THRIVING
February 2025
Announcing the New iDRIV Cohort
We are thrilled to introduce the newest cohort of scholars selected for the iDRIV program. This diverse group of talented individuals represents a wide range of disciplines and brings a wealth of expertise and experiences to the program. Here are the distinguished scholars joining us this year:
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Alanna Bergman, PhD: Post-Doctoral Fellow in Nursing.
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Lucy Guarnera, PhD: Assistant Professor at the Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, School of Medicine.
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Austin Hogwood, PhD, MS: Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center
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Movicque King, MD: Fellow in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology.
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Maria McDonald, PhD: Post-Doctoral Fellow at the School of Nursing
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Maria Luana Morais, PhD: Scholar in the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & International Health.
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Mirna Perusina Lanfranca, PhD: Research Scientist in the Carter Immunology Center
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Jacopo Pavan, PhD: Bioengineering Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Center for Diabetes Technology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences.
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Samantha Ruff, MD: Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology.
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Rachael Stone, PharmD: Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology, Stroke Division.
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Ariel Williams, PhD: Assistant Professor in Public Health Sciences, specializing in Biomedical Informatics.
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Daniel Zegarra Ruiz, PhD: Assistant Professor in Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology.
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Yucong Zhang, MD: Clinical Fellow in Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology
2025 iDRIV Cohort
The Inspiring Dynamic Researchers in Virginia (iDRIV) Program is founded on a dual commitment of supporting the success of exceptional investigators and building a dynamic research community to enhance our mission of improving human health. The iDRIV program aims to accelerate the research careers of early-career and aspiring faculty at UVA under the leadership of Program Co-Directors Chelsea Marie Braun, PhD and Patricia Rodriquez-Lozano, MD. iDRIV provides education, coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship tailored to early career biomedical science researchers during the six-month program.We look forward to the professional growth and development these scholars will achieve through the iDRIV program. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our community and drive forward our mission of advancing health and science.
To learn more about iDRIV, contact the iDRIV Program Manager: Jennifer Phillips at jvp8a@virginia.edu.
