Professional Development

Professional Development focuses on inter-institutional and inter-disciplinary programs that promote the development of a workforce to KUH basic, clinical, and translational research. To develop a community of KUH novices, trainees, and investigators who are interested in KUH research and to maintain their interest in KUH for their career, the vision includes a multi-dimensional approach to inspire, motivate, and engage different types of learners

Programs & Development Opportunities

ESTEEM Program

The ESTEEM program is designed to establish the development of mentoring and training skills for the early-stage faculty member and gap year intern. Funds are to be utilized to offset the salary/stipend of a gap year intern. The ESTEEM program includes providing a career coach for the applicant in hiring and mentoring the gap year intern. The gap year intern is defined as a new post-baccalaureate scholar with a desire for a career in graduate or medical school.

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 ESTEEM Faculty

Dr. Cheng “Jack” Song, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Dr. Malgorzata Kasztan, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Dr. Rhea Bhargava, Tulane University
Dr. John-Henry Dasinger, Tulane University

Gap Year Internship Application

Ongoing application cycle

KUH-GRIT Program

Competitive, nine-month, virtual research training institute for KUH early career investigators. The overall goal of KUH-GRIT is to ensure that early career KUH investigators are well-trained in the design and conduct of clinical and translational research that promotes rigorous and reproducible KUH research. This program will engage the cohorts through a mentored approach to design, develop, and submit a career grant application.

Congratulations to our Fall 2024 KUH-GRIT Class

Dr. Brett Burrows, Augusta University

Dr. Mary Latimer, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Dr. Chibuzo Ilonze, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Dr. Riyaz Mohamed, Augusta University

Career Advocacy Initiative

Career Advocates will facilitate career enrichment, including addressing psychosocial needs, promoting self-efficacy, and providing insightful career advocacy on career path options, such as academic/industry/government scientist, scientific publications/writing, science policy, etc.

Participant Eligibility

TL1 Pre and Post-Doctoral Awardees
ESTEEM Faculty
ESTEEM Interns
Other (TBA)

iSMART

Currently, in collaboration with the Cardio-Renal Physiology and Medicine Section at UAB, iSMART is an inter-institutional and inter-disciplinary Scientific Mentoring And Research Training (iSMART) program that includes study design workshops, scientific writing effectiveness, as well as manuscript and grant peer review. The iSMART program facilitates inter-disciplinary KUH training to the full extent with scholars, especially trainees, from all institutions and disciplines engaged and participating.

Learn More

Near Peer Mentoring Academy

In collaboration with UAB Kidney Pipeline Programs and the KUH Symposium, the Near Peer Mentoring Academy develops pre- and post-doctoral scholars in the art of mentoring those who are near their level of training. Topical sessions will be held in person during the spring, in collaboration with the summer R25 programs, and in the fall, in collaboration with the KUH Symposium.