ABSTRACT AWARDEE: Matthew J. Rossman, Ph.D., is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder. With his K01 award, Dr. Rossman aims to test the efficacy of daily inorganic nitrate supplementation for improving vascular, motor and cognitive function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). His immediate goal is to obtain the research training and professional skills needed to transition to an independent, extramurally funded investigator. His long-term goal is to establish a research program with a focus on identifying novel interventions that improve vascular, motor and cognitive function to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other comorbidities in CKD. CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Dr. Rossman’s career development plan consists of: 1) acquiring new research skills associated with the proposed research plan; 2) training in renal physiology, CKD, motor and cognitive function, clinical trials and biostatistics; and 3) professional skill development. ENVIRONMENT: The environment for Dr. Rossman’s training plan is outstanding. Dr. Rossman’s primary mentor Dr. Douglas Seals and his co-mentor Dr. Michel Chonchol are internationally recognized, NIH-funded scientists with strong records of successful mentoring. Dr. Chonchol is a board-certified nephrologist and Director of Clinical Research in the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension at CU Anschutz. Dr. Rossman’s mentorship team also includes experts in biostatistics; motor and cognitive function in patients with CKD; and nitrate/nitrite/NO biology and improving physiological function via nitrate supplementation. RESEARCH: CVD is the leading cause of death in patients with CKD. Increased CVD risk in CKD is largely attributable to vascular dysfunction, primarily vascular endothelial dysfunction and large elastic artery stiffening. Reduced motor and cognitive function are also common in CKD and increase the risk of disability and mortality in CKD. Targeting the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide (NO) pathway with inorganic nitrate represents a novel, safe and innovative approach for enhancing NO and improving multiple domains of physiological dysfunction in CKD. Dr. Rossman’s research is testing the efficacy of supplementation with nitrate-rich beetroot juice for improving vascular, motor and cognitive function in patients with CKD in a randomized clinical trial. NEED FOR RESEARCH CONTINUITY SUPPLEMENT: Dr. Rossman is in the final two years of his K01 award and, as such, transitioning to full research independence. Dr. Rossman is expecting a child in January of 2023. To sustain his research productivity and allow Dr. Rossman to devote his time to activities critical for remaining competitive in biomedical research, Dr. Rossman is requesting salary support for a clinical research coordinator for 1 year. The clinical research coordinator will handle key logistical, technical and administrative responsibilities for Dr....