Cores Directors
Training Core
The Training Core leads the
selection of ASCEND scholars and sets the training milestones each trainee is
expected to achieve. We conduct annual evaluations of every scholar, their
mentor(s), and the program overall—ensuring continual improvement and alignment
with our trainees’ evolving needs.
In partnership with the Professional Development
Core, we offer the coursework, guidance, and personalized career support
necessary for each scholar to thrive. Our trainees represent a wide spectrum of
scientific interests, and we are committed to providing a strong foundation in
interdisciplinary and translational research.
Through this comprehensive training environment,
both pre‑doctoral and post‑doctoral scholars gain the skills, experience, and
mentorship needed to confidently advance to the next phases of their careers in
research.
Jessica Kendrick, MD
Professor of Medicine
Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
University of Colorado Anschutz
Keith Neeves, PhD
Professor
Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pediatrics
University of Colorado Anschutz
Alfred Cheung, MD
Professor of Medicine and Division Chief
Division of Nephrology and Hypertension
University of Utah
Professional Development Core
The ASCEND
Professional Development Core supports predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees
(Ph.D. and M.D.) as they build the skills and experiences needed to launch
successful careers in KUH research. Our goal is to help trainees expand their
professional toolkits, strengthen their current roles, prepare for independence
as investigators, and explore a wide range of career pathways. We provide
individualized training designed to meet each trainee’s unique goals. We
encourage scholars to take an active role in shaping their professional
development and to pursue opportunities that align with their long‑term career
aspirations.
James Hotaling, MD
Professor of Urology and Chief Innovation Officer
Urology
University of Utah
Mary Weiser-Evans, PhD
Professor of Medicine
Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
University of Colorado Anschutz
Network Core
Building and sustaining a
strong professional network is essential for success as a researcher and for
cultivating a vibrant research community. The ASCEND Network Core is dedicated
to creating connections that support trainees and strengthen the pathway of
future researchers in nephrology, urology, and non‑malignant hematology (KUH).
Through ASCEND, trainees develop meaningful
personal and professional relationships with leading researchers and mentors
who address high‑impact scientific questions. These connections help expand
opportunities, foster growth, and support progress toward each trainee’s
scientific and career goals.
We engage trainees through both virtual and in‑person
platforms, providing opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and the
broader KUH research community. Our multilevel mentoring model encourages
interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and team science—key components of
a thriving research environment.
Joshua Thurman, MD
Professor of Medicine
Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
University of Colorado Anschutz
Adrienne Dorrance, PhD
Administrative Core
The Administrative
Core provides overall leadership, coordination, and oversight for the entire
ASCEND Program, including all Cores and Committees. This Core ensures the
program has the infrastructure needed to bring together KUH researchers across
the University of Colorado (CU) and the University of Utah (UU).
The Administrative Core manages workflow,
resource distribution, and access to educational and research opportunities,
while also monitoring program performance to support continuous improvement.
Led jointly by investigators from CU and UU, the Core strengthens communication
and collaboration across all ASCEND components.
Aylin Rodan, MD
Professor of Internal Medicine and Adjunct Associate Professor of Human Genetics
Molecular Biology Program
University of Utah
Judith Blaine, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine
Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension
University of Colorado Anschutz