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News Release
Einstein Faculty Receive NIH Career Development Awards
June 5, 2026 (BRONX, NY)
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have been awarded a series of competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) Career Development Awards supporting innovative studies focused on addiction medicine, diabetes, cancer disparities, HIV, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and infectious diseases. Known as K awards, the grants help early-career investigators establish independent research careers while advancing discoveries aimed at improving patient care and public health.
The following Einstein investigators recently received NIH K awards:
Improving Acute Pain Treatment for Hospitalized Patients With Opioid Use Disorder
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People with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are hospitalized often experience undertreated acute pain, which can slow recovery and discourage people to access care. Michele J. Buonora, M.D., has received a five-year, $997,920 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to study the use of patient-controlled analgesia for hospitalized patients with OUD. Her hybrid effectiveness-implementation study will evaluate whether this pain-management approach can improve patient outcomes while also identifying barriers and facilitators to implementing it in hospital settings. The project seeks to develop evidence-based strategies for delivering more equitable, compassionate, and effective pain care to people with OUD and improve both addiction treatment engagement and the overall hospital experience.
Expanding Access to Diabetes Technology for Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
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Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires constant attention, including frequent blood sugar checks and daily insulin use. New diabetes technology like continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps can make this easier, but many children and families face challenges getting and using these devices. Charlotte Wang Chen, D.O., has received a five-year, $912,269 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases for T1D-PATCHY (Type 1 Diabetes–Promoting Access to Diabetes Technology with Community Health Workers for Youth). This project will study whether community health workers can support children and families in clinic and school settings to help them access and consistently use diabetes technology. Dr. Chen’s research aims to improve health outcomes for children with type 1 diabetes, especially those in the Bronx.
Investigating Neighborhood Disadvantage and Obesity-Related Cancer Risk
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Rates of obesity-related cancers continue to rise among Hispanics/Latinos in the United States, but it is not fully understood how their neighborhood and the related biobehavioral and social mechanisms contribute to this increase. En Cheng, M.D., Ph.D., has received a five-year, $997,920 grant from the National Cancer Institute to investigate how neighborhood disadvantage influences obesity-related cancer incidence among U.S. Hispanic/Latino populations. This project will examine the biobehavioral and social pathways linking neighborhood conditions, chronic stress, unhealthy lifestyle, and social isolation to obesity-related cancer risk. Dr. Cheng’s work aims to generate insights that can inform prevention strategies and public health interventions designed to improve cancer outcomes for all communities.
Investigating Kidney Injury in People Living With HIV
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People living with HIV (PLWH) remain at increased risk for chronic kidney disease, even when their viral load is well controlled with treatment. Molly C. Fisher, D.O., has received a five-year, $997,800 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to investigate how inflammation and cellular aging contribute to kidney injury in PLWH. Her research will explore the biological pathways that drive kidney damage in this population, with the goal of identifying new targets for prevention and treatment. By improving understanding of the mechanisms underlying HIV-associated kidney disease, Dr. Fisher’s work could help reduce long-term complications and improve quality of life for PLWH.
Digital Mind-Body Therapy for People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can significantly affect mental health and quality of life, particularly among individuals who lack adequate access to supportive care. Ruby Greywoode, M.D., has received a five-year grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to study a digital mind-body intervention for patients in the Bronx living with IBD. The project will evaluate whether virtual stress-reduction and behavioral health strategies can improve symptoms, psychological well-being, and disease management among patients. Dr. Greywoode’s research aims to improve access to patient-centered and culturally informed behavioral interventions in order to improve IBD outcomes.
Investigating Immune Suppression in Glioblastoma
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Glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults, remains difficult to treat despite advances in surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy. Benjamin T. Himes, Ph.D., has received a five-year, $1 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to investigate immune suppression in people with glioblastoma and identify potential therapeutic targets. His research will focus on how particles and other signals released by tumor cells shape the tumor microenvironment and dampen the body’s immune response to cancer. Dr. Himes’s work aims to support the development of more effective immunotherapies for patients with this devastating disease.
Improving Treatment Outcomes for Patients With Lupus-Related Kidney Disease
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Lupus nephritis is one of the most severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Current treatments are often ineffective, resulting in persistent inflammation, progressive kidney injury, and an increased risk of kidney failure. Emerging evidence suggests that the complement system, a network of more than 30 proteins involved in immune responses, may contribute to kidney injury in lupus. Shudan Wang, M.D., M.S., has received a five-year, $889,920 grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to investigate complement activation in lupus-related kidney injury and identify noninvasive biomarkers of treatment response. These biomarkers may help identify patients who could benefit from future complement-targeted treatments.
Identifying Biomarkers for Cryptococcosis in Transplant Recipients
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Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection that can be difficult to diagnose early in these immunosuppressed patients. Hyun Ah Yoon, M.D., has received a five-year, $997,920 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to investigate antibody biomarkers of cryptococcosis in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant recipients. Her research will examine immune responses associated with infection in order to identify biomarkers that could help improve early diagnosis and risk assessment. Earlier detection could lead to more timely treatment and better outcomes for transplant patients.
