PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Candidate: Dr. Cassie C. Kennedy is an optimal candidate for this award, possessing a commitment to patient-oriented research, a focused goal for her future research career, a background and attributes that assure success, and a compelling rationale for further training. Dr. Kennedy is a pulmonologist specializing in the care of transplant patients, with a background of outstanding clinical training in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care, and lung transplant at Mayo Clinic. Her prior research experience includes basic science training in infection and immunology (Dr. Limper), Certificate in Clinical and Translational Science, systematic review/meta-analysis (Drs. Cook and Montori), secondary data analysis (Drs. Gajic and Benzo), and retrospective cohort studies. Dr. Kennedy lacks training and experience in qualitative, quantitative, and behavioral intervention methodologies, all essential skills in clinical research. Dr. Kennedy has demonstrated research productivity with 30 published or in press manuscripts (16 first/senior author; 21 original research manuscripts) and success obtaining 10 internal funding awards. She has completed prior research characterizing the risks of obesity, frailty, and psychosocial factors in endstage lung disease and pre-lung transplant patients. Dr. Kennedy is highly committed to her long-term goal to become a leader in the field of pretransplant risk factor identification and optimization, focusing on behavioral intervention. Her short-term goal is to enhance her knowledge and become proficient in qualitative, quantitative, and behavioral intervention research methods. This knowledge and experience will strengthen her skills and competitiveness for an independent clinical research career. During the award period, she will focus on three objectives of advanced learning 1) the fundamentals of qualitative research, 2) the fundamentals of quantitative research, and 3) the fundamentals of behavioral intervention studies. Dr. Kennedy will complete these learning objectives through formal coursework and workshops, mentored skills training, and practical research experience in leading and conducting the proposed research. Environment: Mayo Clinic has a comprehensive research infrastructure, wealth of opportunity for scholarly exchange, and a proven record of dedication to research and the training of junior investigators. Mayo is highly supportive of Dr. Kennedy's development as an investigator and provides the following: ≥75% protected research time; >$75,000 in start-up funds; travel, publication, and tuition resources; and adequate protected time for her mentors. Her sponsor, Dr. Roberto Benzo, is a recognized expert in self-management of chronic disease and behavioral intervention research. Dr. Benzo's research is perfectly aligned with the proposed research and career development plan of the candidate. The mentor and co-mentors are well-funded, expert investigators with proven mentor...