KY INBRE Researchers in the Spotlight

WKU professor receives NIH NIAID R16 award

Dr. Simran Banga, associate professor at Western Kentucky University, has received a $709,868 four-year SuRE R16 grant from the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). KY INBRE was instrumental in her success.

How did KY INBRE assist with your grant? KY INBRE played a pivotal role in setting up my research at WKU. I received startup funding from INBRE to set up a BSL2 (Biosafety Level 2) research lab. Thereafter, I received funding for my research projects that facilitated the generation of preliminary data to support my NIH application. Besides the financial support, KY INBRE helped in my professional development through mentorship, training opportunities, conferences, and resources such as core facilities.

What advice would you give to someone else pursuing an R16 grant? It’s a process that needs structuring a strong research plan. Additionally, understanding the purpose and the guidelines of the grant is important to align the proposed research with NIH objectives. I would recommend attending the webinars and bootcamp organized by the SuRE Resource Center. These were very helpful in providing all the relevant information and answering questions.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your R16? I am very excited about this opportunity. This funding will further our understanding of host-bacterial interactions and pathogenesis.

Learn more about Banga’s award 

Dr. Amy Brausch and post-bac student/lab manager Taylor Kalgren, Western Kentucky University, along with Jennifer Muehlenkamp, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, have published, “Nonsuicidal self-injury disorder criteria associated with diagnostic persistence across time,” in the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment (article).

Ana Rey Caldera, a psychology major at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), presented a poster at the first biennial SuRE R16 Conference held on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD, July 23-24. Ana’s research addressing the effects of sex on behavioral responses to oxycodone in rats is part of a R16 SuRE grant awarded to Dr. Mark Bardgett, professor of psychological science at NKU. Her work is also supported by a KY INBRE Student Diversity Award. Her co-authors were NKU students Isabella Carr, Morgan Goepper, and Aaliyah Harrell, as well as Tyler Downnen, a research associate supported by a KY INBRE Mentored Career Development Award.