Outcomes and alumni
The KL2 Mentored Career Development Program is a cornerstone of Mayo Clinic's translational science training environment. Since 2006, the program has supported early-career investigators as they develop the skills, collaborations and research portfolios needed to become independent translational scientists.
KL2 alumni represent a growing network of clinician-scientists and Ph.D. investigators advancing research across the translational spectrum, from discovery and diagnostic innovation to clinical trials, implementation, policy and population health impact.
Impact at a glance
- 75+ scholars trained across clinical and translational research disciplines.
- $500 million+ in research funding secured from federal agencies, industry partners and private foundations.
- 6,000+ publications produced by program scholars and alumni, demonstrating sustained research productivity and dissemination.
- Research across the translational spectrum, including oncology, neurology, cardiology, infectious diseases, women's health, endocrinology, psychiatry, bioengineering, gastroenterology, pulmonary medicine, ophthalmology and population health.
- Projects advancing translational science, from molecular mechanisms, biomarkers, diagnostic, and therapeutic discovery to artificial intelligence (AI), clinical trial innovation, implementation science and community health.
KL2 alumni have gone on to:
- Lead interdisciplinary research teams.
- Secure competitive funding.
- Publish in high-impact journals.
- Develop translational research platforms.
- Contribute to clinical guidelines and policy.
- Serve in institutional, national and international leadership roles.
Translational impact
The program prepares scholars to do more than complete individual research projects. KL2 scholars are trained to identify barriers in the translational process, work across disciplines and develop approaches that can move discoveries toward clinical, community and health system benefit.
Their work reflects the core characteristics of translational scientists: rigorous research, team science, systems thinking, process innovation, boundary crossing and clear communication.
Recent alumni
2023 cohort
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Project: "Optimizing CAR T-Cell Development for FGFR2-Aberrant Cholangiocarcinoma"
Dr. Kankeu Fonkoua's research advances patient-specific immunotherapy strategies for cholangiocarcinoma, laying the groundwork for translating FGFR2-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell approaches from preclinical development toward early-phase clinical testing.
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Project: "Predicting and Targeting Musculoskeletal Diseases Through a Multimodal Approach"
Dr. Thaler's research applies multi-omics data analysis to bone repair, identifying therapeutic pathways that may inform new strategies for preventing or treating musculoskeletal disease.
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Project: "Developing a Machine Learning Algorithm That Analyzes Voice Patterns to Identify Risk of Aspiration"
Dr. Varghese's research uses AI to develop noninvasive, scalable tools to detect aspiration risk, with a pathway toward clinical validation and integration into pulmonary care.
2022 cohort
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Project: "RNA-Targeted Individualized Therapies for Rare Genetic Disorders"
Dr. Cousin focused on developing precision RNA therapies to correct gene expression defects in patients with rare, inherited disorders — advancing therapeutic innovation.
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Project: "Mechanisms of Uveal Melanoma Pathogenesis"
Dr. Dalvin's research uncovered molecular and cellular drivers of uveal melanoma, a rare eye cancer, contributing to earlier detection and improved treatment strategies.
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Project: "Epigenetic Dysregulation of Telomeres in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)"
Dr. Janan Sakrikar investigated how epigenetic alterations in telomere regulation contribute to PSC, a chronic liver disease. Dr. Sakrikar aims to identify early biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
2020 cohort
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Project: "Characterizing Telomere and Chromatin Dynamics in Colorectal Cancer Transformation"
Dr. Druliner's work focused on the molecular mechanisms of colorectal tumorigenesis, specifically how changes in chromatin and telomere biology contribute to early cancer development. This work paves the way for novel biomarkers and prevention strategies.
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Project: "Retinal Vasoreactivity as a Biomarker for Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Progression"
Dr. Lin explored how noninvasive retinal imaging can detect vascular changes linked to cognitive decline and stroke risk, offering a promising new avenue for early detection of cerebral small vessel disease.
2019 cohort
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Project: "Dynamic Control of Tumor Vasculature to Enhance Systemic Therapies"
Dr. Gabriel's research focused on manipulating tumor blood vessels to improve delivery and efficacy of cancer treatments. This research bridges surgical insight with molecular targeting strategies.
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Project: "Unveiling the Immune Landscape of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Subtypes"
Dr. Leon Ferre's work identified immunologic differences in TNBC, especially in the luminal androgen receptor subtype. This work guides more personalized therapeutic strategies.
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Project: "Brain-Computer Interface Development for ALS Patients"
Dr. Miller advanced implantable neural technologies to restore device control and communication in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), pushing the boundaries of neuroengineering in medicine.
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Project: "Patient-Centered Evaluation of Immunotherapy Tolerability Using Electronic PROs and Longitudinal Toxicity Tracking"
Dr. Thanarajasingam developed tools to measure and monitor symptom burden from checkpoint inhibitors, improving how tolerability is assessed in real time across cancer therapies.