Scholars Earn Prestigious NIH K08 Awards, Advancing Neuro-Oncology and Neonatal Intestinal Research

The University of Louisville Clinical and Translational Research Center (LCTRC) continues to support the university’s research infrastructure, noting two Scholars who recently secured NIH K08 Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Awards. These awards represent a milestone for both the investigators and UofL’s pipeline of clinician‑scientists supported through LCTRC developmental programming.

Institutional Infrastructure and Investigator Development

The LCTRC supports early‑career investigators through structured mentorship, grant development resources, protected research time, and pilot funding. Funded by an institutional initiative supported in part by the NIH, the center provides a framework for investigator career development. This infrastructure supports the work of Dr. Akshitkumar Mistry and Dr. Christie Buonpane, both LCTRC Presidential Scholars and Developmental Grant recipients.

Dr. Christie Buonpane, MD — Transforming Care for Neonatal Intestinal Disease

Dr. Buonpane, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery, received an NIGMS K08 focused on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and neonatal intestinal health, addressing critical clinical challenges in pediatric medicine. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a devastating gastrointestinal emergency primarily affecting premature infants, carrying high rates of morbidity and mortality that demand urgent advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Her work seeks to uncover fundamental mechanisms of intestinal injury and repair, providing the crucial translational insights needed to improve survival rates and long-term gastrointestinal health for vulnerable neonates.

Her progression involved multiple institutional support mechanisms, including the K Cohort Program, Presidential Scholar Award, Dean’s Research Scholars Program, Developmental Grant, and guidance from the School of Medicine’s grant development office. These resources contributed to the preparation of her K‑series application, positioning her to expand laboratory investigations into neonatal intestinal injury.

Dr. Akshitkumar Mistry, MD — Surgical Neuro‑Oncology and Brain Tumor Research

Dr. Mistry, a neurosurgeon specializing in surgical neuro-oncology, was awarded an NCI K08 to investigate the clinical necessity, neurological impacts, and optimal management of dexamethasone (Dex) administration in patients with brain tumors. While corticosteroids like Dex are routinely prescribed to manage peritumoral edema, their long-term necessity, dosing parameters, and potential trade-offs regarding immunotherapy and patient outcomes remain underexplored. His research seeks to define evidence-based guidelines for dexamethasone use, minimizing adverse effects while maximizing quality of life and survival for patients with malignant brain tumors.

“This K08 would not have been possible without the outstanding research environment at UofL and its LCTRC. Their investment in mentorship, collaboration, and career development gave me the foundation to pursue a project that bridges neurosurgery, clinical trials, and brain tumor imaging and biology. By understanding which patients truly benefit from dexamethasone—and who may not—we hope to make brain tumor treatment safer, more personalized, and ultimately more effective.”

Understanding the Impact of K‑Series Awards

The NIH K08 is one of the most prestigious career development awards available to clinician‑scientists. It provides:

• Protected time for research
• Intensive mentorship
• Structured training plans
• Resources to build an independent research program

For academic medical centers, K‑series awards indicate an active developmental pipeline designed to cultivate investigators toward securing R‑level funding and leading translational initiatives.

A Strengthened Research Ecosystem at UofL

The achievements of Dr. Mistry and Dr. Buonpane align with the operational objectives of the LCTRC. Entering its third year of NIGMS funding, the center maintains its focus on supporting investigators, expanding mentorship networks, and advancing clinical and translational science across the institution.

Click here to learn more about the K Cohort Program for junior faculty.