# Exploring the Unmeasured Risk and Treating the Untreated Prognostic Factor: Towards Candidate Optimization in Heart and Lung Transplant

> **NIH NIH K23** · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · 2020 · $170,856

## Abstract

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...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9933055
- **Project number:** 5K23HL128859-05
- **Recipient organization:** MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Cassie Colleen Kennedy
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $170,856
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-08-15 → 2021-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9933055

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9933055, Exploring the Unmeasured Risk and Treating the Untreated Prognostic Factor: Towards Candidate Optimization in Heart and Lung Transplant (5K23HL128859-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9933055. Licensed CC0.

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