The Program for Applied Research and Development in Genomic Medicine (PARADIGM) At the university of florida

The postdoctoral training program, PARADIGM, helps train clinicians and researchers who are poised to lead the next generation of scientists into an era where genomic medicine approaches are a routine part of patient care.

Francis Collins, M.d., Ph.D., Former Director of the National Institutes of Health

Decoding the Human Genome

"Decoding the human genome sequence is the most significant undertaking that we have mounted so far in an organized way in all of science. I believe that reading our blueprints, cataloguing our own instruction book, will be judged by history as more significant than even splitting the atom or going to the moon."

Dr. Cavallari and student

PROGRAM SUMMARY AND TRAINEE BENEFITS

The Program for Applied Research and Development in Genomic Medicine, or PARADIGM, is funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Human Genomic Research Institute and will prepare trainees to be leaders in genomic medicine research and implementation. Trainees will receive didactic training tailored to their needs, extensive mentoring from world-renowned scientists, valuable clinical exposure in multiple areas of genomic medicine and stimulating career development opportunities in a robust, interdisciplinary research environment at UF.

The following are among the many trainee benefits of the program:

  • Train in a rich research environment at the University of Florida.
  • Gain in-depth knowledge in genomic medicine and research practices through a comprehensive didactic program that includes courses in genomic medicine, grant writing, biostatistics and more.
  • Establish a primary research project that will support development of manuscripts, grant applications and presentations at UF and national meetings.
  • Earn a graduate certificate in precision medicine to enhance training.
  • Access to interdisciplinary learning opportunities at the University of Florida.
  • Guidance from a primary mentor and mentoring committee who will support the trainee through the program.
  • Spend at least 32 hours in a clinical genomic medicine setting to support implementation and broaden perspectives of the field.
  • Substantial professional development training through exposure to several genomic medicine career pathways, seminar series events, annual UF research days and attendance at national and international meetings.

PROGRAM FACTS

Areas of Research Genomic medicine with an emphasis in: • Pharmacogenomics • Cancer genomics • Disease genetics/genomics

6 Number of Trainees

Eligibility • U.S. citizen or permanent resident status • Holds doctorate degree • Preference will be given to those with a clinical doctorate

Application Deadline: March 4

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

CURRENT AND PAST TRAINEES

CURRENT TRAINEE

Brian Gawronski, Pharm.D., BCPS

FACULTY MENTOR: Julio Duarte, Pharm.D., Ph.D., FAHA
 
RESEARCH PROJECT: “Improving the Implementation of Preemptive Pharmacogenetic Testing with a Focus in Patient Populations Which Are Medically Underserved”

Dr. Gawronski’s current research aims to improve preemptive pharmacogenetic testing implementation, especially in medically underserved populations, with the goal of equitable improvement in individualized medication prescribing. His research seeks to discover patient factors which are predictive of being prescribed drugs with pharmacogenetic guidelines, determine the effect of preemptive pharmacogenetic testing implementation on patient outcomes, and implement quick response (QR) code-based pharmacogenetic reporting methods. This work should lead to advancements in the clinical implementation of preemptive pharmacogenetic testing, leading to the increased utilization of pharmacogenetic results across the healthcare system.
 
BACKGROUND: Pharm.D., University of Florida College of Pharmacy
 

Brian Gawronski

CURRENT TRAINEE

Richard J. Marrero, Pharm.D.

FACULTY MENTOR: Jatinder K. Lamba, PhD, MSc

RESEARCH PROJECT: “Genome-wide Association Study in Children Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia”

Dr. Marrero’s research efforts are focused on identifying genetic markers predictive of therapeutic outcome in pediatric cancer patients. Dr. Marrero’s long-term goal is developing algorithms to incorporate pharmacogenomic markers with other prognostic factors to advance precision medicine in oncology.

BACKGROUND: PharmD, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Gregory School of Pharmacy

Richard J. Marrero

CURRENT TRAINEE

Abelardo Montalvo, Pharm.D.

FACULTY MENTOR: Danxin Wang M.D., Ph.D.

RESEARCH PROJECT: “Identification of Functional Regulatory Variants of CYP2C9 in African Americans”

Currently, several genetic biomarkers in CYP2C9 are available but large variation in the expression and activity of CYP2C9 still remains unexplained, especially in African Americans. Dr. Montalvo’s work focuses on the identification and characterization of the novel functional regulatory genetic variants that control the expression of CYP2C9 in African Americans. The long-term goal is to improve existing CYP2C9 genotyping panels for more accurate prediction of CYP2C9 activity. These findings will enhance genotype-guided therapy for warfarin and many other drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 to improve clinical outcomes for all populations. 

BACKGROUND: Pharm.D., University of Florida

Abelardo Montalvo

CURRENT TRAINEE

Nam H. K. Nguyen, Pharm.D., M.S.

FACULTY MENTORS: Jatinder K. Lamba, PhD, MSc and Christopher D. Vulpe, MD, PhD

“The CRISPR Synthetic Lethality Screens Identify Resistant/Sensitive Modulators of Chemotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)”

Dr. Nguyen’s research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying patient responses to both standard chemotherapy and newly approved agents in AML to identify novel pathways and targets to overcome drug resistance. The research’s long-term goal is to apply these findings to uncover new targets and drugs that overcome chemoresistance, as well as to personalize and prioritize treatment in order to improve patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: PharmD/MS (2019), University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

Nam H. K. Nguyen

Mohammed Gbadamosi, Ph.D.

FACULTY MENTOR: Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD

RESEARCH PROJECT: “Development of an Immunogenomics-informed Personalized Treatment Paradigm for Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer”

Dr. Gbadamosi’s current research aims to profile the immunogenomic landscape of mTNBC specimens using a combination of transcriptomic technologies and other in silico methods to identify dysregulated molecular pathways and aberrant gene expression patterns that may be associated with abrogated response to immuno-oncology agents. The second part of my research will focus on assessing the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of our top combinatorial strategies in preclinical models.

BACKGROUND: Ph.D. University of Florida

Mohammed Gbadamosi

Rachel Dalton, Pharm.D., M.S.

FACULTY MENTOR: Julio Duarte, Pharm.D., Ph.D., FAHA

RESEARCH PROJECT: “Analyzing prescribing trends for drugs with pharmacogenetic associations in medically underserved areas and populations”

Dr. Dalton’s research focused on prescribing patterns of CPIC drugs in well served and underserved populations.

BACKGROUND: PharmD, MS, University of Montana

Rachel Dalton

Kelly Herremans, M.D.

FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Steven Hughes, MD and Dr. Jose G. Trevino, MD

RESEARCH PROJECT: “Oral microbiome, genomics and diversity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)”
Dr. Herremans’ research focuses on the oral microbiome, genomics and diversity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

BACKGROUND: MD, University of Florida

Kelly Herremans

Eric Pruitt, M.D.

FACULTY MENTOR: Gilbert R. Upchurch, MD

RESEARCH PROJECT: “Genomic predictors of abdominal aortic aneurysm”

Dr. Pruitt’s research focused on the analysis of genetic associations of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in the UK Biobank Data, which uses data from the Million Veterans Program for validation. Through his GWAS he identified a potential target gene and is currently in the process of translating his in-silico work into both mice and human models to better understanding the role of this gene in aneurysm development.

BACKGROUND: MD, University of Florida

Eric Pruitt

Karla Claudio-Campos, Ph.D.

FACULTY MENTOR: Carol A. Mathews, MD

RESEARCH PROJECT: “Genome-wide association study in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder and Tourette syndrome having overlapping phenotypes”

Dr. Claudio-Campos’ research focused genetic correlation and polygenic risk score to understand the genetic overlapping of Tourette syndrome with other psychiatric diseases. She also analyzed clinical data comparing two psychiatric diagnosis: persistent motor or vocal tics and Tourette syndrome in order to describe the clinical manifestations of the former as it is less studied, and provide insights regarding whether these diagnoses should be considered as a unitary condition which is a matter of debate in the field.

BACKGROUND: PhD, University of Puerto Rico – Medical Sciences Campus

Karla Claudio-Campos

Cameron D. Thomas, Pharm.D.

FACULTY MENTOR: Larisa H. Cavallari, Pharm.D., BCPS, FCCP

RESEARCH PROJECT: “CYP2D6 Genotype-Guided Postoperative Pain Management”

The primary project Dr. Thomas was involved with included the prospective, randomized, observational study of CYP2D6 genotype-guided pain management in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. This project evaluated the feasibility of clinically implementing CYP2D6 genotype-guided postsurgical pain management and determined the impact of such an approach on pain control.

BACKGROUND: PGY-2 Clinical Pharmacogenetics Resident, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident, UF Health Jacksonville, PharmD, University of Florida

Cameron D. Thomas

Andrea Riner, M.D., M.P.H.

FACULTY MENTORS: Jose Trevino, MD and Alexander Parker, PhD

RESEARCH PROJECT: “Genomics of pancreatic cancer across diverse populations to inform etiology, prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets,”

Dr. Riner’s research focused on the exploration of the genomics of pancreatic cancer across diverse populations to inform etiology, prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets, as well as develop a better understanding of pancreatic cancer disparities through analysis of genomic variants in relation to ancestral heritage.

BACKGROUND: MD, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MPH, Boston University

Andrea Riner

Lilian Shen, D.V.M.

FACULTY MENTORS: Christopher Vulpe, MD, PhD and Amara Estrada, DVM

RESEARCH PROJECT: “Use of CRISPR gene editing technology for treatment of inherited Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Doberman Pinscher dogs”

Dr. Shen’s research involves the use of CRISPR gene editing technology for treatment of inherited Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Doberman Pinscher dogs.

BACKGROUND: DVM, University of Florida

Lilian Shen

Alexandra Ladd, M.D.

FACULTY MENTORS: Ali Zarrinpar, MD, PhD; Danxin Wang, MD, PhD; Jatinder Lamba, PhD; Caitrin McDonough Rowe, PhD

RESEARCH PROJECTS: “Genomic and transcriptomic mechanisms responsible for the development of Chemotherapy resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma using murine xenograft models” &
“Impact of CYP3A5, CYP3A4, and ABCB1 genotypes on tacrolimus dosing and monitoring in liver transplant patients”

Dr. Ladd’s research efforts are focused on exploring the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using murine xenograft models. Additionally, she is working on a pharmacogenomics project involving tacrolimus dosing in liver transplant recipients, with the goal of determining whether genetic variation in liver metabolizing enzymes and intestinal transporters affects the variation in drug trough levels and drug dosing in patients.

BACKGROUND: MD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Alexandra Ladd

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to submit the application materials listed below by March 4.

  • CV
  • Personal statement (In two pages or less, describe your background, interest and experience in genomic medicine and your career goals)
  • Research plan or goals statement (If you are a UF postdoc planning to stay in your current lab, you should describe your primary research project and mentor. If you are not a UF postdoc, please describe which of the three focus areas you are interested in pursuing and the type of project you would like to pursue. Also, please include mentors with whom you would be interested in working.)
  • Three letters of recommendation (mailed by referee to Elizabeth Eddy at the address below)
  • Unofficial transcript (mailed to Elizabeth Eddy at the address below)