Goal #1: Advance clinical and translational science

We are thrilled to announce that the T32 Academic Learning Health Systems Scholars Program (aLHSSP) will welcome two exceptional new scholars to our community this August. Selected from a highly competitive pool, these researchers bring a wealth of expertise in transforming healthcare delivery through data and systemic innovation.Tori Fleming-Batayneh, Ph.D., will be joining us from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tori is a research associate at the Waisman Center. Her work focuses on human development and family studies, specifically examining aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and Down syndrome using health system data. While joining us primarily from her home base in Wisconsin, she will also travel to Winston-Salem periodically to participate in program events.Lauren Leviton, Ph.D. (Candidate), will be joining us from Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. Lauren is PhD candidate and graduate research assistant. Her research in health sciences (quality and safety) and social work centers on social needs screening and referral in health systems. Lauren will be relocating to Winston-Salem in the coming months.Tori and Lauren will join our current scholars, Kristin Sheehan, M.D., and Katie Ruddiman, D.O., forming a fantastic cohort! We look forward to the impact this group will make over the next two years of the program.

Wake Forest Clinical and Translational Science Institute

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Wake Forest University Health Services

Wake Forest CTSI is welcoming two new scholars to its T32 Academic Learning Health Systems Program—rising researchers bringing fresh perspectives and expertise in improving healthcare delivery through data and innovation.

Wake Forest CTSI Welcomes Two New Scholars to the T32 Academic Learning Health Systems Scholars Program

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The Southern California Clinical and Translational Science (SC CTSI) Horizons program was founded in 2025 to promote a spirit of collaboration -- and to fill a critical need. Specifically, the program was designed by several faculty members with the purpose of strengthening clinical and translational research by bringing together junior, midcareer, and senior faculty members in longitudinal special interest groups.The aim of these ongoing Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings, held largely via Zoom, is to ultimately help investigators carry out their research. Meeting formats can include a guest speaker, guided discussions, mini-talks by an expert in the field, small group breakout rooms in Zoom, brainstorming via Mural board, and presentation of works-in-progress. Additionally, there are in-person coffee socials to promote connections on a personal level as well. Overall, the groups provide structured opportunities to exchange ideas, receive expert guidance and peer feedback, and to cultivate sustained collaboration long-term.“It has been quite interesting to have faculty from USC and CHLA come together around a shared research interest. You can see the passion and experience from senior faculty combine with excitement from junior faculty to engage and learn. The variety in background and specialties works to enhance the SIGs and bring together a focused research community,” said Mimi Kim, M.D., M.Sc., Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the USC Keck School of Medicine and faculty lead of the SC CTSI Horizons program.Currently, the Horizons program has advanced Qualitative Research and Clinical Trials SIGs - two areas critical to clinical and translational research. The consensus from USC and CHLA members is that this type of informal supportive space is important to stay connected, allowing USC researchers to connect with relevant pediatric collaborators, and CHLA researchers to connect with USC as their academic home for resources and collaborations.“Turnout and enthusiasm for the two CTSI Horizons groups has surpassed our expectations, and we are thrilled,” said Tamara Simon, M.D., M.S.P.H., FAAP, CHLA site Principal Investigator and Director of SC CTSI Workforce Development. “We believe that promoting more informal, collaborative platforms for researchers around a specific methodological approach is very much needed to share resources, discuss barriers and come up with solutions in a peer model.”In terms of evaluation, the Horizons program participants complete surveys at baseline, midpoint, and after the program to capture data regarding various short- and long-term outcomes. These include increased familiarity and engagement with SC CTSI tools and resources such as the website and Learning Management System on Brightspace, as well as new collaborations between USC and CHLA investigators.Horizons is planning to launch a third SIG in June, with the topic area to be announced soon.

Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute

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University of Southern California

The program provides opportunities to exchange ideas, feedback, and create collaboration between faculty members at all levels.

SC CTSI Horizons Program Brings Together Faculty to Share Guidance and Strengthen Collaboration

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Wake Forest CTSI Welcomes Two New Scholars to the T32 Academic Learning Health Systems Scholars Program

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