The purpose of the Trainee Support Grant (TSG) program is to provide modest support to enhance career development of trainees and early-stage investigators pursuing research careers in HIV/AIDS and to encourage collaboration with other HIV/AIDS investigators. Recipients may receive up to $1,000.00 to support activities such as conference presentation, manuscript publication, or participation in training or other career development opportunities. For more information about this award, please visit the TSG page under our ‘Find Funding’ section.
2025
Tessa Concepcion, MSGH
Graduate Student – University of Washington
Mentor: Jillian Pintye, RN, MPH, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)
Abstract title: “Impact of Offering PrEP Choice on HIV Incidence in High-Risk Pregnant Women in Kenya”
Delphine Deppierreux, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow – Fred Hutch
Mentor: Julie Overbaugh, PhD – Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Activity: Presentation of two talks at the University of Nairobi Collaborative HIV Research Annual Meeting
Presentation titles:
• “Does it take another non-HIV antigen to elicit optimal HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies?”
• “Defining the factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 antibody ADCC function and the utility of dried blood spots in human cohort studies”
Jiawei He, PhD
Research Scientist – University of Washington
Mentor: Hmwe Kyu, MBBS, MPH, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) 2025 Conference
Abstract title: “Systematic review and meta-analysis of mortality among Antiretroviral Therapy-administered children and young adolescents by age, sex, treatment duration, region and year”
Jillian Neary, PhD, MPH
Postdoctoral Scholar Fellow – University of Washington
Mentor: Grace John-Stewart, MD, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), and participation in the Scott M. Hammer Workshop for New Investigators and Trainees
Abstract title: “Comparing telomere length between children who were and were not exposed to HIV in Kenya”
Carolyn Oliver, MS
Medical Student – University of Washington
Mentor: Paul Drain, MD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) 2025 Conference
Abstract title: “Feasibility of Home-based Rapid Diagnostic Testing for HIV, Blood Glucose and Blood Pressure in sub-Saharan Africa”
Annabel Olson
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Fred Hutch
Mentor: Behnam Nabet, PhD – Fred Hutch
Activity: Poster presentation at the 27th International Workshop on Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus & Related Agents
Abstract title: “Sharing findings from studies of applying the innovative and clinically relevant technique of targeted protein degradation (TPD) to proteins necessary for KSHV infection and disease development”
Omolara Akingba, MPH
PhD Student – University of Washington
Mentor: Jillian Pintye, RN, MPH, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Oral presentation at the STI & HIV 2025 World Congress
Abstract title: “Prevalence and Correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Seeking Contraception at Pharmacies in Kenya”
Lyall Glait, MD
Fellow Physician – University of Washington
Mentor: Julie Dombrowski, MD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the Continuum 2025 Conference
Abstract title: “Ascertaining Homelessness Among People with HIV: a Comparison of 3 Data Sources from King County Washington”
Lauren Gomez, MPH
PhD Student – University of Washington
Mentor: Jillian Pintye, RN, MPH, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)
Abstract title: “Prenatal PrEP Exposure and Language Development Among Children at 5 Years”
Samuel Lewis, MD, MPhil
Resident Physician – University of Washington
Mentor: Kelli O’Laughlin, MD, MPH, FACEP – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the Continuum 2025 Conference
Abstract title: “Predicting Long-term HIV Infection Among Adults Living in Refugee Settlements in Uganda”
Nicholas Murphy, MD, MPhil
Fellow Physician – University of Washington
Mentor: Kristina Crothers, MD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the American Thoracic Society International Conference 2025
Abstract title: “A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study of Lung Cancer Screening Shows Higher Lung-RADS Categorizations in Veterans with HIV”
Ivan Segawa, BPharm, MSc
Graduate Research Fellow – Makerere University
Mentor: Andrew Mujugira, MBChB, MSc, MPH, PhD, MACE – University of Washington and Makerere University
Activity: Poster presentation at the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science
Abstract title: “High levels of autonomous decision-making among women receiving multi-method pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) counseling through the CATALYST study in sub-Saharan Africa”
Khai Hoan Tram, MD, MS*
Clinician Researcher – University of Washington
Mentor: Frank Tanser, PhD, MSc – Stellenbosch University
Activity: Poster presentation at the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science
Abstract title: “Towards precision public health in HIV prevention: Leveraging smartphone GPS data to understand activity spaces for young adults in rural sub-Saharan Africa”
*Co-sponsored by the CFAR Behavioral Innovations Core (BIC)
Carmen Ioana Veras-Tobos, BS
Graduate Research Assistant – University of Washington
Mentor: Kim A. Woodrow, PhD, MS – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the Controlled Release Society (CRS) Annual Meeting & Exposition
Abstract title: “Integrated Fiber Microneedles in the Oral Mucosa Prime Antigen Specific Immunity”
Shengruo Zhang, MS
PhD Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: Paul Drain, MD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the STI & HIV 2025 World Congress
Abstract title: “Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Review for Clinic- and Community-Based Testing”
Kaitlin Zinsli, PhD, MPH
Postdoctoral Scholar Fellow – University of Washington
Mentor: Judith Tsui, MD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the College on Problems of Drug Dependence Conference
Abstract title: “The Association Between Receiving Medications for Opioid Use Disorder and HIV Testing: Findings from the Rural Opioid Initiative”
Isaac Barber-Axthelm, DVM, MS, PhD
Acting Assistant Professor – University of Washington
Mentor: Michael Gale, Jr., PhD – University of Minnesota
Activity: Poster presentation at ICIS CYTOKINE2025 Conference in Seattle, WA
Abstract title: “Global phosphoproteomic characterization of IL-15 stimulated monocytes and Tcells reveals signaling pathway induction associated with immunological prophylaxis protection”
Amanda Debuo Der, MS
MPH Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: Sarah Masyuko, MD, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at 18th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health in National Harbor, MD
Abstract title: “Evaluation of the reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance of assisted partner services among people who inject drugs in Kenya”
Robin Klabbers, MSc, MSc
PhD Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: Kelli O’Laughlin, MD, MPH, FACEP – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at 18th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health in National Harbor, MD
Abstract title: “Prioritized barriers to community antiretroviral therapy delivery uptake and implementation and strategies to address them: a rapid qualitative analysis of the perspectives of people living with HIV and HIV care providers in refugee settlements in Uganda”
Irene Mukui, MPH, MBChB
PhD Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: Kenneth Mugwanya, MBChB, MS, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Oral presentation at 18th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health in National Harbor, MD
Abstract title: “Fidelity of HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation in family planning clinics in Kenya”
Jennifer Qin, MD
Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow – University of Washington
Mentor: Jane Hitti, MD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at 2026 Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine Pregnancy Meeting in Las Vegas, NV
Abstract title: “Development of a Decision Aid on Infant Feeding for People Living with HIV”
Priyanka Shrestha, MSc*
PhD Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: Keshet Ronen, PhD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentations at 18th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health in National Harbor, MD
Abstract titles:
• “Examining behavioral mechanisms and impact of implementation strategies on community health workers’ fidelity to a text messaging intervention in western Kenya: a mixed-methods study using the theory of planned behavior”
• “Challenges and enablers in implementing a community based text messaging intervention among community health workers in Kenya: Insights from a consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR)-guided qualitative study”
*Co-sponsored by the CFAR Behavioral Innovations Core (BIC)
Yuwei Wang, MPhil, PHS
PhD Student – University of Washington
Mentor: Keshet Ronen, PhD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at 18th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health in National Harbor, MD
Abstract title: “The Implementation Paradox: Early Implementation Constructs and Service Coverage in Perinatal Mental Health Screening”
George Wanje, MPH
PhD Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: R. Scott McClelland, MD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at 18th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health in National Harbor, MD
Abstract title: “Evaluating the implementation of a national paper-based register adaptation for integration of HIV prevention and treatment services in family planning clinics in Kenya”
2024
Mike Barry, MPH
Center for AIDS and STD Predoctoral Trainee – University of Washington
Mentor: Matthew Golden, MD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at 2024 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)
Abstract title: “Trends and Correlates of Methamphetamine Use Among Men in the US, 2014-2021”
Delaney Glass, MPH, MA
PhD Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: Grace John-Stewart, MD, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Oral presentation at the Annual Meeting for American Association of Biological Anthropology/Human Biology Association
Abstract title: “Poorer growth at 1 year among HIV exposed uninfected children compared to HIV unexposed children in Kenya”
Cyrus Mugo, MBChB, MPH, PhD
Senior Research Scientist – Kenyatta National Hospital
Mentor: Grace John-Stewart, MD, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Article processing charges for paper publication in Frontiers Journal
Manuscript title: “Adolescent experiences, perceptions, and preferences for the process of HIV status disclosure in Kenya Running head: Adolescent perspectives on disclosure”
Taylor Oeschger, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Fred Hutch
Mentor: Chris Peterson, PhD – Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Activity: Attendance of the UC Davis Comprehensive Course in Flow Cytometry
Nsika Sithole, MSc
PhD Student – Africa Health Research Institute
Mentor: Adrienne Shapiro, MD, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at 2024 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)
Abstract title: “Undisclosed ART Use Found by Urine LFA Is Common in sub-Saharan Africa, Not Associated With Lower TB Risk”
Carly Starke, PhD
Staff Scientist – Fred Hutch
Mentor: Chris Peterson, PhD – Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Activity: Attendance of the UC Davis Comprehensive Course in Flow Cytometry
Khai Hoan Tram, MD*
Clinical Researcher/Senior Fellow – University of Washington
Mentor: Frank Tanser, PhD, MSc – Stellenbosch University
Activity: Poster presentation at 2024 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)
Abstract title: “Ultra-High Resolution GPS to Measure Human Mobility in High HIV Prevalence Areas in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa”
*Co-sponsored by the CFAR Behavioral Innovations Core (BIC)
Sarah Vick, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Mentor: Jennifer Lund, PhD – Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Activity: Oral and poster presentations at 2024 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)
Abstract and presentation title: “CD101 Variants Are Associated With Lower Levels of Genital HIV-Inhibiting and Tissue Repair Factors”
Liying Wang, MSc*
PhD Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: Susan Graham, MD, MPH, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the 45th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine
Abstract title: “An mHealth enhanced coping skills intervention for men living with HIV in China: A feasibility pilot study”
*Co-sponsored by the CFAR Behavioral Innovations Core (BIC)
Melody Wang, MSPH
PhD Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: Paul Drain, MD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at 2024 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)
Abstract title: “Costs and Clinic Flow of Point-of-Care Urine Tenofovir and HIV Viral Load Testing in Sub-Saharan Africa”
Michelle Bulterys, PhD, MPH
Postdoctoral Scholar – University of Washington
Mentor: Grace John-Stewart, MD, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at AIDS 2024 and the International Workshop on HIV and Pediatrics 2024
Abstract title: “Father engagement and caregiver relationship dynamics impact early child neurodevelopment”
Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD
Infectious Diseases Fellow – University of Washington
Mentor: Sarah Glick, PhD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) Conference
Abstract title: “Associations between Route of Drug Consumption and HIV and HCV Diagnosis among People who Inject Drugs in Seattle, Washington”
Joy Githua, MSc, MBChB
Medical Doctor, Epidemiologist – Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
Mentor: Sylvia LaCourse, MD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: E-poster presentation at the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID)
Abstract title: “C-Reactive Protein for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment Response Monitoring in Children”
Neil Gleason, MA
PhD Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: William George, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the 47th Annual Research Society on Alcohol Scientific Meeting
Abstract title: “Self-Reported Effects of Alcohol on Unprotected Anal Sex Among Men: A Qualitative Analysis of Individual Interviews”
Carmen Hazim, MPH
PhD Student and Research Coordinator – University of Washington
Mentor: Sara Gimbel, PhD, MPH, MA, BSN – University of Washington
Activity: Chair the Project and Risk Operations Management (PROM) sub-committee workshop at the Heart, Lung and Blood Co-morbidities Implementation Models in People living with (HIV HLB-SIMPLe) Annual Meeting 2024 in Botswana.
James Kangethe, MSc
PhD Student and Senior HIV and Infectious Diseases Research Scientist/Research Coordinator – Kenyatta National Hospital
Mentor: John Kinuthia, MBChB, MMed, MPH – Kenyatta National Hospital
Activity: Oral presentation at the International Conference on HIV Treatment, Pathogenesis and Prevention Research in Resource-Limited settings (INTEREST) 2024
Abstract title: “Dynamic Interplay of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Women Living with HIV: Persistence, Clearance, Incidence and Synergies with Human T-lymphotropic Virus-1 Infections”
Ramya Kumar, MPH
Doctoral student, PhD Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: Kenneth Mugwanya, MBChB, MS, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at AIDS 2024
Abstract title: “PrEPared for Change: Injectable PrEP Interest Among Women Engaged in Sex Work in Zambia, a Rapid Qualitative Study”
Juliann Li Verdugo, MSW
PhD Student – University of Washington
Mentor: Jane Lee, PhD, LMSW – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at AIDS 2024
Abstract title: “Evaluation of a culturally responsive and community-based social media campaign to facilitate HIV testing and PrEP uptake among men in Washington State”
Ruby Lucas, MPH
PhD Student – University of Washington
Mentor: Arjee Restar, PhD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at AIDS 2024
Abstract title: “Awareness, Utilization, and Willingness to Use Long-Acting PrEP in a Statewide Sample of Adults”
Akash Malhotra, MPH
Research Assistant, PhD Student – University of Washington
Mentor:Sara Gimbel, PhD, MPH, MA, BSN – University of Washington
Activity: Co-leading session on cost data harmonization at the Heart, Lung and Blood Co-morbidities Implementation Models in People living with (HIV HLB-SIMPLe)
Melissa Mugambi, PhD, MD
Assistant Professor – University of Washington
Mentor: Ruanne Barnabas, MD, PhD – Harvard University
Activity: Attendance of a 3-day Global Health Diagnostics seminar at McGilll University
Sharmila Paul, MD, MPH
Resident Physician, Postdoctoral Fellow – University of Washington
Mentor: Engi Attia, MD, MPH – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation at the 2024 American Thoracic Society International Conference in San Diego, California
Abstract title: “Parenchymal Disease Identified by Parametric Response Mapping Is Associated With Abnormal Spirometry Among Adolescents With HIV”
Sarah Hicks, MPH
Doctoral Candidate – University of Washington
Mentor: Grace John-Stewart, MD, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: E-poster presentation at the International Workshop on Pediatrics & HIV 2024
Abstract title: “Tailored Multilevel Strategies Needed to Improve Retention Among Youth Living With HIV in Western Kenya”
Agnes Karingo Karume, MBChB, MPH
Medical Doctor – Kenyatta National Hospital
Mentor: John Kinuthia, MBChB, MMed, MPH – Kenyatta National Hospital
Activity: Oral presentation at the International Marce Society for Perinatal Mental Health Conference 2024 in Barcelona, Spain
Abstract title: “Identifying Barriers, Facilitators, and Implementation Strategies to Integrated Perinatal Mental Healthcare in Maternal-Child-Health Clinics in Western Kenya: A Qualitative Investigation”
Brandon Maust, MD
Acting Assistant Professor – University of Washington/SCRI
Mentor: Heather Jaspan, MD, PhD – University of Washington/SCRI
Activity: Poster presentation at the International AIDS Society HIV Research for Prevention meeting in Lima, Peru
Abstract title: “Changes in penile microbiome of men in sub-Saharan Africa following surgical circumcision”
Nicholas Murphy, MD, MPhil*
Fellow – University of Washington
Mentor: Matthew Triplette, MD, MPH – Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Activity: Poster presentation at the CHEST 2024 conference
Abstract title: “One Size Does Not Fit All: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Tailored Lung Cancer Screening Decision Aid for People with HIV”
*Co-sponsored by the CFAR Behavioral Innovations Core (BIC)
Christine Hathaway, BS
Medical Student – University of Washington
Mentor: Elizabeth Brown, ScD – Fred Hutch
Activity: Presentation of three posters and one oral lecture at the 2024 International Papillomavirus Conference
Presentation and lecture titles:
• Lecture: “Modeling to inform single-dose HPV immunological prophylaxis: results from low- and middle-income countries with high burden of cervical cancer”
• Poster 1: “Estimating the Effect of HIV and ART on Cervical Cancer Elimination in sub-Saharan Africa: A Comparative Modelling Analysis”
• Poster 2: “Persistent High-Risk HPV is Significantly Associated with Abnormal Cytology: An Analysis from the Aspire Trial”
• Poster 3: “HPV Clearance-Associated Immune Activation Increases the Risk of HIV Acquisition in Women in Eastern and Southern Africa”
Jiawei He, PhD
Research Scientist – University of Washington
Mentor: Hmwe Kyu, MBBS, MPH, PhD – University of Washington
Activity: Presentation of two posters – one at the 2024 American Public Health Association (APHA), and one at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Annual Meetings (ASTMH)
Abstract titles:
• APHA Poster: “Association between early sexual debut and recent HIV acquisitions among adolescents and young adults in 11 African countries”
• ASTMH Poster: “Quantifying the impact of modifiable risk and protective factors on mortality among children and young adolescents receiving Antiretroviral Therapy”
Olivia McCollum, MPH
Doctoral Student and Research Assistant – University of Washington
Mentor: Patricia Pavlinac, PhD, MS – University of Washington
Activity: Poster presentation and lightning talk at American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Meeting
Abstract title: “Correlates of intestinal fatty acid binding protein, a marker of intestinal injury, in a cohort of Kenyan children under 5 being discharged from hospitals for non-traumatic causes”