PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Sepsis in children is a leading cause of death and morbidity, yet little is known about its impact on physical function after hospital discharge. Building upon the candidate’s prior biobehavioral research, this proposed K99/R00 application will utilize symptom science approaches to explore the potential role of pro-inflammatory mediators as they pertain to physical function in critically ill children who survive sepsis. This proposed application aligns well with the mission of the National Institute for Nursing Research, “to promote and improve the health and quality of life of individuals, families and communities.” The overall purpose of this K99/R00 application, Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (PAR-19-343), is to prepare the candidate for an independent career as a nurse scientist with a robust program of research in pediatric critical care and symptom science. In the initial mentored phase (K99), the candidate will utilize existing data to (A1) develop PEdiatric Recovery after sepSIS Treatment in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PERSIST-PICU), a multivariable model to identify risk physical dysfunction risk in critically ill children who survive sepsis. Sub aims include (A1.1) associating the critically ill child’s course of illness with physical function after PICU discharge; and (A1.2) associating the role of inflammation during critical illness on physical function after PICU discharge. The candidate will develop a model through advanced statistical methods to identify children who are a-risk for physical dysfunction after PICU discharge. In the independent phase (R00), the candidate will conduct a prospective longitudinal cohort study to (A2) refine PERSIST-PICU model with new biological measures of inflammation. Identification of critically ill children with sepsis who are at-risk for physical dysfunction after discharge will provide an opportunity for early intervention to optimize their physical function after critical illness. The mentored phase of this award (K99) will include training by a well-crafted, interprofessional team of scientists who are experts in the proposed study design and advanced biostatistical modeling of inflammatory biomarkers in pediatric critical care. In addition, the candidate has proposed an individualized training plan to meet her unique training needs. The training plan includes attendance at the MOSAIC UE5 educational conference, seminars, scientific meetings and targeted coursework. The candidate’s stellar mentorship team, tailored research plan and findings within this K99/R00 application will prepare her well for transition to independence as a nurse scientist in pediatric critical care and symptom science.