The Institute for Clinical and Translational Research | September 30, 2025
The Institute for Clinical and Translational Research announced the recipients of the Advancing Translational Research and Science Pilot Award, including two faculty members from the School of Nursing.
This award supports projects that advance innovative translational research by either identifying broadly applicable new processes or solving common challenges in turning innovations into real-world practice or policy.
Katelyn Desorcy-Scherer, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
Developing Remote Human Milk Collection as a Novel Technique for Transcriptome Sequencing
Dr. Desorcy-Scherer’s project aims to make it easier to conduct large studies on human milk and health. Human milk contributes to lifelong maternal and infant health due to its bioactive factors, which support immune development beyond basic nutrition. Studying ribonucleic acids (RNA) in human milk offers insights into mammary function and overall physiology. However, RNA’s fragility and the need for ultra-cold storage and proximity to a processing laboratory have limited large-scale research.
This study aims to develop a remote, home-based milk collection protocol using self-collection kits with RNA preservation reagents to stabilize the milk. Once returned to a laboratory, the milk will be studied by scientists for use in RNA sequencing.
Susan Passmore, PhD
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
Developing Researcher Education for Engagement
The effectiveness of translational research is compromised by a failure to recruit and retain study participants who accurately represent patient populations. While some potential participants may be hesitant to join studies for their own reasons, previous studies have determined that study team members are unsure of their ability to initiate recruitment conversations and may avoid what they anticipate being difficult conversations.
Dr. Passmore’s study will explore the potential to supplement an existing educational program for research team members to increase self-efficacy and effectiveness in recruitment conversations.