the Grant: This project is supported by an award from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health under grant number UL1TR001449.

Link the Grant: To your publication in NCBI My Bibliography (Pandhi & Campen, PIs)